Colorado Family Law Blog

If you and your spouse are having an amicable split and neither of you has chosen to contest anything in the divorce petition, you might think an attorney is unnecessary. There are couples capable of a “no fuss” divorce, but representation from an experienced attorney is still important. The important thing each spouse should understand is that they are transitioning from a couple to an individual again, and as such, they must do whatever it takes to protect their individual interests. Even if you trust your soon-to-be-former spouse to not take advantage of you, strong legal representation is still a necessity.

Divorce is a difficult process for any couple, but when there are snags along the way things are even rougher. Working with an attorney can help you prevent problems and make it easier to work through them when they do arise. What problems might you encounter during the divorce process?

The concept of no-fault divorce has made it easier for couples to end their marriage. Prior to the existence of no-fault divorce laws, a person was required to prove his or her spouse had done something to cause the breakdown of the marriage. Actions such as abuse, adultery, confinement, lack of intimacy, or abandonment were required to establish grounds for divorce or a court would not permit the couple to divorce.

Divorce is difficult for everyone in a family, but it is especially tough for children. As a parent, you want to protect your child from the uglier side of your divorce, but you also want to help him or her understand and feel better about the transition their family is going through. What should you tell your child about your divorce?

Separating from your spouse and getting a divorce are two different things. Divorce is a legal end to the marriage, whereas separation can occur for just a few days or weeks, and then a couple can reunite as if nothing ever happened. In this latter case, the law is not involved. However, there is an in-between option that allows for legal governance of a couple’s separation without ending the marriage. This is usually referred to as a legal separation.

Annulment and divorce are similar in that they both end marriage, but most couples are not eligible for an annulment. An annulment is a decree that a marriage was never valid. Some couples prefer this because they are legally able to erase what they believe was a mistake from their lives. Furthermore, annulment removes any obligation either spouse has to support the other after the end of marriage. If they never had a legal marriage, there’s no reason either is entitled to anything that belongs to the other.

Ending your marriage is never an easy decision, but for some, it is the only option. If your spouse has injured you physically or betrayed you in a way from which you will never recover, staying in the marriage causes more harm than ending it.

Divorce is one of the most challenging experiences a person can face. Not only is it filled with uncertainty and emotion, there are also a number of legal complexities. Nearly everyone going through a divorce is concerned about making mistakes or doing something that could have a negative effect on their lives for years to come. Though every situation is different, there are certain things you will want to avoid to ensure your divorce process runs as smoothly as possible.

Most people understand an attorney is an essential part of a successful divorce, but fewer are prepared for the legal issues that arise once their marriage is over. Though you might feel relief following your divorce, there are still a number of loose ends that need tying up before you can officially move on with your new life. A family attorney can help you manage these issues and support you through the decision-making that needs to be done in the weeks and months following your divorce.

Three Things to Consider When Going Through the Divorce Process