how to choose a divorce lawyer in colorado

by Aiyana Schimmel 3 min read

How To Choose The Right Divorce Lawyer In Colorado

  • First Impressions. We’ve all heard the expression “don’t judge a book by its cover” when it comes to first impressions,...
  • Your Goals. When you first meet with an attorney, it’s important that you express your immediate, short-term goals as...
  • Experience Level. You’ll likely want to entrust your case, family, and future...

You'll be able to find out more by speaking with the law firm or checking their website, looking for their specific experience and expertise. Signing the Certificate of Divorce. Check Reviews – Take the reputation of the lawyer into consideration before you make your final decision.Apr 29, 2020

Full Answer

What are the most important parts of Colorado divorce laws?

Jun 05, 2021 · Last but not least, we will list the key qualities that the lawyer you will choose for your divorce process should possess: Excellent communication skills. It’s always better to go with someone who understands the law and can easily discuss it... A lawyer who’s exclusively dedicated to Colorado ...

How to choose a divorce lawyer?

This will guarantee you get the correct result with regards to your divorce settlement. Divorce Petition. To get a divorce, you or your companion needs to document a request for disintegration of marriage (divorce). This includes a court expense for recording the lawful administrative work. In Colorado the present charge for a divorce appeal is ...

When should I change my divorce attorney?

Dec 05, 2014 · Corporate Lawyer Colorado on divorce and family law - The corporate lawyers from Miller and Steiert answer questions about how to choose a divorce attorney. Visit website to find more information. 303-798-2525

What does a divorce attorney do?

Nov 11, 2021 · We have cultivated this list of the top five considerations when selecting a divorce and family law attorney to help you make your decision. Ask yourself these questions: 1. Do They Have Knowledge of the Practice Area? The first thing to look for in an attorney is one who knows and practices family law and divorce. Family law can appear simple.

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How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Colorado?

On average, Colorado divorce lawyers charge between $230 and $280 per hour. Average total costs for Colorado divorce lawyers are $11,000 to $11,700 but are typically significantly lower in cases with no contested issues.Jul 22, 2020

Do I need a divorce lawyer in Colorado?

You don't need to hire a lawyer to get an uncontested divorce in Colorado, and you can represent yourself during the process. Spouses can try to handle everything themselves or use an online service that eases the process.

Does it matter who files first in a divorce in Colorado?

In general, the answer is no. It does not make any difference to the Colorado judges if you decide to take matters to the courtroom.Apr 13, 2020

Do both parties have to agree to a divorce in Colorado?

Colorado is a no-fault state for divorce, which means, as long as the marriage is considered irretrievably broken, a divorce can be granted. This includes cases where both parties are not in agreement regarding the divorce.Jun 13, 2020

Is Colorado a 50 50 state in a divorce?

Colorado Is an Equitable Division State Colorado law requires that division of property in divorce be “equitable and fair,” which means that it doesn't necessarily have to be a 50/50 split. By contrast, community property states hold that all property accrued during a marriage is subject to a 50/50 distribution.Sep 13, 2021

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Colorado?

In Colorado, a court can order one spouse ("paying spouse") to pay temporary alimony to a lower-earning or unemployed spouse ("supported spouse") during the divorce proceeding. Colorado courts use a formula based on income to calculate temporary alimony. Courts can also order longer-term alimony awards.

Can a spouse kick you out of the house in Colorado?

Can a Spouse Kick You Out of the House in Colorado? Until the court issues an order regarding who can stay in the marital home, neither spouse has any legal right to force the other to leave. The only exception to this is a spouse can be forced out via a Protection Order.Feb 22, 2021

Is alimony required in Colorado?

Alimony, or “maintenance,” as it's referred to in Colorado, ensures that the basic financial needs of a disadvantaged spouse are met after a divorce. It's typically imposed only if there is no other feasible source from which the support needs can be met.

How do I prepare for a divorce in Colorado?

How to Prepare for a Colorado Divorce in 6 StepsResearch different divorce strategies.Decide on legal representation.Prepare divorce paperwork.Get your financials in order.Plan to attend an Initial Status Conference.Understand your obligations post-divorce.

Who gets the house in a divorce in Colorado?

In Colorado, the primary caregiver often gets the house in a divorce. The courts may allow the person with the children to stay in the house because there is a belief that it is in the best interest of the children.Feb 9, 2021

What is considered abandonment in a marriage in Colorado?

First, there is no such thing as abandonment under Colorado law. Colorado is a no-fault divorce state. So, if you do decide it is best to move out, your spouse cannot, in most cases, use this against you in a child custody dispute.

Does Colorado require separation before divorce?

How long do you have to be separated before divorce in Colorado? In this state, the legally separated party is required to wait six months before they can pursue a divorce. This means the waiting period begins when the separation decree is put in place and at the end of that six months the spouse may request a divorce.

Research Your Options

First, do your due diligence in hunting for the right family lawyer for you. Research the options in your city or town and make a list of the attorneys that you find promising.

Choose a Lawyer, Not a Law Firm

The most important relationship during a family law case is between the lawyer and the client, not the law firm and the client. Make sure the person you are getting to know during your research is the attorney who will be handling your case – not an assistant.

Schedule a Consultation

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential family lawyers, schedule a consultation with at least two of them. Meeting with an attorney in person can give you an idea of what they’re really like.

Ask Yourself if the Lawyer Is Right for You

Hiring a family lawyer is a personal decision that is ultimately yours to make. Do not choose your lawyer based on a referral from a family or friend alone. It is important to make up your own mind about an attorney after doing your homework.

