Post Divorce Info

Colorado Divorce- The Five Stages of Grief and Learning to Live with Loss

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler The 5 stages of Grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance Elizabeth Kubler Ross identified the responses to loss that many people have, but it is important to know there is no typical loss, and everyone has their own process. Denial This first stage of grieving helps us to survive the loss. In this stage, the world becomes meaningless and overwhelming. Life makes no sense. We are in a state of shock and denial. We go numb. We wonder how we can go on. We try to find a way to get through each day. Denial and shock help us to cope …

Modifying Your Colorado Child Support Orders

  Modifying Your Child Support Order If your child’s other parent’s financial circumstances have changed from the time the Colorado court  issued the original child support order, and the change will result in an increase of 10% or more in the child support obligation, then you can file a motion to modify the order. The modification will date back to the time the motion was filed so it is important to act as soon as you become aware that there has been a significant and continuing change in your former’s spouse’s financial circumstances. Conversely, du …

Call The Harris Law Firm for Colorado Post Decree Issues

If you have a Colorado post decree issue, call The Harris Law Firm to arrange for a consultation. We can arrange a meeting for you with one of our lawyers in our Denver or Fort Collins offices, or we can accomodate you via phone. The attorneys at the firm handle domestic relations matters in the State of Colorado: Post decree matters, modifications of child support, parenting time and/or maintenance (alimony/spousal support), divorce, legal separation, step parent adoption, grandparents rights, etc. Call us for a consultation: 303 299 9484 or 970 472 1838

When Reducing Your Own Parenting Time is a Fight

  When Reducing Your Own Parenting Time is a Fight   Typically, parenting time disputes revolve around one parent trying to increase their own parenting time.  On the other hand, there are times when a parent needs to reduce their parenting time with the kids. In these instances, a voluntary reduction is usually met with little if any resistance. However, when there is disagreement regarding a voluntary reduction, the parent not following the parenting schedule can be sanctioned by the court and have to pay the attorney fees of the other party.  Make sure …

How Do I Divide My Retirement Account Following my Divorce?

  Dividing a Qualified or Non-Qualified retirement account can be complex and will depend on the type of retirement account you own. For more information about dividing your retirement account assets, please click on the following link: http://www.harrisfamilylaw.com/articles/what-happens-to-my-retirement.cfm

Do you have a post decree matter in Northern Colorado?

The Harris Law Firm handles all aspects of Colorado Family Law. If you have a divorce, custody, or post decree matter, you can schedule a consultation at the firm by callng 303 299 9484 or 970 472 1838. The firm handles cases throughout Colorado, including Windsor, Loveland, Boulder, Fort Collins, Larimer and Weld Counties.

Colorado Divorce: Post Decree Matter in Northern Colorado?

The Harris Law Firm also has offices in Fort Collins to handle family law cases in Northern Colorado, including Boulder, Greeley, Windsor, Loveland, and Weld and Larimer Counties. If you have a divorce, custody, or post decree issue, call Colorado's Familiy Law Team at 303 299 9484 or 970 472 1838 to schedule a consultation today.

Colorado Spousal Support: Should You Agree to Modifiable or Non-Modifiable?

  Colorado Divorce: Spousal Support   Prior to negotiating for “Maintenance” in the State of Colorado, a term also called “Alimony” or “Spousal Support” in other states, the parties to the divorce case must consider whether the maintenance award will be modifiable or non-modifiable. Modifiable Maintenance Most maintenance awards are subject to modification. This means that either party can file a motion to modify the original court order. Modifiable maintenance means that the parties have the option of increasing, decre …

Kobe Bryant and Wife Vanessa to Reconcile After Long Separation

After a year-long separatiion Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa are giving their marriage another chance. The couple announced their recent decision to get back together via social media: "We are pleased to announce that we have reconciled," Vanessa Bryant posted this Friday. "Our divorce action will be dismissed and we are looking forward to a future as husband and wife" The Bryants’ marriage derailed in 2003 after Kobe admitted to infidelity. The L.A. Lakers basketball star was charged with sexually assaulting a woman in Colorado. Kobe in …

Can I receive social security benefits as a surviving divorced spouse?

If you are divorced, and your former spouse is now deceased, you can receive benefits as a surviving divorced spouse on the Social Security record of a deceased former spouse who is fully insured.  If you: Are at least age 60, or age 50 and disabled; Were married to the former spouse for at least 10 years; Are not entitled to a higher Social Security benefit on your own record; and Are unmarried, unless the following exception applies:  You remarried after age 60; or after age 50 and at the time of re-marriage you were entitled to Social Security disability bene …

Each year, 115,000 women lose their private health insurance after a divorce

Researchers from the University of Michigan analyzed national data from 1996 through 2007 on women aged 26 to 64 and found that women's overall insurance coverage remains lower for more than two years following a divorce. The study indicated that there are approximately 1 million divorces each year in the U.S.about 65,000 U.S. women a year lose their health insurance coverage in the months following divorce because they no longer qualifed as dependents under their husbands' insurance , or they could not afford to pay the premiums for private coverage. …

Family Law Issues in Weld or Larimer County?

