If you are considering a divorce in Colorado, it is important to understand the process and what to expect. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about your divorce. We will cover the grounds for divorce, how the process works, how much a divorce lawyer costs, and what qualities to look for in a good divorce attorney. So whether you are just starting to think about getting divorced or are already in the process, this guide has everything you need!
The Grounds For Divorce in Colorado
Colorado is a no-fault state which means the only grounds for divorce needed are that the marriage is irretrievably broken C.R.S. 14-10-106(1)(a)(II). This means no wrongdoing needs to be proved, in fact the courts won’t even consider it in the initial complaint unless extraordinary circumstances are involved. Fault can be considered when determining things like spousal support or distributing property, but not in the initial complaint. Additionally only one spouse needs to be in agreement for the court to grant a decree. Once the court grants a divorce, both parties are free to remarry.
Understanding the Divorce Process
It is important to understand how the divorce process works in Colorado, because the divorce process can be very complicated and time-consuming. A clear understanding of what to expect will help better prepare you. Once you have proved you have grounds for divorce the next step is to ensure you meet the residency requirement. This means that either you or your spouse must have established “domicile” for at least 90 days in Colorado. This doesn’t mean you need to have physically lived in Colorado for 90b days, just that you show intent. You can show intent through owning a home, registering a car, or paying bills in Colorado. This allows military personnel and those who are consistently traveling for work to still be divorced in the state of Colorado.
After meeting the grounds for divorce and establishing residency in Colorado, the next step is to file the necessary paperwork and determine how property will be divided. Once the paperwork is filed, the divorce process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. The length of time it takes to get divorced in Colorado depends on many factors, such as how much property there is to divide and whether there are any children involved. If you and your spouse can agree on how to divide property and custody of any children, the divorce process will be much quicker. However, if you cannot agree on these things, the divorce process will take longer as you will have to go through mediation or trial. It’s important to review the different types of divorce options available to you.
How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost
The cost of hiring a divorce lawyer varies depending on many factors, such as the complexity of your case and how much experience your lawyer has. Generally speaking, the more complex your case is, the more it will cost to hire a divorce lawyer. According to nolo.com the cost of a divorce with an attorney can range from $4100-23,300 depending on the divorce option you choose and how amicable your relationship with your ex is. While every divorce comes with a price tag, hiring a divorce attorney typically ends up saving people money in the long run. An experienced Colorado divorce attorney can help you ensure you are getting a fair agreement that you can be confident in and avoid any unforeseen expenses during your divorce and after.
Hiring the Right Divorce Attorney
When hiring a divorce attorney, it is important to choose someone who you feel comfortable with and who has experience handling cases like yours. You should also make sure that your lawyer is familiar with the judges and courts in whichever county they are practicing in. IT’s also important that your attorney has vast experience handling divorce & family law cases. Additionally it’s important to understand that not all layers practice or even understand family law, so it’s important to hire an attorney the practices specifically in the areas of divorce & family law. When meeting with potential lawyers, be sure to ask about their experience, fees, how long they’ve been practicing divorce & family law in Colorado, and anything else you may have questions about.
At Colorado Legal Group, our attorneys’ focus is to make sure you are well informed with everything about your divorce case and take some of the stress off of you. If you have any questions or would like more information about divorce in Colorado, contact us today at (720) 637-2045.