Trusted Divorce Attorney in Centennial, CO
Divorce is more than just two people deciding to end their relationship. Divorce affects many other aspects of a person’s life, including children and finances. A Centennial divorce lawyer can help you approach the legal process of divorce with insight, so you understand your options and can advocate for what is most beneficial for you and your family.
Don’t wait—schedule a free consultation with an Centennial Divorce attorney by calling 303-840-1190 or contacting us online. Start building your defense today and protect your rights.
About Fuller & Ahern, P.C.
Fuller & Ahern, P.C. was founded by attorney Susan Fuller in 1997. Fuller began practicing law in 1990 and has worked in the Colorado legal system since. Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience and believe that every client is entitled to personal attention, practical legal guidance, and honest advice.
Situated just outside Centennial in Parker, Colorado, we proudly serve those living in Centennial as well as surrounding communities. We believe in sharing knowledge with our clients and keeping them informed every step of the way.
Residents in Centennial frequently deal with legal issues while juggling jobs, families, and everyday commutes along South University Boulevard, East Arapahoe Road, and Interstate 25. Local residents can file divorce cases with the Arapahoe County District Court, located at 7325 S. Potomac Street, Suite #100, Centennial, CO 80112. This court is housed in the Arapahoe County Justice Center near the Centennial Airport.
Parties can more effectively prepare for filing due dates, hearings, and other procedural standards when they have a Centennial divorce attorney who is aware of the local court system.
Centennial Divorce Laws
Colorado is considered a no-fault state when it comes to divorce. Per Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-106, a marriage can be dissolved by showing that the marriage is irretrievably broken. This means that you do not need to prove adultery, abandonment, or any fault on the part of your spouse in order to divorce them.
Colorado residency requirements state that one spouse must reside in Colorado for at least 91 days prior to filing for a dissolution of marriage. Additionally, § 14‑13‑201 requires that a child have resided in Colorado for at least 182 days prior to the beginning of a proceeding regarding child custody or parental responsibilities, unless an exception applies.
Although the court does not take fault into consideration when granting the divorce, many issues related to the divorce require extensive legal analysis. Some common areas that must be addressed in a divorce case are listed below:
- Property division
- Child support
- Alimony/spousal maintenance
- Child custody and visitation
Colorado has a marriage rate of 7.8 per 1,000 and a divorce rate of 2.8 per 1,000. Each divorce ends with its own unique circumstances. Areas of issue are determined based on separate statutes that apply to Colorado divorce cases and contested opinions on why the marriage failed.
Common Issues in a Divorce Case
No two families are exactly alike. Some issues can be highly complicated or contested. High-net-worth divorces often require business appraisals, executive compensation reviews, analysis of investment accounts, or division of substantial retirement benefits.
Occasionally, divorces focus on disputes about what property is separate versus marital property. Other divorce cases might focus on parenting schedules, relocation, or accusations of undisclosed assets. Even simple divorces have requirements with filing and court procedures.
Mediation in a Colorado Divorce
Many divorces in Colorado involve mediation before a contested hearing is scheduled. Mediation is a process where a neutral third party sits with spouses to discuss disputed issues and potential agreements. The mediator does not make decisions for you or provide legal advice, but helps both spouses have productive discussions.
Successful mediation can result in the settlement of any issue relating to a parenting plan, division of property, maintenance awards, or support obligations. Any agreements are presented to the court and must be approved by a judge before they are legally binding. If you and your spouse do not resolve all issues in mediation, the remaining issues proceed to litigation.
Hire a Divorce Lawyer
When you hire a divorce lawyer, you have legal representation that can identify which statutes apply to your case, prepare the proper pleadings, review financial documents, explain terms of proposed settlement agreements, and handle court filings properly and on time.
Your Centennial divorce attorney can also attend mediation with you, negotiate agreements on parenting time or property division, respond to motions your spouse’s attorney may file, and represent you at hearings. Divorce is more than filling out paperwork. There are court filings, financial disclosures, deadlines to know, and settlements to negotiate. All of these things are done with regard to Colorado law.
FAQs
What Are the Three Cs of Divorce in Centennial, CO?
The three Cs of divorce are considered to be communication, cooperation, and compromise. Although every divorce is unique, trying to implement these concepts during your divorce allows you to decrease conflict and have more meaningful conversations regarding children, finances, and property. Even if you have a contested divorce, staying civil and trying to compromise allows you to better attain solutions that are practical.
Which Lawyer Is Ideal for Divorce in Centennial, CO?
A good divorce lawyer should be one who has handled cases like yours, whether your situation involves kids, high-value assets, or 9is contested. They should know Colorado divorce laws, know how to explain your options, prepare your court documents correctly, and negotiate on your behalf when needed.
What Should I Not Do During a Divorce in Centennial, CO?
Don’t hide assets, break court orders, make large financial decisions without consulting an attorney, or bad-mouth the other parent to your children during your divorce. Also, don’t ignore deadlines or paperwork from the court. Stay on top of your finances and adhere to temporary court orders in order to avoid prolonging your case unnecessarily. Contact a Centennial divorce lawyer for more specific advice in your situation.
Can a Divorce Be Finalized Without Going to Court in Centennial, CO?
Yes, divorces are often granted without going to court. When both spouses agree on things, like property division, parenting plans, child support, and maintenance, the court usually accepts the settlement without holding a contested hearing. Just because your divorce is uncontested, though, and doesn’t need a courtroom trial, you still need a Centennial divorce lawyer to help you draft and file paperwork.
Contact Fuller & Ahern, P.C., a Local Centennial Divorce Attorney
If you are going through a divorce, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. We can help you advocate for your rights and the interests of your family. Contact Fuller & Ahern, P.C., for a free consultation.
Reach out to us for a free consultation today at 303-840-1190. Let us help you navigate this challenging time with dedication and expertise.
