Colorado Family Lawyers

Going through family legal issues can feel emotionally draining. At Griffiths Law, we understand the complexities you’re facing, whether it’s a divorce, child custody dispute, or domestic violence situation. Our compassionate team of Colorado family law attorneys has extensive experience guiding clients through even the most challenging cases.

We know this is an incredibly difficult transition, filled with uncertainty about your rights, finances, and future. That’s why our attorneys take the time to really listen to your unique situation and provide personalized strategy every step of the way.

Common Areas of Family Law

Family law covers many legal matters involving family relationships and domestic issues. It encompasses everything from formalizing family ties through adoption to dissolving marriages through divorce proceedings. Given the deeply personal nature of these matters, having a Colorado family law attorney by your side can be invaluable for protecting your rights and achieving favorable outcomes.

Divorce

One of the most common areas is divorce, which involves legally terminating a marriage. Issues include division of marital assets and debts, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance.

Child Custody and Support

When parents separate or divorce, determinations must be made on child custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and financial support obligations. An attorney can help advocate for parenting plans, prioritizing the child’s best interests.

Division of Marital Property

Colorado is an “equitable distribution” state, requiring a fair but not necessarily equal division of marital property during divorce. Legal representation can help you identify, value, and assist in equitably distributing assets and debts.

Adoption

Adoption establishes the legal parent-child relationship between adopting parents and the child. A lawyer can assist you to ensure procedures are properly followed to formalize this permanent family bond.

Paternity Establishment

When a child’s parents are not married, paternity actions are taken to legally establish the father and secure associated rights and responsibilities like custody and child support.

Modifications and Enforcement of Orders

Over time, as circumstances evolve, existing court orders, such as those for custody or support, may require modification, or enforcement may be necessary if there are violations. Attorneys can provide assistance with these post-decree issues.

Domestic Violence and Protection Orders

In cases involving domestic abuse, you can petition for protection orders restricting the abuser’s ability to make contact or possess firearms.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

To avoid lengthy courtroom battles, options like mediation and collaborative divorce allow parties to negotiate settlements out-of-court in a cooperative environment.

When Mediation May Be Ideal

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that can be particularly effective in resolving family law issues. In mediation, a neutral third party (the mediator) facilitates communication and negotiation to help them reach a mutually agreeable settlement. Mediation may be ideal when the parties are willing to communicate and compromise to find solutions that work for everyone involved.

One of the primary benefits of mediation is that it allows the parties to maintain control over the outcome of their case. In contrast to litigation, where the verdict is in the hands of a judge, mediation gives the involved parties the authority to plan their own resolutions tailored to their specific needs and situations. This can be especially important in cases involving children, as parents can work together to create parenting plans and custody arrangements that prioritize their children’s best interests.

Mediation may also be ideal when the parties wish to maintain a cordial relationship after resolving their legal issues. This is often the case in divorce or child custody matters, where ongoing co-parenting is necessary. By creating a collaborative and respectful environment, mediation can help preserve important family relationships and reduce the emotional strain of adversarial court proceedings. Mediation is often less time-consuming and less expensive than traditional litigation, making it an attractive option for many families.

Collaborative Divorce vs. Traditional Divorce

When considering divorce, couples have various legal options. Two common approaches are collaborative divorce and traditional divorce. Understanding the differences between these two methods can help individuals make informed decisions about which path to take.

Collaborative divorce is a process in which both parties commit to resolving their issues through negotiation and cooperation without resorting to litigation. Each party hires a collaborative attorney who works with their clients to identify interests, address concerns, and find mutually beneficial solutions. The collaborative process may also involve other professionals, such as financial advisors or mental health experts, to provide additional support and guidance. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the collaborative attorneys must withdraw from the case, and the parties must seek new representation if they choose to proceed with a traditional divorce.

In contrast, traditional divorce often involves adversarial court proceedings, where each party argues their case before a judge who ultimately makes decisions on contested issues. This process can be more time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining than a collaborative divorce. However, traditional divorce may be necessary when parties cannot effectively communicate or compromise or when there are significant power imbalances or complex legal issues at play. In some cases, a combination of methods may be used, such as attempting mediation before proceeding with a traditional divorce if the parties cannot reach a full agreement.

The Impact of Domestic Violence in a Family Law Case

Domestic violence is a serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences in family law cases. Its presence can significantly impact various aspects of a case, making it crucial for individuals to understand the potential implications. Some of the ways domestic violence can influence a family law case, according to the Colorado Revised Statutes, include:

• Child custody and important parenting time decisions
• Spousal maintenance (alimony) determinations
• Division of marital property and debts
• Restraining orders and protection orders
• Legal representation and court proceedings

When domestic violence is a factor in a family law case, courts place a high priority on ensuring the safety and well-being of the abused party and any children involved. This may result in decisions that limit or deny parenting time to the abusive party, require supervised visitation, or award a larger share of marital assets to the abused spouse as a form of compensation.

