Divorce

Colorado permits married parties to end their marital relationship by decrees of either dissolution (divorce) or legal separation. Both decrees require a Colorado residency by one of the parties for at least 90 days plus an additional minimum of 90 days waiting period after the filing of the action for decree. Both require the resolution of parenting plans for any children of the relationship, property and debt division, support for children and/or spouse, and allocation of attorneys’ fees and costs. However, after a decree of legal separation, the parties remain married, albeit able to live separate lives, while a decree of dissolution of marriage terminates the marriage. Since children cannot be divorced, a co-parenting relationship will remain as long as any child of the parties remains unemancipated.

Unmarried persons can utilize the procedures for the dissolution of a partnership or joint venture coupled with equitable processes and statutes designed to provide for and protect children to achieve some of the same results as those available to married persons.

In all situations, the parties have a fiduciary relationship with one another during the legal process that requires complete disclosure of all matters relevant to the issues. As your counsel or consultant, we anticipate assisting you in the collection and disclosure of all relevant information, regardless of where such information may be found, assisting you in locating any third party advisors or experts as may be appropriate in your case, preparation and filing of all necessary documentation and the making and presenting of legal arguments and justifications for the resolutions you seek.

After the assembling of the relevant information and advice during the pendency of the action and/or for final resolution, we would assist you in determining the method of dispute resolution: negotiation, mediation, litigation or collaborative processes, and in pursuing resolution through your chosen method of dispute resolution.

We would anticipate providing you with guidance as to both the process and the resolution of substantive issues while recognizing that the ultimate decisions must be made by you and your partner or a judge/arbitrator or some combination of personal/judicial decision making, as it is your life that will be governed by the results. Ultimately, we seek resolutions which will provide the most fair and equitable solutions for you and appropriately provide for your children.