Divorce Law
Divorce is often a stressful and overwhelming period for all the parties involved. This includes the spouses and children, so it is important to find an attorney that can help you get through this difficult time with the least amount of disruption as possible. Contact us today at (720) 863-7755 to see how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. We are conveniently located in Northglenn, Colorado and are available to meet on evenings and weekends if you are unable to meet during our normal business hours.
Things to consider when hiring a divorce attorney
Referrals
When starting your attorney search, the best place to start is often your friends and family. Now that almost 50% of all marriages in the U.S. end in divorce, you undoubtedly know somebody who has gone through the same experience that you are about to begin. Getting lawyer recommendations from family and friends can save you a lot of time and money. Note that divorce laws are state-specific so you will need to find an attorney who is licensed to practice law in the state that you currently reside in.
Interview multiple attorneys
The general rule of thumb is that you should speak to at least three attorneys before choosing. You may end up choosing the first attorney you meet, but it is important to weigh your options and see which lawyer is best suited to your specific needs.
Be prepared
When you meet with a potential attorney, it is important that you come prepared with questions to ask your attorney, and are willing to answer their questions. Doing some research on the divorce process and understanding some basic lingo can help lessen your discomfort level when first meeting with an attorney. In this first meeting, an attorney will probably not want to go through an entire binder of paperwork since you have not decided to choose them, but they will want to know the basics: how long you were married, financial assets, debts, etc. These variables will help the attorney determine the strength of your case. It is also important to note that there are no guarantees. Your attorney will not always be able answer every question or give you the outcome of the case. They can on make reasonable predictions with the information you provide to them.
Comfort Level
When you go through a divorce, you will have to share a lot of personal and sometimes uncomfortable information with your attorney. This is why it is so important to find an attorney that is both competent, and you feel comfortable with. If you do not feel comfortable sharing information with your attorney, it will be that much more difficult for him/or her to represent you.
Experience
Not every attorney practices in family law. It is important to find an attorney that has experience handling divorces and cases like yours in the past because of the complexity of a divorce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I initiate a divorce in Colorado?
A: A divorce in Colorado is initiated when a party files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This Petition must be served on the other party, who then has a chance to file a response to the Petition. In this Petition a party will identity key issues such as: child support, parenting time, custody, attorney fees, and division of assets among others. Upon the filing of the Petition, a judge will often schedule an Initial Status Conference for your divorce.
Q: How long does it take to get a divorce?
A: There is a 90 day waiting period from the time a party files a petition to the time a court may enter a decree of dissolution or legal separation (grant a divorce). Many courts, however; may take even longer because of the number of cases being brought.
Q: Does it matter which spouse files for divorce?
A: No. This is because Colorado is a “no fault” state. This means that there is no legal significance or preference given to the spouse that files the petition (files for divorce).
Q: Can one spouse prevent a court from granting a divorce?
A: No. One spouse cannot prevent a court from granting a divorce in Colorado, even over the objections of the other party.