Divorce lawyers in Littleton can help you navigate the complexities, decisions, and emotions of your divorce. This is often a difficult time and can be exacerbated by disagreements and legal challenges. An experienced lawyer streamlines the process to ensure a favorable outcome.
Griffiths Law is committed to protecting you so you can receive what you are entitled to during the divorce. We fight for you so you are treated fairly and have a say in your next chapter. A Colorado family law lawyer will work closely with you to understand your situation and ensure you have the support you need.
Griffiths Law Advocates for You During Your Divorce
Griffiths Law has extensive experience compassionately guiding individuals in Littleton, CO through their divorces. Our attorneys understand the stress and emotions evoked by a divorce, and we take the time to listen to you so we can serve you better. We advocate for you so your interests are protected and your voice is heard throughout the process.
When you hire our team, we will help you determine your options, assess your assets, file paperwork, and provide trusted counsel. We make sure your assets are protected and help you and your spouse reach an agreement on the terms of your divorce. A divorce can take over much of your life and last a while, so we provide guidance so you can finalize your divorce as swiftly as possible.
Reasons to Consider a Legal Separation Before Divorce
Filing for divorce is a big decision that can impact many areas of your life. The process also ends in a full dissolution of marriage. If you are unsure if you should file for divorce, or if you and your spouse think you might reconcile, then divorce may not be the right decision for you. In this case, you may want to consider legal separation instead. This gives you a few more options and greater flexibility, especially if you are on the fence about getting divorced.
With a legal separation, you and your spouse can live separate lives but remain legally married. You will go through a similar process to divide up assets, make custody arrangements if children are involved, and receive a court order validating your separation, but you will retain the legal benefits of a marriage. This option can also be helpful if you and your spouse want to try living apart to see if you want to pursue a divorce.
What to Expect When Filing for Divorce in Littleton, CO
A petition for divorce or legal separation can be filed jointly or separately in Colorado. If filed separately, one spouse must file for divorce and serve their spouse with the papers. Once all initial paperwork has been filed, both parties must attend an initial status conference where a judge or other member of the court will discuss procedures, deadlines, next steps, and review drafts of forms. All financial disclosures must also be submitted within 42 days of filing for divorce.
After the initial conference and disclosures, spouses may proceed with dividing assets, making custody decisions and parenting plans if applicable, and scheduling and preparing for all relevant hearings. Because of the many steps involved and the uniqueness of every case, it is essential to let our Littleton divorce attorneys handle the logistics, guide you through each stage of the process, and counsel you on what actions to take.
At a minimum, a divorce can take 91 days. If you and your spouse can reach an agreement on all aspects of your divorce during this mandatory waiting period, then you could finalize your divorce at the end of this timeframe. However, divorces often take much longer due to disagreements over asset division or custody arrangements. Complex divorces, such as those involving high assets or high-net-worth couples, may also lengthen the time it takes to resolve a divorce.
The Importance of Responding to Divorce Papers in a Timely Manner
The arrival of divorce papers can be an emotional moment, whether you are prepared to receive them or they come as a complete surprise. While this moment may take time to process, you have a limited amount of time to respond to divorce papers, or you may risk your spouse receiving a default judgment and giving them everything they asked for in their divorce petition.
You have 21 days to respond to divorce papers if you live in Colorado, and 35 days if you live outside of Colorado. To respond, you must complete form JDF 1103 and outline what actions should be taken and if you contest any part of the divorce petition.
Our divorce attorneys serving Littleton, CO can help you review the divorce petition and complete the response form to ensure all your requests are accurately documented, included, and filed correctly.
How Assets Are Divided Between Spouses During a Divorce
Regardless of how long couples have been together, they have spent time building a life together and have acquired assets and debts together along the way. During a divorce, all marital property must be divided up.
In Colorado, property division is handled equitably. It is important to be aware that this may not be an equal split, but various factors will be taken into account so each spouse receives a fair share according to their needs or situation. These may include:
- Spousal contributions to acquiring marital property and homemaking
- Value of property for each spouse
- Economic situation of each spouse once all property has been divided
- Value and use of separate property
Colorado also distinguishes between marital and separate property when assets are divided. Marital property is all assets and debts that a couple acquires during their marriage, while separate property is any asset or debt that one spouse had before the marriage or received individually as a gift or inheritance. While the amount of separate property may be considered during a divorce, it is exempt from being divided up.
Colorado May Grant Spousal Maintenance Requests, But Does Not Guarantee Them
Spousal maintenance, also commonly known as alimony, is money that one spouse pays to the other after a divorce to continue to support their lifestyle or ease the potential financial burdens of life after divorce. While one spouse can petition the court for spousal maintenance, it may not be granted.