The presence of domestic violence can necessitate additional legal measures, such as filing for restraining orders or protection orders to prevent further abuse. These orders can have a significant impact on the abusive party’s rights and freedoms and may require them to vacate a shared residence, surrender firearms, or refrain from contacting the abused party.

What to Know About Protection Orders

Protection or restraining orders are legal tools designed to protect individuals from abuse, harassment, or threats. In Colorado, there are several types of restraining orders, each with its own specific requirements and provisions. These include emergency protection orders, temporary protection orders, and permanent protection orders. To obtain a protection order, the person seeking protection, known as the petitioner, must file a request with the court and demonstrate that they are in danger of abuse or harassment. 

The court will then review the request and, if granted, issue an order that prohibits the abusive party (the respondent) from engaging in specific behaviors, such as contacting the petitioner, coming within a certain distance of them, or possessing firearms. It is important to note that protection orders are civil orders, not criminal charges. However, violating a protection order is a criminal offense that can result in fines, arrest, and imprisonment. If you are considering filing for a protection order or have been served with one, it is crucial to seek the advice of an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and obligations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Family Law Cases

Family law matters are highly emotional and legally complex, leaving room for missteps that could jeopardize your rights and the outcomes you desire. You should be aware of the common mistakes so you can try to avoid them:

Failing to Gather Proper Documentation

Court proceedings require thorough evidence and documentation of factors like finances, communication histories, and timelines of key events. Not having these materials organized can weaken your case.

Venting on Social Media

Posting about your family law dispute publicly on social media, no matter how tempting should be avoided at all costs. These posts could be used against you in court.

Prolonging Conflict Unnecessarily

While disagreements are normal, allowing interpersonal conflicts with your ex-partner to drag on without resolution can escalate tensions and legal fees. You should try your best to reach compromises.

Involving Children in Adult Disputes

Children should be kept away from the stresses of custody battles, divorce proceedings, and other legal conflicts between parents as much as possible. Their well-being and mental health are the top concern.

Underestimating the Need for Legal Representation

Family law can be tedious and confusing. Trying to represent yourself without an attorney puts you at a disadvantage.

Overlooking Tax and Financial Implications

The financial aspects of family law decisions like asset division or child support must be carefully calculated with tax and future cost-of-living adjustments in mind.

By being aware of these common mistakes from the outset and heeding your attorney’s guidance, you can help ensure your family law case proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Protecting Your Rights During a Family Law Dispute

High emotions usually accompany a family law case, making it essential for individuals to protect their rights throughout the legal process. One of the most important actions you can take is to seek the guidance of a family law lawyer who can provide you with personalized advice and representation specific to your needs and goals.

Your lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and obligations and work with you to develop a strategy for achieving your desired outcomes. This may involve negotiating with the other party to reach a settlement, representing you in mediation or collaborative divorce proceedings, or advocating for your interests in court.

You can also take other steps to protect your rights during a family law dispute. These include:

• Gathering and organizing relevant financial documents and records
• Keeping a detailed log of any incidents or communications related to your case
• Refraining from discussing your case on social media or with third parties
• Prioritizing the well-being of your children, if applicable
• Taking care of your own emotional and physical health

By staying informed, prepared, and proactive throughout your family law dispute, you can better position yourself to achieve a favorable outcome and move forward with your life.

How to Prepare For a Family Law Consultation

Meeting with a family law attorney for an initial consultation is important in addressing your legal concerns and planning for your future. To make the most of this meeting, it is essential to prepare in advance by gathering relevant information and documents and organizing your thoughts and questions.

Before your consultation, take the time to gather paperwork, such as court orders, financial records, or communication logs. Having these materials on hand will help your attorney better understand your situation and provide more accurate advice. Consider preparing a list of questions or concerns you wish to discuss, ensuring you cover all important topics during your meeting.

During the consultation, be prepared to discuss your goals and priorities openly and honestly with your attorney. Share any relevant background information, including details about your family dynamics, financial situation, and any specific challenges or concerns you may have. The more information you provide, the better equipped your attorney will be to assess your case and recommend an appropriate course of action.

Family Law Guidance You Can Trust

Facing a divorce, seeking modifications to existing orders, or addressing the consequences of domestic violence can be challenging. Our family law attorneys at Griffiths Law are ready to offer the support you need. We provide a full range of services, including mediation, collaborative divorce, and traditional litigation, all customized to fit your specific situation.

During challenging times, support is crucial to have on your side so you know you are taking the proper steps to get the most out of your case. Contact us to schedule a private consultation. Our team is committed to listening to your concerns, discussing your options, and creating a tailored strategy to guide you through the upcoming legal challenges.