Courts allow divorcing spouses to agree on the division of their properties and debts through a marital settlement agreement. The approach allows parties to have control over the division and discuss the details among themselves instead of having the judge decide for them. This contract, however, is not enforceable until it undergoes the court’s review and approval. What exactly do courts check when they receive a marital property settlement agreement for review? Under the judge’s magnifying glass When courts review marital property settlement agreements, they typically assess the following to ..read more

In Colorado, divorce costs more than $11,000, which can already be a significant dent in anyone’s finances. This figure can still increase with the average cost of lawyer fees varying widely across the United States. Divorce by itself is challenging enough, even without the financial strain that comes with it. This is why going through this process with enough knowledge and awareness can significantly make the situation more manageable. Here are three ways you can manage or even reduce divorce costs. Choose mediation over litigation Opting for mediation instead of going straight to court ..read more

When is the right time to modify a child custody order?   Child custody orders are an essential tool that ensure children are cared for after a divorce or separation. A custody arrangement is crucial in serving the best interests of a child as it dictates who has the right to make decisions on their behalf.   Although custody arrangements are designed to remain in place for the long term, they can also be flexible to accommodate the changes that come with life’s unpredictability. What are the common reasons that can justify modifications in child custody orders?  ..read more

Divorcing or separating parents in Colorado often negotiate custody terms by focusing on where they currently are as a family. The main priorities are often an appropriate division of parental rights and responsibilities. The parents may then find themselves facing challenges as family circumstances evolve in the future. Those currently navigating a messy breakup or divorce often cannot imagine starting a new relationship. However, as people heal, new love opportunities may arise. Even those who want to keep their children their top priority may find themselves falling in love and pursuing rom ..read more

Spouses are increasingly employing sophisticated tactics to commit financial infidelity. Some exploit their partner’s unfamiliarity with cryptocurrency to retain more assets during a divorce. In many cases, one spouse remains unaware of the other’s digital transactions due to their lack of interest or involvement in the world of crypto. However, even digital assets such as Bitcoins are subject to the same rules as other assets. If a spouse was acquiring, holding or trading bitcoins during the marriage, those assets may fall under marital property and, therefore, be eligible for property divisi ..read more

Colorado, like most states, allows divorcing spouses to privately settle and agree on the terms of their divorce, including division of assets, spousal support, child custody and visitation arrangements, among others. However, a private divorce settlement is not automatically “good to go” just because both parties agree. Requiring the court’s approval Even if both parties agree to the terms of their divorce through a private settlement, they must still submit the agreement to the court for approval. This ensures that the terms are reasonable, fair and in accordance with the law. For one, the c ..read more

The decision of whether to stay in a troubled marriage for the sake of your kids is not an easy one. You may not love your spouse anymore, yet your deep love for your children compels you to put their needs above your own happiness. After all, your instinct as a parent is to shield your children from pain and uncertainty, and these are both possible consequences of a divorce. You may believe that staying together is the right thing to do, to provide a stable environment for your kids. But it is essential to consider the full scope of your decision and its long-term effects on everyone involved ..read more

Domestic violence involves a cruel pattern of abusive behavior used by an individual to gain or maintain control over another person with whom they live. Victims of domestic violence can feel powerless against their abuser. As a victim, you know the best thing for you to do is leave your abusive spouse, but some barriers may prevent you from filing for divorce. The fear of escalating violence and concerns about financial security may force you to stay married to your abuser. You may also worry about the well-being of your children and the uncertainty of your future. These fears are completely ..read more

Whether brought about by divorce proceedings or other family law issues, each child custody case can have unique circumstances, impacting what arrangement can address the household’s needs overall. Some situations require straightforward remedies, especially if the parents are willing to cooperate for the sake of their child. Other times, the case can have extensive complications, making it difficult for the court to make final decisions because of safety concerns. A case can become high-risk if it involves any issue that may threaten the welfare of the involved parties, whether parent or chil ..read more

With its benefits, such as cost-effectiveness and confidentiality, mediation has become a popular alternative method to settle divorce issues. However, this process does not work for all cases. For instance, divorce mediation may not be effective or advisable in marriages with a history of abuse for the following reasons: Safety concerns Courts always prioritize victims’ safety in divorces involving domestic violence. As much as they can, courts minimize contact between victims and their abusers. Mediation is usually a series of face-to-face meetings between parties. Accordingly, these private ..read more