In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at the potential costs that one can expect when pursuing a divorce in Colorado. By understanding the projected cost of a Denver divorce attorney, you can better prepare yourself for this undertaking. With all the stress and emotional trauma involved in many divorce cases, the last thing you need are surprise legal fees. 

Peek Vazquez Family Law is your trusted Colorado family law firm. Our experienced, compassionate, and dedicated Denver divorce attorneys can help you navigate your divorce and help you attain your family goals. In addition to divorce cases, our legal office also specializes in a variety of family law practice areas. These include child custody, alimony, adoptions, and common law marriages. If you’re in need of a family law attorney you can trust, Peek Vasquez Family Law is here to support you and ensure that your rights are protected. 

What Does a Divorce Attorney Do?

Before digging into potential costs, let’s start at the beginning. What does a divorce attorney actually do? And why is it important to hire one to represent your interests throughout a divorce? Essentially, a divorce lawyer represents their clients and their interests throughout the entirety of the divorce process. They’ll handle all the legal aspects of the divorce, such as gathering documents, ensuring you meet deadlines, and filing paperwork. They’ll also assess your case and circumstances to help you set realistic goals.

Essentially, the goal of a quality divorce attorney is to make this challenging and emotionally stressful experience as quick, efficient, and manageable as possible for their clients. While it may not always be easy, a good divorce attorney will leverage their legal knowledge and experience to help their clients achieve their family goals. In addition to utilizing their experience, you should look for a divorce attorney who will support you with compassion and empathy. Having a divorce attorney who cares about your needs and goals can make all the difference in a divorce.

A divorce lawyer will also represent you during negotiations. A successful negotiation takes both experience and skill, which is why you shouldn’t enter divorce negotiations alone without an experienced Denver divorce attorney in your corner. If your divorce cannot be successfully negotiated and requires a trial, your divorce attorney will also represent you in court. 

How Much Does a Divorce Attorney Cost?

When considering a divorce, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. While it should never just be about costs, you also shouldn’t ignore the fees associated with a divorce. When preparing for a divorce, there are many expenses to account for, including filing fees, court fees, sundry costs, and your divorce attorney fees.

So, how much can you expect to pay when pursuing a divorce in Colorado? There is no simple answer. The cost of a divorce will be different for everyone and the overall costs will come down to a variety of different factors. These factors include the court fees, mediators, attorneys fees, and the overall length and complications of the divorce. As one might expect, a divorce becomes much more expensive the longer it drags out. That’s why having an experienced divorce attorney or mediator who can help the spouses see eye to eye on their differences is so essential for a successful (and affordable) divorce.

Even a straightforward case like an uncontested divorce will have costs. When assessing the potential cost of a divorce, it helps to go with the average. In Colorado, statistics reveal that the average cost of a divorce ranges between $9,000 to $11,000. This number accounts for the final cost and includes all associated fees that one could expect from a divorce proceeding. 

What if I Can’t Afford to Pay Divorce Attorney Fees?

Many individuals may be hesitant to pursue a divorce due to the costs. Luckily, there are laws in place designed specifically to make the financial burden of a divorce more equitable and fair between both of the spouses. Thus, if one spouse has primary control over the finances in their marriage, the courts may actually award prospective attorney fees. This means that one spouse with more financial means may be required to pay a partial sum or the complete legal fees associated with the divorce proceeding.

In the state of Colorado, we have “Rose motions” that can ease the financial burden of a divorce. During a 2006 case, the Colorado Court of Appeals determined that a trial court may award prospective attorney fees to a spouse who does not have the financial means to fund the divorce. When filing a Rose motion, these prospective fees may cover some or all of the costs associated with the divorce, including attorney fees, court fees, and more. Therefore, if you’re filing for a divorce in Colorado but you don’t think you can afford a quality family law lawyer—think again. Ask your prospective divorce attorney to file a Rose motion for you and this may provide financial relief for you and make the divorce more equitable between each spouse. 

Conclusion – How Much Does a Divorce Attorney Cost?

Going through a divorce can be a stressful, time-consuming, and emotionally challenging time. Even an uncontested divorce, in which both parties agree to the terms of the divorce, can prove to be emotionally traumatic, stressful, and expensive. But you shouldn’t let financial concerns ever prevent you from making the right decision for yourself and your family.

