Jefferson County Family Law Blog

Making the choice to formally and legally end your marriage is a difficult one. Even in relatively amicable situations in which both parties commit to working peacefully together, it can complex to deal with issues such as property division and child custody. In some cases, a Colorado couple may want to live separately but refrain from moving forward with the divorce process at the time.

When divorce is not an option but remaining together is not an option either, it may be beneficial to move forward with a legal separation. This is different from divorce in many ways, but it can provide certain protections and security as you begin a new life separate from your partner. There is more involved with a legal separation than simply moving out.

There really isn't such a thing as a "typical" divorce because no two marital situations are exactly the same; therefore, neither are any two divorces. Also, Colorado divorce laws may vary from another state's, so there's no "national standard" in place when it comes to divorce, either. There are, however, basic process steps that most divorces follow, with variables inserted according to individual circumstances, as warranted.

Especially if you have only been married once, you may be a bit nervous about navigating the civil justice system. You may also be wondering if you and your spouse will be able to achieve an amicable settlement when it comes time to negotiate all the different issues regarding child custody, property division and spousal support. The more you know about the process ahead of time, the better prepared you can be. It's also good to have resources on standby should any obstacles arise.

You and your spouse may be one of many young, professional couples who were excited to settle in Adams County or a surrounding area to go for gold in your careers and provide your children with the best opportunities the region has to offer. Colorado consistently ranks high for per capita income, which may be one of the things that attracted you when deciding where to live when you got married.  

All that may seem like a lifetime ago now that much has changed, your kids are getting older and you are preparing for divorce. You'll be glad to know there are strong support networks in place that can help you navigate the process, achieve a fair and agreeable settlement, protect your rights as a parent and keep your children's best interests a central focus of the proceedings. In the meantime, there's a lot you can do from your end to help your kids adapt to their new lifestyle. 

It's no secret that the end of a marriage can be a stressful and daunting experience. As a parent, you may have additional concerns as to how the process will affect your kids and wonder what steps you can take to ensure that their needs are taken care of in the process.

While you may be at odds with the other parent, chances are, your kids might not share these feelings, and shared parenting could prove to be in their best interests. However, reaching an acceptable parenting plan can be a complex process, and seeking guidance on how to achieve this goal could be essential.