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Going through a divorce can be an overwhelming and stressful process. If you’re considering a divorce or in the midst of one, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about how the process works. Many individuals find themselves struggling with the complicated legal procedures, which can lead to more confusion and anxiety.

Perhaps you’re wondering about the cost of a divorce or how the Colorado courts handle the legal separation process. Maybe you’re worried about how child custody will be decided, or you’re looking for a reliable divorce attorney. Whatever the case may be, it’s crucial to have the right information and guidance to make informed decisions.

In this blog post, we will provide answers to the top divorce questions individuals face during the divorce process. We’ll cover a range of topics from family law and the cost of divorce to child custody and finding the right attorney.

With our insights and guidance, you can better prepare to navigate the complex legal process of divorce and protect your interests.

What Distinguishes Divorce Mediation From Divorce Collaboration?

Divorce can be a difficult process, and it’s important to understand the different options available to you. Two popular alternatives to a traditional divorce are divorce mediation and divorce collaboration. Although these two methods are often confused interchangeably, there are some significant differences to consider.

In divorce mediation, a neutral third party will work to facilitate discussions between the two parties. The mediator assists with paperwork, promotes communication, and helps both parties work toward their goals. Mediation often results in an uncontested divorce settlement that can save time and money compared to going to court.

On the other hand, collaborative divorce is a binding contract between both parties and their attorneys that commits them to not going to court. Collaborative divorce allows clients to identify what’s important to them and work through issues with non-lawyer professionals like mental health professionals, divorce coaches, and financial specialists.

This process can also save time and money while promoting a respectful and constructive resolution to the marriage.

What Is the Cost of Getting a Divorce?

Divorce incurs various costs, such as attorney fees, court costs, evaluations, document preparation, and others. The total cost depends on case complexity, minor children involvement, and proceedings duration.

The divorce cost varies from case to case. There are many things that influence the cost, from the amount of time in the divorce to how cooperative both parties are. Generally, it can cost under $500 for an uncontested divorce and up to $5,000 or more for a contested case. If you’re looking to minimize costs associated with your divorce, consider filing a simplified or uncontested divorce.

However, your preparation for such should be prioritized. Emotions, finances, and children all play a large role in proceedings, so it’s important to be aware of the potential costs associated with the process. If you have a divorce case and you need someone to guide you through the complexity of divorce law, a divorce lawyer can definitely help.

Feel free to contact us at CNL Law Firm and get a consultation. Learn the basics of separate property, understand how to negotiate asset division, and even child support. We are here to provide you with the information and assistance you need to see your divorce through.

How Much Time to Finalize Divorce?

Just like the cost of a divorce, the duration of a divorce can also vary. Depending on whether it’s an uncontested or contested divorce, the amount of time for the proceedings will change. If both parties agree and there are no child custody issues, marital property, or child support to settle, the divorce typically takes four to six weeks.

If there are child custody issues involved or if a spouse is unwilling to cooperate in the proceedings, it could take up to several months or even years depending on the case. It’s important to keep in mind that you should be prepared for a long and complex process. Therefore, it’s best to consult with an experienced divorce attorney who can help you navigate the legal system.

How Is Property Divided in the Process of a Divorce?

In Colorado, property division in a divorce is based on the concept of “equitable distribution,” rather than community property. This means that the court will divide property based on what is fair, rather than simply splitting it equally between both parties. When making this determination, the court will consider a variety of factors such as:

• the length of the marriage
• each party’s financial situation
• and their contributions to the marriage

Other factors to consider include:

• the age and health of each spouse
• the standard of living during the marriage
• and the potential future earning capacity of each spouse.

Ultimately, the court’s decision will aim to provide a fair and equitable distribution of property in the divorce, without necessarily dividing it equally as in community property states.

What Are the Entitlements of Individuals During a Divorce?

In divorce, both parties have the protection under the Bill of Rights. That means that spouses have the right to seek child support, alimony (spousal support), custody of the child or children (if any), and a fair division of property. The court may also award attorney’s fees to one party if they are in need of financial assistance.

Additionally, individuals in divorce can get various tax benefits depending on their financial situation. This includes child tax credits, the ability to deduct child support payments, or the ability to claim an exemption for a dependent child.