Determining the cost of a Colorado divorce depends on various factors. These factors include things like filing fees, the length of the divorce, court fees, and of course, the divorce attorney fees. While the average cost of a divorce in Colorado is around $10,000, it’s important to be aware of the fact that this number can be significantly higher. That’s just one more reason why it’s so important to hire an experienced and skilled Denver divorce attorney. By doing everything they can to make the divorce process quick and efficient, you can end up saving quite a bit with your divorce. Contact us today at Peek Vasquez Family Law to learn more about how we can help you and your family. With an initial consultation, we can assess your options and set you on the path toward achieving your family goals.

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But with so many divorce lawyers out there, it can be tricky to be sure you’ve hired the right one. That’s why, in this blog, we’re reviewing 10 important things you should know about your potential Denver divorce attorney before hiring them. By taking your time and finding the right family law expert for your goals, you’ll save yourself time, money, and improve your chances of receiving an outcome that works for you.

Peek Family Law is the premier Colorado family law firm. As experienced and empathetic Denver divorce attorneys, we know what it takes to ensure that our clients meet their family goals. In addition to divorce cases, our office also specializes in many different family law practice areas, including alimony, adoption, child custody, and even common law marriages in Colorado. If you’re in need of a family law attorney you can trust, then give us a call at Peek Vasquez Family Law. 

What Does a Divorce Attorney Do?

First things first: what does a divorce attorney do? A divorce lawyer represents individuals during a divorce to help them achieve a favorable outcome. They’ll handle all the legal aspects of the divorce and help their clients gather documents, file paperwork, and meet any and all important deadlines. They will also carefully review your case to help you understand your options and work to set realistic goals.

In the end, the purpose of a Denver divorce attorney is to make the entire divorce process as efficient, quick, and painless as possible for their clients. While they may not be able to guarantee that you’ll achieve all of your goals during the divorce, they will help you understand your case, negotiate on your behalf, and if necessary, represent you in a court of law. 

5 Things to Know Before Hiring Your Divorce Attorney

Finding the right divorce lawyer takes time and careful consideration. Don’t just sign on with the first divorce attorney you see a commercial for, because they may not be the best attorney for your specific goals. Denver divorce law is complicated and you want to ensure you’re choosing an experienced, compassionate professional. Take your time and weigh your options. You can even “interview” multiple potential attorneys to see which one seems right for you.

Before hiring an attorney for your divorce, here are 5 things you should know:

1. Legal experience: like any other profession, having the right experience is essential for success in divorce law. Make sure to learn more about the specific experience of your potential attorney before working together. Not only do you want an experienced attorney, but also one with specific experience (and a high rate of success) on divorce cases similar to yours.
2. Good communication: clear and consistent communication is key when it comes to getting through a divorce. Make sure to learn more about the communication strategies of your divorce attorney (this is where the “interview” process can really come in handy). Is it easy to get in touch with them when you need their assistance? Can you speak directly to your attorney or are you continually routed elsewhere? Determine the answer to these questions early on for a smoother overall process.
3. Client reviews: one of the most effective ways to gain objective insight into working with a particular divorce attorney is by reading client reviews and testimonials. Client reviews can provide real, unbiased information into what it’s like being represented by a certain attorney. Of course, remember to take these online reviews with a grain of salt. It’s normal, and even expected, for any law office to have a few negative reviews. But if you’re seeing far more negative than positive experiences, this could be an early indicator to continue your search.
4. Compassion and care: while the legal world may seem cold and harsh, the best divorce attorneys understand the value of empathy and compassion. A divorce is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can undergo, which is why you want to ensure you’re working with someone who truly cares and puts this empathy into practice by how they conduct their work. For example, when handling a sensitive issue like Denver child support, compassion is essential for everyone involved, especially the children. Many clients note that they can quickly assess a family law attorneys level of compassion after an initial consultation.
5. Attorney fees: it’s no secret that a divorce can be a very costly undertaking. This becomes especially true if the divorce becomes more complex and drags on when the former spouses can’t reach an agreement. Be sure to carefully review the potential attorney fees so you can get an idea as to whether or not they will fit your budget. The best Denver divorce lawyers will be sure to do everything they can to settle your divorce quickly so you’re not left paying for endless hours as the divorce wears on. 

