Denver Divorce Attorney

No two divorce cases are the same, but there are a number of family law matters that most divorce cases have in common. If you are looking to dissolve your marriage, then you will need to consider:

• Property Division
• Child Custody / Parenting Time
• Child Support
• Spousal Maintenance

At Denver Family Lawyers, we recognize how overwhelming the thought of divorce can be. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through your options. Every step is explained with clarity, ensuring you are well-informed about your rights and responsibilities.

Attorney Bill Thode has two decades of experience in Colorado family law. As a seasoned trial attorney and mediator in Denver, he is capable of getting results both in and out of the courtroom and can help you with any divorce matter, whether contested or uncontested. Find out what we can do for you by calling or visiting our divorce law firm today! We prioritize your family's well-being while aiming for the most favorable outcomes possible.

After determining if you meet the state's residency requirements, which generally means that either you or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 consecutive days before filing for divorce, getting a divorce involves following specific legal procedures and considerations. Our divorce lawyers in Denver are well-versed in these procedures, and they can ensure that every detail is meticulously attended to.

To file for divorce in Colorado, you must:

1. File a Petition for Dissolution: The divorce process starts when a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed with the court, either by one spouse or jointly. There is no preference given to the individual that files, or any benefit for filing jointly. The process remains the same regardless, allowing couples to pursue whichever approach is best for them without fear of it affecting their settlement.
2. Serve the Documents: After the initial petition is filed, if it is not a Joint Petition for Dissolution, the filer must serve the other spouse with the divorce documents and a summons. Alternatively, the respondent may sign a waiver of service to declare that they received the papers.
3. Response to the Petition: The respondent partner is given 21 days, or 35 if they live outside of Colorado, to file a response to the petition with the court, if they choose.
4. Meet with the Judge at the Status Conference: An Initial Status Conference happens within around 40 days of filing the petition for dissolution. This meeting with the judge is the first court appearance and provides each spouse an opportunity to ask questions or bring up unique issues within their case.
5. Disclose All Assets: After this preliminary meeting, the court will require each party to fully disclose their financial status, any debts and assets, and other relevant information necessary for the case.
6. Receive an Order of the Court from the Judge: Couples who are able to do so amicably may settle their own case outside of court during mediation. If the two come to an agreement here, the mediator will complete a Memorandum of Understanding. Our divorce attorneys in Denver can also create a Separation Agreement detailing the terms each party agreed to. Either document may be presented to the court, and the judge can accept it and back it with an Order of the Court.
7. Proceed to Permanent Orders Hearings: Mediation, while a required step in Colorado divorces, does not work for every couple. Those who cannot reach an agreement proceed to Permanent Orders Hearings. During these hearings, the judge considers the evidence, testimonies, and arguments of each party.
8. Receive a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage: They will make a decision based on the information presented and each party’s financial disclosures to finalize any unsettled points of contention, such as alimony, child support and custody, property division, and more. The judge or magistrate will also issue a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.

Temporary orders can be made in an additional court visit before the permanent orders hearing to maintain the status quo of a couple’s life by settling immediate needs such as parenting decisions.

Divorce costs vary to reflect the complexity of each individual case and the legal involvement required.

• Uncontested divorces without children do not require legal involvement to decide custody, child support, and other issues exclusive to divorce involving children, and typically cost around $3,500 to $4,200.
• More complicated, contested cases can reach up to $20,000 if the couple requires a significant level of court involvement. Typically, however, Colorado divorces have an average cost around $9,700 to $11,800.