Boulder Divorce Attorney
Divorce is not something that most of us expect from our relationship when we marry, but it is a reality that many face. At Danielsen Westhoff, PC, our Boulder family law attorneys know that every family situation is different and your legal needs are unique to you.
Our Boulder divorce attorneys will advocate for you through your divorce to ensure your rights are protected. Our team understands that this is likely a painful and vulnerable time for you and your family, and we will address your case with the compassion and respect it deserves. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Why Choose Danielsen Westhoff for Your Boulder Divorce?
When you begin looking into law firms to help you with your Colorado divorce, there are countless options to choose from, so why Danielsen Westhoff, PC? In addition to our decades of experience, our firm offers several benefits to our clients:
- The experience that comes with representing hundreds of families in divorce and child custody cases
- The collective experience of our team, which has handled nearly every kind of family law case there is
- Our team has established a reputation for being approachable and relatable, which is regularly acknowledged by our clients
When you work with our team of Boulder divorce attorneys, you can trust that you are getting accurate and compassionate guidance in the process. We will help you work toward your goals and help you understand what you need to know about Colorado divorce.
How a Boulder Divorce Lawyer Can Help
Many couples may try to handle the divorce process without an attorney in an attempt to keep things relatively cheap and simple. While this may work for the occasional situation, it can be risky to pursue this alone. Some of the vital services you get from a Boulder divorce lawyer include:
- Working as a point of contact for the other party, the attorney, or the mediators
- Drafting and filing the appropriate documents promptly
- Protecting your assets to which you are entitled
- Negotiation in mediation or court proceedings
- Support you in uncovering all relevant assets
Divorce is an emotional process, even when you know it is the best thing for you and your family. Working with an attorney allows you to receive guidance from a neutral third party. Our Boulder divorce lawyers will help you make informed decisions and ensure you understand your options.
You May Choose From Several Paths for Your Divorce
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you can choose to divorce because the marriage is irreparably broken, and not necessarily because a single person is to blame. However, the process can look different based on the individual situation.
Uncontested Divorce
In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all aspects of property division, custody agreements, and alimony. This process typically just requires you to agree on a plan and have an attorney draw up and file the paperwork. This is often the fastest way to obtain a Colorado divorce.
Mediated Divorce
Mediation is an excellent option for couples who may agree on most things but need to work through smaller points of conflict, or for couples who are both willing and able to negotiate and reach an agreement, even if they disagree on most components of the divorce. Working with a mediation attorney can save time and money compared to taking a case to court. However, it does require active participation from both parties.
Mediation is not an appropriate resolution method for marriages with a history of domestic violence or significant power imbalances.
Litigated Divorce
Litigation in divorce can be the most appropriate when you have a high-conflict situation, or one in which domestic violence was a factor. This happens in court, where each party will make their case for what they are requesting from the divorce, and the judge will make the final determination.
While an attorney is an invaluable resource in any divorce, it can be critical to a positive outcome in a litigated divorce. Do not let your soon-to-be ex-spouse push you around and leave you with less than you deserve.
How Long Does Divorce Take in Colorado?
The fastest you can obtain a divorce in Colorado is 91 days, due to the mandated waiting period. However, you can expect most to take closer to 18 months to fully resolve. If you are in a high-conflict or high-asset divorce, this can take as long as a year or more to complete. Some of the factors that contribute to how long your divorce will take include:
- How well both parties cooperate
- How quickly both parties can completely agree to terms
- Court or mediation schedules
- Timely completion of documentation
Additionally, you may find that it takes additional time to recover the necessary documentation, whether those are financial records or business valuation processes. Any delays in recovering the necessary information or filing the required paperwork will add to the time it takes to finalize your divorce.
What to Expect From Your Divorce
The divorce process is not always linear, and you may find yourself returning to mediation several times or needing multiple court dates. However, you can typically expect the following from divorces in Colorado:
- File the petition to dissolve the marriage
- Serve/notify the other person
- Response to notice
- Gather and share financial information to begin negotiations
- Mediation (if appropriate)
Whether you attend mediation, require litigation, or have a fully uncontested divorce, you will typically need to go before the judge to present the agreement. In most cases, a judge will approve any divorce agreement that is legal, reasonable, and relatively fair. Once the judge approves, the next step is to obtain the final decree.
Contact Our Boulder Divorce Lawyers Today
It can be hard to imagine separating or divorcing your spouse, and they are often not the same person you thought you married. It is invaluable to have someone on your side who can ensure you know your rights and help you make educated and informed decisions that align with your long-term goals. Call our Boulder divorce lawyers today at (720) 739-1770 to schedule a case consultation and learn more about your options.