Conclusion – 5 Things to Know Before Hiring Your Divorce Attorney

Going through a divorce, even an uncontested divorce, can be an extremely stressful and emotional time. When trying to achieve the most favorable result for your entire family, the last thing you should have to worry about is paperwork and legal procedures. When you feel most isolated, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through a divorce proceeding by yourself. Call on the assistance of Peek Family Law, an experienced and compassionate divorce law firm who can support you and help you achieve your goals.

When you hire an experienced Colorado divorce lawyer, you’ll have an expert on your side who can help you assess your legal situation and set realistic, attainable goals. Your divorce attorney can also clearly map out the best course of action for your case. They’ll work diligently and efficiently to ensure the process is completed as quickly as possible to reduce stress on the family as a whole.

But remember: don’t simply hire any local divorce lawyer. Take your time and thoroughly vet your potential candidates. Find a divorce attorney who can communicate consistently and effectively so you always know the status of your case. Do a little online research, especially focusing on client reviews, to learn more about what it’s like being represented by this specific law firm. 

Of course, you should also take into account other factors, such as the attorney fees and what types of cases they usually represent—and win. When it comes to undergoing a divorce, don’t feel like you’re all alone. Hire the right Denver divorce attorney for your legal needs to give yourself the best chance possible to achieve your legal and family goals.

Contact us today at Peek Family Law to learn more about how we can help you through your divorce proceeding. With our easy consultation process, years of experience, and a team of family law experts, we can set you on the right path toward achieving your goals.

The post 5 Things to Know Before Hiring Your Divorce Attorney appeared first on Peek Family Law, LLC.

Peek Family Law is the premier Colorado family law firm that you can trust. As experienced and empathetic Denver divorce lawyers, we understand what it takes to ensure that our clients meet their legal goals. Our family law office specializes in various practice areas, including divorce, alimony, adoption, child custody and support, and even common law marriages. 

As seasoned litigators, our team is able to leverage our experience and compassion to help our clients through these challenging times. Our goal is to resolve our family law cases as quickly as possible to reduce trauma to children and families. If you’re in need of compassionate, effective, and comprehensive legal representation, Peeks Family Law is by your side. 

What Does a Denver Divorce Attorney Do?

First things first: what exactly does a divorce attorney do? Essentially, these family law experts will cover all the legal aspects of your divorce. On your behalf, your Denver divorce attorney will file all the needed paperwork, collect and file the necessary documentation, and maintain strict deadlines. They will also work hard to ensure that the overall process is as smooth and pain-free as possible for their client. An experienced divorce attorney will also handle any negotiations with other lawyers on your behalf. 

Very few of us are equipped with the legal knowledge or skills to successfully negotiate legal matters. When entering a divorce, this is one battle you don’t want to face alone. From a legal perspective, divorces are complicated and require specific knowledge and experience to find yourself on the right side of the final settlement. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney will help you understand the legal complexities of a divorce, such as parenting rights,  and can increase your chances of receiving that favorable outcome you desire. 

What are the Different Types of Divorce in Colorado?

While a divorce may seem like a standardized process, in reality, no two divorce cases are the same. With assets to be divided, Colorado child support laws to be understood, and the competing interests of each spouse, each divorce is truly unique. However, the majority of Colorado divorces can be divided into 5 main types: uncontested , mediated, collaborative, litigated, or even a legal separation.

Let’s review each of these types of divorce in more detail:

1. Uncontested Divorce.

For most couples, this type of divorce is ideal as it’s the most straightforward and less combative. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree from the beginning about the terms of separation. Essentially, this means that both parties are agreeing that they would like to legally end their marriage. They also agree on how assets should be divided up. As you might expect, an uncontested divorce makes the process much easier for everyone involved—including your divorce attorneys. When everyone is on the same page from the beginning, it’s that much easier to reach a favorable and timely conclusion to the case. 

2. Mediated Divorce.

While most couples would prefer an uncontested divorce, this isn’t always the reality of the situation. In many divorce cases, couples are unable to agree to the specific terms of their divorce. This could include issues including dividing up assets and property, alimony payments, or child custody.

