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Divorce Helping FAMILIES ACROSS COLORADO For more than 30 Years

Colorado Divorce Lawyers

Denver Divorce Attorneys Can Protect Your Family

With 250 years of combined experience, the attorneys at The Harris Law Firm are dedicated to helping clients dissolve their marriages as smoothly and quickly as possible. We focus on mutually-beneficial solutions that are best for the entire family and strive to avoid litigation whenever possible.

Divorce, at its most basic, is the legal action taken to end a marriage. Unlike in previous decades, divorce does not require a legal justification. Thanks to “no-fault” divorce laws, no single person must be “at-fault” for causing the divorce. Instead, anyone in a marriage is free to leave that marriage under the umbrella of “irreconcilable differences.”

The greatest difficulty in any divorce, even between the most cooperative spouses, is the assignment of property and custody. High-tension situations can arise out of deciding who gets what, especially when it comes to the following divorce-related issues:

  • Child Custody: Determining the custody arrangement for any children involved, including legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives).
  • Child Support: Establishing the financial support that one parent may owe to the other for the upbringing and care of their children. The amount is often based on state guidelines considering factors like income and custody arrangements.
  • Alimony (Spousal Support): This involves determining whether one spouse is entitled to financial support from the other post-divorce. Factors such as the duration of the marriage, earning capacity, and financial need are considered.
  • Property Division: Dividing marital assets and debts acquired during the marriage. This can include real estate, savings accounts, retirement funds, vehicles, household items, and debts like mortgages or credit cards. Colorado follows the principle of equitable distribution, aiming for a fair but not necessarily equal split of assets and liabilities.
  • Legal Fees and Costs: Divorce proceedings can involve legal fees, court costs, and other expenses related to the process, which both parties might need to address.

To speak with an experienced Colorado divorce attorney, give us a call or contact us online today. More Questions Than Answers? Check out a webinar!

Do You Have To Go To A Divorce Hearing?

In Colorado, there is no one way of going through the process. When preparing for divorce, Colorado courts usually require a hearing in a dissolution or post-dissolution matter for one of two reasons:

  1. where the parties are unable to resolve the issues in their case such as parenting time or asset division
  2. where one or both of the parties is not represented by an attorney and the couple has children.

How Can You Be Prepared For A Divorce If You Are Unsafe?

If you feel your safety or your children’s safety is in danger because of the threats or acts of your significant other, there are steps you can take in addition to getting a restraining order. Pre-planning is critical in these types of cases. Ask yourself what documents you may need if you have to leave at a moment’s notice. Here are the fundamentals:

  • Your driver’s license
  • Your social security card
  • Cash on hand
  • A credit card
  • An address book or palm pilot containing all your important telephone numbers
  • A cellular phone and/or a long distance telephone card
  • Health insurance documentation
  • Medications and/or prescription information
  • Bank account numbers

Contested Divorce vs. Uncontested Divorce in Colorado

In Colorado, there are two main types of divorces: contested divorces and uncontested divorces.

A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot reach an agreement on one or more issues related to the divorce. As we mentioned earlier, these issues can include child custody, division of assets and debts, alimony, or any other matter related to the dissolution of the marriage.

In a contested divorce, the couple typically relies on legal proceedings and may require court intervention to settle disagreements. This often involves hearings, negotiations, and potentially a trial where a judge decides on unresolved matters if the spouses can't reach an agreement through mediation or negotiation.

Contested divorces usually take longer to finalize and tend to be more expensive due to legal fees, court costs, and the time required for resolution.

On the other hand, an uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all aspects of the divorce. 

Since there are no disagreements, an uncontested divorce typically doesn't require court intervention. Instead, the couple can draft a settlement agreement together or with the help of their attorneys, and once it's finalized, they can submit it to the court for approval.

Because there's no need for extensive court proceedings or legal battles, uncontested divorces tend to be quicker and less expensive than contested divorces.

Our Colorado divorce lawyers can assess your situation and determine which type of divorce suits you. Remember, even a contested divorce can become an uncontested divorce if both parties can resolve their differences and enter an agreement through divorce mediation.

What Is The Difference Between A Legal Separation And A Divorce?

In many ways, filing for a legal separation will require the same amount of time, effort, and money as it will take to obtain a divorce. When filing for legal separation and/or divorce, you will address the division of marital assets and debts, the allocation of parental rights, and orders for maintenance when applicable. The primary difference is that following a legal separation, you are still married. Some couples choose to file for a legal separation rather than for divorce because of religious beliefs or moral values.

If you decide to obtain a “Divorce”, you will file a petition for dissolution of marriage with your county court. The minimum amount of time to obtain a divorce in the State of Colorado is 90 days, but could take longer depending on the Court’s docket. When filing for legal separation and/or divorce, you will address the division of marital assets and debts, the allocation of parental rights, and orders for maintenance when applicable.

Non-Combative, Mutually Beneficial Solutions

High-tension situations, especially between couples who have a history of conflict, can erupt into full-on litigation battles. Our Colorado family law attorneys avoid these situations to the best of our ability. Many of our lawyers are trained and certified mediators, and others have years of experience conducting negotiations between combative parties in complex financial and emotional circumstances.