1. Do They Have Knowledge of the Practice Area?

The first thing to look for in an attorney is one who knows and practices family law and divorce. Family law can appear simple.

2. Do They Have Local Connections?

A wise and now-retired local family judge from El Paso County said that family law is about “30% law and 70% art.” We work hard at making sure we’re experts in our field, but many issues decided by the courts are “discretionary.” That means that one judge could decide a case very differently than another judge and getting the best results requires being familiar with the judge deciding your case as well as any experts you may use..

3. Do They Have Resources to Handle Your Case?

There are a lot of moving parts to a family law or divorce case. There can be a large number of documents to track and they may involve multiple experts. You may be advantaged by an attorney who can accept an earlier court date because they know there is another attorney in their firm who can work the case with them.

4. What Is the True Cost of Your Case?

When you are looking for an attorney, you are probably paying attention to two numbers: the retainer and the hourly rate. Nearly all law firms will require you to pay an up-front retainer and they will pay themselves from the retainer as they earn it.

5. What Is Your Gut Feeling?

Finding a family law or divorce attorney is not just about picking the best attorney, it’s about picking the best attorney for you. The best fit for you may be different from the best fit for your friend or neighbor or coworker. In the end, it comes down to a very unscientific gut check. You need to decide if you feel confident in your attorney.

How long do you have to be in the military to divorce in Colorado?

In Colorado there is a requirement that at least one of the parties have been domiciled in the state for at least 91 days before filing for a dissolution of marriage.

When is child support required in Colorado?

The Colorado Legislature has adopted Colorado Child Support Guidelines that are used when a child’s parents are divorced, separated or unmarried. Parents must share a basic obligation based on their income and what intact families spend on their children.

What does it mean when a divorce is split?

Bifurcation means that both parties in a divorce can legally declared as a single person while the other issues in their divorce are still being worked out. It does not affect things such as child custody, visitation, child support, alimony or other contentious issues that may have stalled or become major sticking points that are keeping the divorce from being finalized.

Do spouses have to disclose assets in divorce?

By law, spouses are required to disclose assets as part of the divorce process. Each spouse must disclose to the other the amount and type of assets they have so there can be an equitable division of those assets. This will also factor into child support and alimony as part of the final divorce decree.

Is inheritance considered separate property in Colorado?

In Colorado, any gifts or inheritance that was given to one spouse and not commingled with marital property or funds is considered separate property. However, the law says that the increase in the value of separate property during the marriage may be subject to division, as if it were marital property.

Is a 401(k) a marital property in Colorado?

Pensions, IRAs, 401Ks and retirement plans are considered marital property in Colorado. However, only the amount of the retirement asset that was earned during the marriage is subject to division.

Is marital property divided in Colorado?

Marital Property in Colorado. Colorado is governed by equitable distribution. This means that all marital property is divided fairly among two divorcing spouses. It does not mean that the division will be a 50/50 split, but rather what is considered appropriate based on a number of circumstances. Only marital property is considered ...

Why is it important to hire a divorce attorney?

Hiring a divorce attorney is often one of the first steps any person seeking a divorce will perform, and it is easily the most important, as their guiding hand can help make every subsequent step that much easier. Once you have planned to acquire an attorney’s services, your first big decision is which attorney to choose and why.

What is a board certified divorce attorney?

Board Certified marital law attorneys have an additional legal education and training specific to legal separation and divorce law, and will be of particular use for your divorce. Going through a divorce is a painful event, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Compassion, hard-working, experienced are some of the qualities ...

Why do you have to have an interview with an attorney?

Having an actual interview with the attorney can help solidify your mind if they are the right type of person with the right expertise for your case. To ensure that you get all the information you need to make an informed choice, create a list of questions beforehand, and ensure to go over each question in full depth.

What is the marriage.com course?

If you feel disconnected or frustrated about the state of your marriage but want to avoid separation and/or divorce, the marriage.com course meant for married couples is an excellent resource to help you overcome the most challenging aspects of being married.

Is divorce painful?

Deciding to divorce your spouse could be one of the most stressful and painful moments in a person’s life. The strong emotions that often accompany it can make going through the often complex divorce process feel like an insurmountable weight has been placed on your chest.

Why Choosing the Right Divorce Lawyer Matters

Every attorney has his or her own ideas, beliefs, philosophies, and ways of doing business. Every lawyer has his or her own approach to divorce. Most importantly, every lawyer is good at some things, and not so good at others.

How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer

Most people start their divorce by hiring a lawyer. THEN they get divorced using whatever divorce process the lawyer signs them up for.

Bonus Tip: If you screw up, cut your losses quickly

No matter how much research you do, or how carefully you try to choose an attorney, you can still make a mistake. It actually happens more often than you might think.

How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer Who Will Be Right For You

Your divorce lawyer is going to be your “navigator” in the divorce process. S/he will be the one who advises you, guides you, and gets you through the court system. No matter which divorce lawyer you choose, getting divorced still won’t be painless, and it likely won’t be easy.

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Research Your Options

  • We’ve all heard the expression “don’t judge a book by its cover” when it comes to first impressions, but the way an attorney conducts his or herself during an initial consultation can be very telling as to how they will act as your representative moving forward. Did they provide you with directions …
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Choose A Lawyer, Not A Law Firm

Schedule A Consultation

Ask Yourself If The Lawyer Is Right For You

  • First, do your due diligence in hunting for the right family lawyer for you. Research the options in your city or town and make a list of the attorneys that you find promising. Some of the things that you should look for when creating your list are experience, results, positive testimonials, accreditations, awards or accolades, and a professional f...
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