When the spouses cannot agree to terms, this can turn into a mediated divorce. Here, a third-party mediator will work with the couple to help them make decisions and come to terms. These mediators may be a retired judge or another attorney. It’s important to note that the mediator does not provide direct legal assistance to either party directly, but instead, functions more like a bridge between each of the spouses to help them reach a settlement. 

3. Collaborative Divorce.

In a collaborative divorce, each spouse will have a divorce attorney who represents their interests throughout the entirety of the legal process. By working closely with experienced family law attorneys, a collaborative divorce can help you avoid taking the divorce to court for an agreement. This type of specific divorce needs both parties to commit to finding a resolution rather than forcing the adversarial approach.

4. Litigated Divorce.

For the most difficult divorces, couples may have to turn to a litigated divorce process. In this type of divorce, the spouses cannot come to terms—even with the assistance of mediators or divorce lawyers. In a litigated divorce, the divorce attorneys will file a petition for divorce. From there, the courts become involved in the proceedings via hearings. 

In the most difficult cases, this may even result in a divorce trial. In these situations, the court will then determine how best to divide up property and handle issues like child support and alimony. The courts work diligently to ensure that the final decision is as equitable as possible for both of the spouses.

5. Legal Separation.

In some cases, a couple may not want to be together, but they don’t feel like they’re quite ready for a divorce. To address this “gray area,” a couple could file for a legal separation. This can be ideal for couples who feel like their marriage isn’t working and feel like they need some time and space to work on their issues. For many, it’s worthwhile to consider a legal separation before deciding on pursuing a divorce.

A legal separation provides individuals with distance and space, but it does not officially dissolve the marriage. After a six month period, either party in the legal separation may request the court convert the legal separation into a decree of dissolution. 

Conclusion – What are the Different Types of Divorce in Colorado?

A divorce is never easy. Even in ideal circumstances, such as those commonly found in an uncontested divorce, undergoing divorce proceedings can be stressful, time consuming, emotionally traumatic, and expensive. Whether you find yourself pursuing an uncontested divorce, litigated divorce, mediated divorce, collaborative divorce, or a legal separation, you need to ensure that your interests are represented by an experienced family law attorney who understands the details of your unique divorce process. 

Of course, the greatest concern in any divorce case is how this will impact your family. In divorce cases, there’s generally no “good” outcome at the end of the day. However, our entire legal team will work hard to ensure you receive the best possible outcome. If you’re going through a divorce in Denver, don’t bear this burden alone. Hire an experienced and compassionate Denver divorce lawyer to help guide you every step of the way. 

Contact us at Peek Family Law to learn more about how we can be of assistance to you and your family. With our free consultation, our team of family law experts can assess your legal options. From there, we can set you on the path toward achieving your legal goals.

The post What are the Different Types of Divorce in Colorado? appeared first on Peek Family Law, LLC.

Peek Family Law is your premier Colorado family law firm. As trusted and experienced Denver divorce lawyers, we know what it takes to ensure our clients meet their family and legal goals. We specialize in various practice areas of family law, including divorce, adoption, alimony (maintenance), child custody, child support, common law marriages, and more. 

As seasoned litigators, we strive to leverage our experience and compassion to help our clients through these difficult times. Our goal is to resolve our family law cases as quickly as possible to reduce trauma to children and families. If you’re in need of compassionate, effective, and passionate legal representation, Peeks Family Law is here for you. 

What is Family Law?

Divorce cases are categorized under the larger legal umbrella known as family law. Family law refers to a practice area that focuses primarily on legal issues involved with family relationships. These specific relationships may include marriages, divorces, adoptions, child custody, and more. Family law lawyers represent clients in court proceedings and help them navigate the often complicated negotiations process. They also draft key legal documents, such as court petitions and property agreements, and will represent their clients in front of a judge during a trial. 

Some family law lawyers will focus on particular specialties. Some may specialize in adoption cases, emancipation, divorce, or other family-related issues. What’s unique about family law attorneys is that their cases deal so intimately with close bonds, especially those between children and their parents. This is why family law requires a unique level of empathy and compassion as these lawyers help families navigate these challenges. 

What Does a Divorce Attorney Do?

What exactly can a divorce attorney do for your case? Essentially, a divorce lawyer will handle all the legal aspects of your case from start to finish. They’ll gather important documents, file the necessary paperwork, and help you adhere to critical deadlines. Their role is to make the divorce process as efficient, timely, and pain-free as possible for their clients. 