A judge will take several factors into consideration when making a decision to grant support, including:
- Income and financial resources of both the requesting spouse and the paying spouse
- Lifestyle of the couple during the marriage
- How assets are divided between both spouses
- Income, employment, and employability of each spouse
- Disparate income levels
- Length of the marriage
- Age and health
- Contribution to the marriage
- Amount and duration of any temporary maintenance paid
Based on these factors, a judge will decide whether or not to grant a request for spousal support. If granted, these factors will also be used to determine the amount and duration of payments. Depending on the situation, the court may dictate that spousal support payments are limited or indefinite.
Protect Your Future By Avoiding These Divorce Missteps
Divorce is a very overwhelming process that involves many decisions and logistics. It can be difficult to manage all the legal requirements, financial implications, and emotions. That is why it is essential to hire our experienced Littleton divorce lawyers to help you with the logistics and overlooked aspects of divorce. Our divorce attorneys will protect you by helping you avoid the following missteps:
- Failing to understand family finances
- Failing to consider tax implications
- Accepting a quick divorce settlement
- Failing to secure insurance policies in your own name
- Handling the divorce on your own or with an inexperienced lawyer
- Failing to schedule in-person meetings with your attorney
- Agreeing to something without clarity
- Fighting over every issue
Having an experienced divorce attorney on your side can save you an enormous amount of time and pain. Your lawyer will make sure you are covered in these and other areas during your divorce. Representation during your divorce is an investment in your future so you can have peace of mind.
Parenting Plans Must be Created During Divorces Involving Children
If you and your spouse have filed for divorce and have children, you must work together to make custody arrangements and develop a parenting plan. During this process, you must decide how parenting time will be split up, where the child’s primary residence will be, how decisions will be made, and so forth. The plan must be filed with the court for review and approval.
Parents may disagree on many aspects of their parenting plan, which is why working with a lawyer is beneficial. They can help both parents respond to the plan and negotiate a compromise. Alternative dispute resolution methods can also help parents come to an agreement. The best interests of the child will be prioritized above all else when custody decisions are made.
Child Support Must Be Calculated to Ensure Shared Financial Responsibility
Child support payments are also determined when creating a parenting plan. Typically, the non-custodial parent makes child support payments. Each parent’s income will be taken into consideration when deciding on the amount of child support to be paid, as well as the custody arrangements included in the parenting plan.
Once finalized, a judge will issue the child support order, which is legally binding. Legal action can be taken against parents who fail to pay child support or make late payments. Both parents are expected to share the financial responsibilities of the child’s care. If, at any time, there is a significant increase or decrease in the paying parent’s income, they can petition the court to make modifications to the child support order. Changes should not be made independently.
Resolving Disputes During a Divorce in Littleton, CO
Divorces can easily become contentious when both parties have different expectations or are resistant to compromise. However, this can drag out divorce proceedings considerably. To reduce the time it takes to finalize your divorce and reach an agreement on key points sooner, you can choose to employ an alternative dispute resolution method to avoid resorting to litigation.
Divorce Mediation and Arbitration
Mediation and arbitration are two common options that are used in divorce, and they have some key similarities and distinctions. Both processes involve a neutral third party who listens to both sides.
Mediators facilitate conversation and help spouses communicate with each other and find ways to reach an agreement. They do not issue a decision. Conversely, arbitrators have the authority to issue a binding or non-binding decision after hearing both sides. Both processes are confidential and less expensive.
Collaborative Divorce
For couples who want to work together to settle their divorce, collaborative divorce can be a beneficial option. This process must be a mutual decision between both spouses with the intention of coming to an agreement without court involvement. The focus is to preserve the relationship during the divorce and beyond. It allows spouses to have the greatest control over the terms of their divorce and reduce time, expense, and stress. This process can also be easier on children.
Divorce Litigation
If couples are unable to reach an agreement, then their divorce may have to be settled through litigation. This process is also used for cases where mediation is not recommended. Litigation provides both parties a chance to be heard, but a judge will issue a decision on all applicable matters in the divorce. This process is public, lengthy, and expensive. It also gives you the least amount of control over the outcome of your divorce.
Contact Our Divorce Lawyers Serving Littleton, CO
Griffiths Law is committed to protecting your future throughout your divorce. We understand the turmoil you may be dealing with, and we work diligently to reduce your stress and finalize your divorce as quickly as possible. Our team of legal professionals provides you with exceptional service and trusted counsel from start to finish. Whether you are petitioning for divorce or responding to one, you can contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options moving forward.