Jefferson County Family Law Blog

Though you filed for divorce in a Colorado court, it in no way means you were trying to abdicate your parental obligations. Like all good parents, your children's best interests were no doubt a main priority when you began making plans for a new future. When the discussion turned to child support, you were not only willing, but you also wanted to make sure your children would have everything they need as they come to terms with your divorce and adapt to a new lifestyle.

When a Colorado family court judge issues a child support or custody order, both parents must fully adhere to the terms. What are you to do then if life throws a curve ball your way and you're not able to keep up with payments? The most important thing to remember in such circumstances is what it is not okay to do. It is definitely not okay to stop making payments without the court's permission.

If you have been struggling to make a go of marriage with a spouse who is a narcissist, you likely already have a clear idea of what it means to try to rationally discuss important topics with an irrational person. Yours is definitely not the first relationship that has suffered demise because of narcissism. It's no secret that there is no "cure" for this condition, although, on rare occasions, some narcissists do seek help and learn to manage their lives and control their emotions better.

Divorce is never easy, but it might be especially challenging for someone in your position. That's because your spouse's narcissistic tendencies are not going to miraculously vanish after you file the petition and attempt to negotiate a fair and agreeable settlement. It's always a good idea to build a strong support network when you're starting a new lifestyle, and it's particularly helpful if you are headed for court.

You did not treat the decision to end your marriage lightly. As a father, you know that getting divorced will mean spending less time with your children, which can be disheartening. What you might not have considered is evidence that divorce can actually make some men become better fathers. Even if you do your best to stay involved in your child's life, securing joint custody could greatly improve your father-child relationship.

Joint custody could feel more like an out-of-reach fantasy than the reality that it is. A lot of people in Colorado still think that women are better at caring for children. Even though family law courts now acknowledge just how important dads are, the idea that mothers always get primary custody just will not go away.

When Colorado couples decide to divorce, the family home can be one of the most difficult items to divide. It is often a family's largest single asset, while many owners also carry substantial mortgages. The home often also carries a significant amount of emotional weight. The question can be more complex when children are involved, as parents may be concerned about displacing their children at the same time they are dealing with the changes that accompany a divorce. Still, there are several primary ways that people can handle the family home when separating.

While many people are attached to their homes, selling the house and dividing the proceeds is often the cleanest way to deal with it in a divorce. This is often the preferred option if the house is too costly for either spouse on their own. If this is not the case, one spouse could potentially buy out the other. In some cases, they may exchange their interest in another family asset, like a retirement fund, for their interest in the equity in the home. In other cases, they may need to take out a mortgage to cover the other spouse's equity interest.