While this type of outcome may not always be possible, they’ll utilize their experience and resources to help you meet your legal goals. Your Denver divorce lawyer will also handle any communications with other lawyers, including potential negotiations. Very few people are equipped with the legal knowledge or skills to successfully negotiate these matters. This is one battle you don’t want to face alone. 

Why Should I Hire a Denver Divorce Attorney?

During a divorce, taking the time to find the right divorce attorney might seem like the last thing you need. After all, isn’t it possible to handle a divorce without legal representation? In Colorado, you’re allowed to file for a divorce and complete the entire process without a Denver divorce lawyer. Yet, most legal experts would not recommend this option.

Let’s take a look at who you should hire a Denver divorce attorney:

1. Assess the specifics of your case and determine your legal options.

No two divorces are the exact same. Each divorce presents a unique situation and legal circumstances that need to be navigated. 

For example, a divorce case involving Denver child support will be inherently different than one where no children are involved. A divorce attorney will be able to assess your unique case to determine the best course of action. 

2. Help you set realistic goals.

The best outcome for most divorce cases is an even split between the two parties. A divorce attorney can help you set realistic, attainable goals so that you have a clearer vision of how this proceeding may conclude. They will also help you file the necessary divorce paperwork and make you aware of important deadlines that may affect the outcome of your case.

3. Pre-trial preparation.

If your divorce case goes to trial, there is quite a bit of pre-trial preparation that needs to be done if you hope to achieve a favorable outcome. Your divorce lawyer will assess the specifics of your case and conduct extensive legal research into how the law applies to your situation. They can also work with any potential witnesses you may call and prepare them for the trial. 

4. Represent you in court.

And finally, a divorce attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge if your divorce case goes to trial. In Colorado, all divorce and family law trials are heard by judges—not juries. It takes experience and a thorough understanding of legal information and proceedings to successful present an argument to a judge. While you can represent yourself in a court of law, very few individuals have the experience and knowledge to do so successfully. 

What Happens if I Don’t Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

In some cases, you may be able to successfully complete a divorce without the assistance of a divorce attorney. But this is a risk that most people are not willing to take. Why is that? Well, without the proper legal representation, there’s a chance that your interests will be overlooked and you’ll lose out on that favorable outcome you envisioned. 

If you choose to represent yourself in court, you may fail to meet certain procedural requirements that can hurt your case. From a legal perspective, divorces are complicated and require specific knowledge and experience to find yourself on the right side of the settlement. Hiring a divorce attorney increases your chances of receiving the outcome you desire. 

Conclusion – Why Should I Hire a Denver Divorce Attorney?

Going through a divorce is a challenging, stressful, and emotional experience. If it feels like you may lose everything, remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone. When you work with an experienced and compassionate Denver divorce law firm, you’ll have a team of experts on your side. We’ll help you assess your options, set realistic goals, understand the legal implications of your situation, and work to the best of our abilities to ensure that your goals are met. 

In most cases, there’s no “good” outcome following a divorce, but we work hard to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.  If you’re going through a divorce, don’t take on this burden alone. Hire an experienced and compassionate Denver divorce attorney to help guide you every step of the way. 
Contact us today at Peek Family Law to learn more about how we can help you and your family. With a free consultation, we can assess your legal options and set you on the path toward achieving your legal and family goals.

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Myth #2: Property Is Always Split 50/50
Many people believe that all property is split equally between the two spouses. In reality, marital property is split equitably, meaning that it has to be fair, but does not need to be equal. Generally speaking, the court will look at each spouse’s economic circumstances, as well as any factors which impact children, when determining the division of property. Additionally, property which is deemed “separate,” such as a car owned before the marriage, will not be subject to division.

Myth #3: Mothers Will Always Get Primary Custody
This is a myth which is rooted in fact. Many years ago, it was highly uncommon for a father to be granted custody over children in a divorce, even if their mother is unable to care for them. These days, the court will grant custody in “the best interests” of the children, and fathers routinely receive primary custody.

Myth #4: It’s Best to Hide Your Assets
This myth could not be further from the truth. The court will almost undoubtedly find out about your hidden assets, and may even punish you for trying to hide them. The best thing to do is to be as up-front and honest as possible about all your assets.