What Criteria Does a Court Use To Determine Child Custody During a Divorce?

When determining child custody during a divorce in a family law case, the court considers various factors. This is to ensure the best interests of the child.

One crucial factor is the amount of child support that the non-custodial parent should pay to the custodial parent. The court determines this amount based on factors such as the:

• income of both parents
• the child’s needs
• and the standard of living during the marriage

The court’s decision on child custody and support are typically in a divorce decree. This outlines the rights and responsibilities of each parent and provides a framework for co-parenting. Parenting plan can also be in the divorce decree This outlines the parenting schedule for the child and the responsibilities of each parent.

It’s important to note that the decree is a legally binding document that must be followed by both parties. If a parent fails to comply with the terms of the decree, the other parent can seek enforcement through the court.

Is There a Separation Requirement in My State?

Some states require couples to be legally separated for a specific period before filing for divorce. However, Colorado and many other states do not have such a requirement.

To file for divorce in Colorado, you simply need to tell the court that your marriage is irretrievable. Similarly, there is no chance of reconciliation. The court will require a three-month waiting period before finalizing the divorce.  During this time, you can work out any outstanding issues such as:

• child custody
• support
• and property division

What Is the Process for Filing for Divorce?

Going through a divorce can be a difficult and emotional experience, and it can be hard to know where to begin. If you find yourself in a divorce dilemma, the first step is to file for divorce. Once you file, the court will set a hearing date and notify your spouse.

If you and your spouse are able to come to an agreement on the issues of child custody, support, and property division, you can submit a written agreement to the court for approval. However, if you cannot agree, you will need to go through the court process.

Both parties will need to disclose financial information during the process to ensure the identification and fair division of all assets and liabilities. Additionally, you may need to attend a temporary orders hearing where a judge will make temporary orders to maintain the status quo while the divorce is pending.

Discovery is the next step, during which both parties can request information and documents from each other. You might need meditation to help both parties to help come to an agreement.

If the parties reach an agreement, the court will schedule a permanent orders hearing and enter the decree of dissolution of marriage. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the court will schedule a hearing, and the judge will make a decision on any issues.

Is It Necessary To Appear in Court for a Divorce?

In Colorado, it is possible to obtain a divorce decree without ever going to court. However, to achieve this, you and your spouse must agree on all issues, including child custody and support, division of marital assets and debts, and spousal support. If you cannot come to an agreement, you may need to appear in court.

Working with attorneys can be an effective way to avoid going to court, as they can help you negotiate a settlement agreement that works for both parties. It is important to note that if one spouse contests the divorce or if there are issues of fault, such as adultery or domestic violence, a court hearing may be necessary.

When dealing with marital assets, it is crucial to work with an attorney to ensure that everything is divided fairly. Colorado is an equitable distribution state. That means that assets are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally as mentioned above.

How To Find a Reliable Divorce Lawyer?

Now, this can appear to be the easiest part but it is not! Finding the right divorce lawyer for your situation requires research, diligence, and dedication. First of all, consider a lawyer that specializes in family law and has experience handling divorces.

Then look for reviews online from past clients to get an idea of the lawyer’s reputation. Lastly, you should meet with the lawyer in person before making a decision. This will help you understand the lawyer’s approach to your case and decide if they are a good fit for you.

The rule of thumb is to at least have three potential lawyers to choose from so that you can compare and contrast them. This will allow you to make an informed decision on the best lawyer for your situation.

The Bottom Line

These questions are just some of the many considerations to take into account when filing for divorce in Colorado. Finding a reliable lawyer can help make the process smoother, and understanding the steps in the process is key.

In addition, be sure to consider any outstanding issues such as child custody, support, and property division during your divorce proceedings.

Spouse’s attorney fees, how much child support should be, and who will keep the family home are all topics that can come up during divorce proceedings. With the help of a qualified attorney, you can understand your rights under Colorado’s laws and make sure that your best interests are protected.

Divorce is never easy but with the right resources and preparation, you can make it less stressful.

Contact CNL Law Firm today to discuss your specific case and start on the right path to a successful divorce. Our team of experienced attorneys will ensure that you receive the best legal representation possible!