Highland Ranch Divorce Lawyers

Other than deciding to divorce, one of the most overwhelming realizations for many individuals is that they could have achieved a better personal outcome in the divorce process. Even in the most amicable divorces, losing sight of the end goal is easy. However, each decision in a divorce may impact life indefinitely.

 Critical decisions must be made during an emotionally charged time. A Highlands Ranch divorce attorney at Griffiths Law can provide these services for you, focusing on your unique situation and family goals:

• Emotional support: Emotions can significantly impact the outcome of a divorce. You can experience the emotional process of divorce without letting it cloud your decisions when receiving the emotional support you need.
• Personal representation: Whether walking into negotiations, mediation, or court, your best interests are our focus.
• Legal Documentation: No divorce escapes the critical paperwork and timelines that govern the divorce process. Let us focus on Colorado’s legal requirements for divorce and deadlines to meet in the divorce process while you focus on life.
• Negotiation: We strive for amicable solutions in a Colorado divorce to negotiate beneficial outcomes for you. We recognize preserving your time and finances is vital.
• Court representation: Providing a persuasive argument on your behalf may be necessary in court. Having the facts and presenting them through solid litigation is essential.
• Changes and Modifications: When court orders are required to modify existing agreements after divorce, we will have a plan of action for you.

The divorce lawyers at Griffiths Law want to simplify the Colorado divorce process for you by removing the guesswork. We offer The Colorado Guide to Divorce to begin the process. 

Requirements for Divorce in Highland Ranch, CO

Colorado law defines specific requirements a couple must meet before being granted a dissolution of marriage in the Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act (C.R.S. §14-10-106). These requirements include:

• One spouse must be a Colorado resident for at least 91 days before filing for a divorce in the state to ensure the state’s jurisdiction.
• One or both parties in the divorce determine the marriage is irretrievably broken.

Colorado’s no-fault divorce laws do not require proof of fault to grant the dissolution of marriage. However, discussing grounds for a fault-based divorce with your divorce attorney may help you determine the best course of action in divorce proceedings. 

The courts will use multiple factors to determine the division of assets and possible spousal support in Colorado. While these hurtful actions may seem influential to you in the outcome of a divorce, ultimately, there may be more beneficial avenues for you in the divorce process. We are here to listen and discuss your option for a fault-based divorce. Learn more about the effects of extramarital affairs on the divorce process. 

How Long Does the Divorce Process Take in Colorado?

In the Dissolution of Marriage Act (C.R.S §14-10-110(b) (Pg. 80), a waiting period is established for divorce. A couple must wait 91 days from the filing and receiving of service date before a divorce decree is granted. A denial by either spouse that the marriage is irretrievably broken may result in further hearings by the court, delaying the process between 35 and 63 days. 

Other factors in a divorce may cause delay. Additionally, completing these top 10 things to do before you file for a divorce takes several months. In most instances, making a hasty decision and rushing into divorce is never beneficial or encouraged.

Types of Divorce In Colorado

Couples seeking to dissolve their marriage will face one of these four types of divorce in Colorado. Griffiths Law can discuss the options available to you, providing superior representation in the type of divorce that works for you.

Uncontested Divorce

Couples that can agree on the terms of their divorce with the assistance of Highland Ranch divorce lawyers may pursue an uncontested divorce. In a Highland Ranch, CO, uncontested divorce, both parties mutually agree to dissolve the marriage, distribute their assets and debts appropriately, and work through the terms of child custody when applicable. Yes, you can have a friendly divorce facilitated through the assistance of a divorce attorney. 

Collaborative Divorce

When partners remain committed to finding solutions in the divorce process in conjunction with their divorce lawyers in Highland Ranch, a couple can agree to avoid court litigation and control the divorce process through collaboration. Collaborative divorce in Highland Ranch, CO, may face challenges. However, in this type of divorce, each partner is encouraged to focus on the end goal and eliminate the contentious tactics that often arise in litigated divorces. 

Mediated Divorce

Couples divorcing while maintaining mutual respect and trust may choose mediation as a less aggressive form of dissolution. Mediation allows an unbiased intermediary to work with a couple, offering solutions to final decisions in a divorce without providing legal advice. Because these proceedings occur in a day, working with a divorce lawyer before mediation is imperative.