Myth #5: Men Will Always Have to Pay Child or Spousal Support
This is another myth that was once true, but no longer carries any weight. These days, it is possible for both the mother and father to be ordered to pay child support payments. Likewise, alimony can be ordered for both men and women, and is now based on current earnings and earning potential, rather than gender.

Getting divorced? Call our firm today for your free case evaluation.

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Don’t Use Your Children as Therapists or Spies
Divorce is especially difficult on children, but can be made even tougher if one or both parents use them as a sounding board. While you may have serious issues with your spouse, you should not bring your children into the middle of your dispute. Do not use them to collect information on your spouse, or attempt to sway their opinion of the other parent.

Don’t Attempt to Hide Property
It is very common for individuals to hide property, or “give it away” with the intention of retrieving it later. This rarely works out well. If the court finds out that you are attempting to hide property, you could face incarceration, a dismissal of your claims, and additional fees.

Don’t Violate Any Court Orders
During a divorce, it’s common for a judge to issue temporary custody or visitation orders. It is a very bad idea to violate these court orders, as it can make it extremely difficult to get the custody or visitation rights you desire. Unless you have reason to believe that your children are in danger, it’s best to follow the court order to the letter.

Don’t Let Your Emotions Control You
This is perhaps the most important “don’t” of divorce. Divorce is an extremely stressful process, and it’s very normal to feel angry and upset at your spouse. However, it’s crucial that you don’t make decisions based on emotion–while you may feel better for a moment, there is nothing to be gained from this behavior.

Getting Divorced? Call (303) 495-5757 Today.
At Peek Vasquez, LLC (former Peek Family Law, LLC), our skilled Denver divorce attorney can help guide you through this difficult time. Our firm proudly provides personalized, comprehensive legal solutions which are aligned with our clients’ desired results. Attorneys Sean Peek and Ricardo Vasquez have extensive experience in a variety of family law matters, and can assist you with all aspects of your divorce including child custody, child support, alimony, and more.

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1. They Are Logical
In family law cases, it is absolutely crucial to choose a Denver family law attorney who can think logically. In contentious cases like divorce or child custody, your lawyer needs to be able to advise you of your best interests at a time when you are likely overcome with emotions. A logical lawyer has the tools to put together clear, effective legal strategies.

2. They Are Creative
Legal matters are rarely black or white, and this is especially true for family law. For example, child custody matters are often decided based on the “best interests of the child,” but this is very subjective. It’s important to have a lawyer on your side who can develop creative solutions to the challenges you may face, and who can think on their feet.

3. They Are Well-Spoken
An attorney’s ability to talk is often their greatest weapon. This is true in the courtroom, and is equally true in mediation and other negotiations. You want a lawyer who can communicate clearly and effectively to make sure your voice is heard.

4. They Are Compassionate & Friendly
This one is a bit more specific to family law – in matters of criminal defense or business litigation, you may want a lawyer who is cold and calculating, not warm and friendly. In a divorce or child custody matter, however, you want an attorney who understands your goals, your desired situation, and your concerns. A lawyer who will take the time to listen is typically a lawyer who cares about helping you resolve your legal issues.

5. They Are Knowledgeable
The family law matters you may be facing can impact the rest of your life, in many ways that you may not expect. It’s important to have an advocate on your side who understands how these matters will affect you. A good Denver divorce attorney will advise you as to the best course of action at every step of the process.

Don’t settle for subpar representation. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation

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Time Saver
In uncontested divorces, both parties are normally in agreement of most of the terms of the divorce. This results in much less time and paperwork, which streamlines the entire process and minimizes the room for errors to be made. While a contested divorce can typically take several months or even longer, sometimes the process for an uncontested divorce can be done much quicker.

Lower Level of Conflict
If preserving a civil relationship between you and your ex-spouse is important, an uncontested divorce is most likely your best option. The process fosters a more cooperative environment that allows for open discussions to take place. While it’s unrealistic to assume that no conflicts will arise between you and an ex-spouse, the amount of disputes significantly decreases in an uncontested divorce.