We believe the best divorce agreements are written cooperatively, not begrudgingly. 

This is especially true for parents, as children are often the most harmed and traumatized by a painful divorce process.

The highest priority in The Harris Law Firm's approach is insulating children from the emotional wounds that come from a tense divorce. Many of our lawyers have gone through divorces, either as parents or as children. They are intimately familiar with the injuries a divorce can inflict on a family’s sense of well-being and togetherness, and they fight their hardest to facilitate peace in a cooperative environment.

How Our experienced denver divorce lawyers can help

In short, if you are looking for a divorce, The Harris Law Firm is a powerful choice that ensures the most beneficial solutions possible. Our lawyers have helped over 8,000 family law clients so far, are highly-skilled, trained by some of the greatest courts and attorneys in the nation.

Our experienced divorce attorneys in Colorado offer a range of services aimed at making this challenging time easier for you:

  • Legal Guidance: We provide expert advice on divorce laws in Colorado, ensuring you understand your rights, obligations, and the legal process ahead. This clarity helps you make informed decisions.
  • Representation: Our attorneys represent your interests in negotiations, mediation sessions, or court proceedings. We advocate for your rights and work toward achieving the best possible outcomes in matters such as child custody, support, alimony, and property division.
  • Documentation and Paperwork: Divorce involves a significant amount of paperwork and legal documentation. We handle the preparation and filing of these documents, ensuring they comply with Colorado's legal requirements.
  • Negotiation and Mediation: We strive to resolve divorce-related issues amicably whenever possible. Our team assists in negotiations and mediation to reach fair agreements that align with your best interests.
  • Court Representation: In cases where litigation becomes necessary, our attorneys provide strong representation in court. We present your case persuasively, advocating for you before the judge to secure a favorable outcome.
  • Emotional Support: Going through a divorce is emotionally challenging. We offer support and empathy, helping you navigate the emotional aspects of the process while focusing on achieving your legal goals.
  • Post-Divorce Assistance: Our services extend beyond finalizing the divorce. We assist in enforcing court orders and modifying agreements if circumstances change in the future.

Our firm is one of the largest family law firms in Colorado—our size, however, does not compromise our laser-like focus on your case. We provide clear guidance in complex situations, cutting through complicated circumstances to provide the best possible result.

If you are seeking a divorce, you need an attorney who will understand your situation and protect your well-being. Contact The Harris Law Firm today. 

The Harris Law Firm Difference

WE CARE ABOUT OUR CLIENTS, OUR TEAM, & OUR COMMUNITY

Since 1993, our commitment has been to provide the best possible client outcomes through compassionate and effective representation. If you are facing a divorce or related family law matter, contact our helpful, compassionate, and understanding attorneys to request a legal evaluation or you can submit your information to ask a legal question. We look forward to helping you!

  • Our Community

    The Harris Law Firm supports the legal, local and international community. Through deliberate strategic giving efforts, we work together to bring strength, happiness and empowerment to Colorado and beyond. WE CARE about our role in the world around us.

  • Our Team

    We celebrate the many individual strengths that make up The Harris Law Firm team. We encourage growth while also promoting a collaborative working environment. WE CARE about our team and strive to ensure an environment of collegiality, appreciation and consistent professional development.

  • Our Clients

    You come to us for guidance, support and assistance at a trying time. We take this responsibility very seriously. You deserve a high level of service and excellent legal representation. WE CARE about your challenges, solutions and process for resolution.

  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
  • Best Lawyers
  • 10 Best Law Firm
  • 10 Best Avvo
  • Best Law Firms
  • Best for Colorado
  • Super Lawyers
  • Peer Rated

Our Testimonials

Hear it from Our clients
    "I AM THRILLED and relieved and so ready to move forward."
    I AM THRILLED and relieved and so ready to move forward. Thank you, everyone, for your hard work on behalf of my sweet daughter. God bless you!!
    - Jeni
    "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart."
    Sangeetha, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you did to help me get this settlement. Thank you for trying to keep the hours down on this case. You are truly more than an attorney. In this case somewhat of a super hero. Thanks again.
    - Mark
    "My family and I deeply appreciate it."
    Thank you both for everything you have done to help me have my daughter in my life. My family and I deeply appreciate it.
    - Paul
    "I would like to thank the team for your patience with us through what has been a very difficult process for us both."
    We had a successful conclusion to all of our work this morning. The court commented on the fine work that had been done using a combination of the collaborative process and our independent efforts. I would like to thank the team for your patience with us through what has been a very difficult process for us both.
    - Mark
    "I am grateful that you represented me because you are smart, talented, generous and kind, and I want to thank you for being you!"
    I am grateful that you represented me because you are smart, talented, generous and kind, and I want to thank you for being you!
    - Rachel
    "I am so grateful for your professionalism"
    I am so grateful for your professionalism
    - Linda
    "I can not ever thank you enough."
    You have helped my family so much....there are no words.
    - M.P.
    "First... let me say how MUCH I love and appreciate Peggy!"
    First... let me say how MUCH I love and appreciate Peggy!
    - Andrea