Greeley Divorce Attorney
Experienced Divorce and Legal Separation Counsel In Colorado
At Peek Goldstone, LLC, our divorce lawyers in Colorado understand that our clients are going through what is, at best, an emotionally difficult process.
If you need a separation or a divorce and would like to speak with a member of our firm, you can be sure your inquiry will be met with sincere concern for your family’s welfare. If there is a possibility of reconciliation, we can help you reconcile.
If there is no possibility of reconciliation, we can help with the separation or divorce process.
Contact the Greeley lawyer at Peek Goldstone, LLC. to get started! Call now - (970) 352-8611
Divorce in Colorado: What to Expect
A divorce, also known as a dissolution of marriage, is the legal process by which a marriage is terminated. In Colorado, divorce can be contested or uncontested, depending on whether the spouses can agree on the terms of the divorce. If there are disagreements about key issues, such as child custody or property division, the process can become more complex and may require court intervention.
What are the Grounds for Divorce in Colorado?
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that neither party is required to prove fault or wrongdoing by the other spouse in order to obtain a divorce. The only grounds required for divorce in Colorado is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, meaning that the marriage is beyond repair. This simplifies the process for couples seeking to dissolve their marriage, as they do not need to provide evidence of fault.
What are the Key Issues in Divorce Proceedings?
Key issues include property division (which is done equitably, though not necessarily equally), spousal maintenance (based on financial need and factors like marriage length and earning capacity), child custody (favoring joint legal custody and the child's best interests), and child support (calculated based on both parents' income and time spent with the child, with specific guidelines in place).
Our Greeley divorce attorney can support you throughout the process.
What is the Waiting Period for Divorce in Colorado?
Colorado has a mandatory 91-day waiting period for divorce. The waiting period begins after the initial petition is filed and the other party is served. The court can only finalize the divorce after 91 days have passed.
The waiting period is when couples can work through marital issues or reconcile. Couples who agree on all the matrimonial problems can finalize their divorce in the shortest possible time frame.
Most cases in Colorado take six to nine months. The court may grant a divorce petition within 90 days of filing if it determines irreconcilable differences exist.
Colorado does not require spouses to be legally separated before filing for divorce. However, at least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing.
There are a few exceptions to the waiting period. For example, the court may waive the waiting period if there is a case of domestic violence or child abuse. Additionally, the court may waive the waiting period if one spouse is in the military and is being deployed overseas.
Does it Matter Who Files for Divorce First in Colorado?
In Colorado, it doesn't matter who files for divorce first. Judges need to consider who filed the case when making decisions. However, there may be some personal advantages to filing first, such as:
- Choosing the court location
- Controlling the pace of the divorce
- Making the first impression
The courts give equal consideration to the claims made by the petitioner and the respondent.
Is Colorado a 50/50 State in a Divorce?
No, Colorado is not a 50/50 state in a divorce. Colorado is an "equitable distribution" state, which means the family court aims to award each spouse their fair share of marital property. The Colorado court will consider factors such as:
- Each spouse's contribution to the marriage
- The income and earning potential of the individuals involved
- The couple's child custody arrangement, if applicable
The Colorado court does not need to divide assets in half. They can separate them 60/40 percent or in some other manner.
What is the Fastest Way to Get a Divorce in Colorado?
The fastest way to get a divorce in Colorado is to file for an uncontested divorce. The court may grant an uncontested divorce after you submit an affidavit. This option can make divorce less stressful and time-consuming for both partners.
Get Divorce Counsel From Our Greeley Divorce Lawyers
Divorce can be compared to a risky business transaction; you need to know you can rely on your partner. The process involves reorganizing the legal, financial, and social relationships between you and your spouse, and you can rely on our divorce attorneys in Colorado to remain focused on your best interests and the welfare of your children.
The Family Law Lawyers At Peek Goldstone, LLC Can Help With:
- Divorce
- Maintenance (Alimony)
- Property Distribution
- Legal Separations
- Invalidity of Marriage (Annulment)
- Much More
Reach out to our Greeley divorce attorney or call (970) 352-8611 now to begin your journey today!
Legal Separation in Colorado: A Different Option
A legal separation is a solid option to consider when you want to end your marriage and there are religious or other objections to getting a divorce. It may also be an option for you to cooperate with a spouse who wants legal separation instead of a divorce.
If you do this it may be more likely that you will be able to obtain agreement on another issue that is of importance to you such as getting a child custody agreement without making waves over the issue of divorce.
If you are considering divorce in Colorado, it is vital to understand the waiting period or legal separation requirements. It would help if you also spoke with an experienced attorney to learn more about your rights and options.
How Does Legal Separation Work?
The process for legal separation is similar to divorce. One spouse must file a petition for legal separation, and the court will then address key issues like property division, spousal maintenance, and child custody, just as it would in a divorce proceeding.
Once a legal separation is granted, the court may issue a decree that outlines the terms of the separation, including property division, spousal maintenance, child custody and support.
What are the Advantages of Legal Separation?
Legal separation offers several benefits, including the ability to retain health insurance coverage if one spouse depends on the other, providing a moral or religious alternative to divorce, and allowing couples to test living apart before deciding whether to proceed with divorce.
Our Greeley Family Lawyers Are on Your Side
Family law matters can be complex and emotional, and our family law attorneys are here to support you. Our Greely lawyers have extensive experience in all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal support.
Our divorce attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests and to achieve the best possible outcome for your divorce case.
Our attorneys in Greeley offer a consultation so that you can learn more about our services and how we can help you.
Contact Peek Goldstone, LLC, or call (970) 352-8611 to get started today with our Greeley divorce attorneys!