Mediation can be more cost-prohibitive, allowing for a more expedient process. However, mediation may not be the best option for a Colorado divorce when questionable information about your partner has surfaced. After speaking with a Highland Ranch divorce attorney, you may choose to begin your search to find a mediator with the Mediation Association of Colorado.

Contested Divorce

Some of Colorado’s most bitter battles have occurred during the litigation process of a contested Highland Ranch divorce. Many factors impact a contested divorce, and our goal is to help you navigate these stormy seas. Whether disputes over assets, debts, or child custody are what you face, we strive to think outside of the box to find unique solutions to help you move forward with life. 

Contested divorces are generally a longer process and cost more. However, navigating the rage of a vindictive ex-spouse without the guidance of a Highland Ranch divorce attorney is never recommended. Protect your future with our unwavering support.

Finally, many couples who have shared a relationship without legally marrying may find themselves in a common-law marriage, struggling to end their relationship. Let Griffiths Law discuss with you the truth about common-law marriage in Colorado and help you navigate this recognized form of marriage. 

How Does the Colorado Property Division Work in Divorce?

Dividing marital property is a complex, tedious task despite how well you and your partner are willing to work together. First, couples must determine what property was acquired during the marriage and what was brought into the marriage by a spouse, qualifying as separate property (C.R.S. §14-10-113). Even separate property may be appreciated during the life of a marriage, rendering the appreciated value of an asset a marital property. Learn more about Property Division in our guide and the factors influencing Colorado’s equitable distribution of assets.

Additionally, a Highland Ranch divorce attorney will review Colorado premarital and marital agreements and their impact on the division of assets. These agreements may occur prenuptial or postnuptial. They are a tremendous benefit when the protection of assets is a concern. Let us help you create a Colorado marital agreement.

Finally, your divorce lawyer will complete a comprehensive review to ensure these top ten overlooked assets in a divorce are accounted for. An exhaustive analysis of retirement and savings accounts must be completed in the process. Your financial future is at stake when this critical process is left incomplete.

Determining Spousal Support in Highland Ranch, CO

A court may order the payment or receipt of spousal support and maintenance in Colorado. Couples also have the option of agreeing to support terms. However, spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, is not guaranteed in Colorado. Spousal support is subject to various factors and serves to help each spouse achieve financial independence, preserve a standard of living, and facilitate the transition into post-divorce life. 

The divorce lawyers at Griffiths Law have proven experience in handling various forms of maintenance. Let us review the guidelines a Colorado court will use to award maintenance with you to advocate for a fair reflection of your needs in determining spousal maintenance. 

Child Custody and Support in a Highland Ranch, CO Divorce

The courts always intend to pursue the best interests of a child in Highland Ranch child custody cases. We stand ready to help you argue your parenting case when a parent’s actions may compromise a child’s welfare. As divorcing parents in Highland Ranch, CO, setting aside unnecessary hostility to allocate parental responsibilities is imperative. A divorce lawyer can assist with the following child custody determinations:

• Parenting time 
• Types of custody and parenting and custody schedules
• Allocation of parental responsibilities
• Relocation requests

Our expertise in Colorado parenting matters will benefit you beyond the divorce process and provide for your child’s continued well-being. We recognize the significant impact divorce can have on a child’s life and seek to limit its impact by sharing the most important things to do for your child in your divorce. 

We will also fight to protect your rights in determining child support in Colorado. This support is provided to ensure the needs of a child are met after divorce and may be calculated using the Income Shares Model for child support determinations made after July 1, 2023. Griffiths Law can help you navigate the complexities of child support and divorce by thoroughly reviewing these factors that shape child support in Colorado.

Schedule a Consultation With a Highland Ranch, CO, Divorce Lawyer

No matter where you fall in the timeline of considering a divorce, it is vital to begin preparing for a divorce in Colorado immediately. Our trusted Highland Ranch divorce attorneys are here for you from the moment you make initial contact with our office throughout your family law journey. Contact us now to schedule a consultation to discuss your options in a Highland Ranch, CO, divorce.