Confidential
The last thing you want when going through a divorce is for your information to be made public. Divorce proceedings and procedures are typically thought of as private and closed meetings, but when taking a divorce to court, documents outlining your financial and personal information becomes a public matter and is eventually made accessible through county records. In a divorce that is uncontested, less paperwork is filed which results in less information to be made public.

In need of a Denver divorce lawyer? Contact us to schedule a case evaluation.

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My Spousal Maintenance Payments/Awards Depend Entirely on my Lawyer
While it is undoubtedly important to retain a skilled Colorado divorce lawyer when going through divorce proceedings in order to obtain the best settlement you can, there are legal precedents set in place for determining alimony awards. You should always speak with a skilled lawyer if you have any questions regarding your eligibility to make or receive payments and determine if your unique income situation qualifies you for any special considerations.
Colorado’s courts treat alimony payments as rehabilitative, giving one spouse a chance to improve their life by finding a new place to live, further their education, or in some way improve their livelihood in order to be better prepared for life without the income of their former spouse. Formulas are in place to help determine these payments, but a judge has the power to address special circumstances.

My Spousal Maintenance Settlement is Final
This is false. Spousal maintenance awards can be adjusted or even terminated due to a change in circumstances. For example, if the recipient of spousal maintenance is able to get a job and adequately support themselves and their quality of life, then both parties may agree to terminate the payments early. Likewise, many spousal maintenance awards terminate if the recipient remarries.

Men are the Only Ones who Pay Spousal Maintenance
Men are not the only ones who work, and in many households, are not the primary income earner. Thus, men can receive alimony payments. The spousal maintenance formula for Colorado couples factors in individual income, the length of a marriage, and property ownership and allocation, but makes no reference to any gender restrictions for either side of an arrangement.

Common Law Marriages Don’t Have Spousal Maintenance
Common law marriages are somewhat of a grey area in Colorado law, as there is no defined amount of time two people must be together before their union may be considered marriage by common law. The biggest factor in these cases is whether there is an agreement and general assumption of marriage to the public. Filling a joint tax return, having a combined bank account, or filing for married benefits with insurance companies can even constitute a public assumption of marriage and subject the higher income earner to make spousal maintenance payments should the couple split up.

Peek Vasquez, LLC is a Denver family attorney specializing in all matters of family law, including adoption, divorce, custody, and many other matters. A graduate cum laude from the Tomas M. Cooley Law School, Attorney Peek has the knowledge and insight to help you with whatever your family legal needs may be.

If you have a question pertaining to your legal options or would like to have your case evaluated, contact Peek Vasquez, LLC (former Peek Family Law, LLC) online or by phone at (303) 495-5757 today.

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Keeping Your Possessions
The spouse who stays in the home is in no way guaranteed to be the spouse who gets to keep the home after the divorce is finalized. In fact, Colorado law tends to side more with the spouse who has the legal responsibility for the home, including having their name on the mortgage and their utility bills. When the spouse responsible for these burdens cannot afford them, the court will often order some form of temporary maintenance during the divorce, particularly if that spouse is not the higher-earning spouse.
Keeping the home afterward is also open to negotiation. One spouse can request to keep the home, but may have to concede on a number of other points in order to make a fair divorce agreement. Likewise, the things within the home itself, such as furniture, may be taken away, as well as any mutual possessions that are given away as part of the concession.

Child Custody
During a divorce, the court may opt to create a temporary child custody order in order to help the children’s lives remain stable. This can be seen as an advantage to the parent who remains in the home for child custody, but not always. Making an agreement in writing that the parent who is moving out is not giving up any rights to child custody is one way to ensure you maintain your rights. If you cannot obtain one of these agreements, you can ask the court to establish a temporary parenting schedule, which also helps maintain your rights to child custody.
If you need assistance with your divorce case, seek assistance from a skilled Denver divorce attorney. At Peek Vasquez, LLC (former Peek Family Law, LLC), attorneys Sean Peek and Ricardo Vasquez help you shoulder the emotional burden by removing some of the stress and uncertainty from your divorce. When you trust your case to Attorneys, you can be sure that your case is in the hands of an attorney who is up to date on the latest laws and case results, allowing us to fight to protect the best interests of you and your family in the most optimal manner.

Call Peek Vasquez, LLC today at (303) 495-5757 and schedule your case evaluation with our firm.

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