Call The Harris Law Firm, Colorado's Family Law Team,  at 303 299 9484

Colorado Divorce and Post Decree Matters

If you have a post decree matter in the State of Colorado, please call The Harris Law Firm. With offices in Denver and Fort Collins we have 20 lawyers to serve you. Call us at 303 299 9484 or 970 472 1838. We can arrange a consultation for you right away

Colorado Divorce: Post Decree Matter in Fort Collins?

If you have a post decree legal matter in Northern Colorado, please call The Harris Law Firm. With offices in Denver and Fort Collins, our 20 lawyers are here to help. To schedule a consultation, please call us at 303 299 9484, and we will arrange a time for you to discuss your post decree issue with one of our family law attorneys.

Colorado Divorce: Do you have a post decree legal matter?

If you have a post decree legal matter, call The Harris Law Firm. With offices in Denver and Fort Collins, our 19 lawyers are here to help. To schedule a consultation, please call us at 303 299 9484, and we will arrange a time for you to discuss your post decree issue with one of our family law attorneys.

Colorado Divorce: Do women recover from divorce faster than men?

Women deal with loss and grief differently than men. A woman will often immerse herself in her suffering and seek the counsel and support of friends, family, and/or a mental health professional. Men, conversely, will often bury their pain in work, sports, or at their local bar. By grieving and addressing her pain, a woman will often recover more quickly from a divorce because she is consciously dealing with her loss. Men sometimes have the idea that life goes on and they seek to simply move past the emotional obstacle and many times even begin a new …

Colorado Divorce: Post-Decree Modifications

Even after a divorce has been finalized, situations may arise that will require that you modify child support and/or a maintenance agreement.  If you are seeking a modification after your divorce, please contact The Harris Law Firm  to schedule a consultation with a lawyer who can review your options, discuss strategy, and help you find a solution to your legal matter. When deciding a Relocation case or Cusody issue, the court will consider: •The parent’s reason for relocation •The other parent's objections to …

Divorce Coaching: Learning to Co-Parent with Your Former Spouse

Divorce Coaching: Learning to Co-Parent with Your Former Spouse Are you tired of your emotions getting in the way of completing your divorce process? Are you wishing you could co-parent in a more respectful way? Could you use some help for how to listen to someone you’d rather not talk with? Do you wish he or she would listen to you better? Are your kids getting stuck in the middle of their parent’s conflict? Read this recent article by Divorce Coach, Joanne Bauman, Ph.D. at: http://www.harrisfamilylaw.com/divorce-coaching-learning-to-co-parent-with-your-former-spouse

Colorado Child Support: Failure to Pay Court-Ordered Child Support?

Did you know that there are potential criminal ramifications for failure to pay child support? Colorado law provides for a jail sentence up to 6 months, the suspension of the payor's driver's license, and the interception of tax refunds for those who refuse to pay. If you are in need of help from a delinquent spouse, the attorneys at The Harris Law Firm can help! Or if you are accused of this crime, but have valid or extenuating circumstances, we can help defend you. The attorneys at The Harris Law Firm have many years of experience in this area and we are here to assist yo …

Colorado Divorce: Filing an Appeal or Request for Reconsideration

If a Colorado court has already ruled on in your family law case, you may be able to file a motion with the court to:   1. Modify the order 2. Appeal the order 3. Reconsider the order 1. If your circumstances have changed significantly since the Court’s initial ruling, you may want to modify the child support, parenting time, decision making, or maintenance order to match the change in your current circumstances.   2. If you had a final hearing on your divorce and there were contested matters ruled on by the judge, you have the right to appeal th …

Zen and the Art of Divorce?

Who knew that British comedian Russell Brand was also a philosopher? After obtaining a divorce from pop singer Katy Perry, the comedian turned philosopher says that he does not intend to dwell on his failed marriage because he finds that it is “meaningless” to hold on to anything “negative.” Brand, who is also an actor and yoga enthusiast,  filed for divorce from Perry in Los Angeles at the end of 2011. He recently told the press that he is at peace with the end of their 14-month union and doesn't h …

Was the Kardashian Wedding a Publicity Stunt?

Kris Humphries says that he will not divorce Kim Kardashian until she admits publically that the wedding was a publicity stunt and the marriage was staged by her and her family. He is also demanding a public apology from her.  Apparently Mr. Humphries has turned down a $7 million dollar settlement to ensure his silence, but he has refused the offer. Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/kris_to_kim_say_it_was_fake_EHjFVlJvKVh00DWdCll1SL#ixzz1qtLY9kbV

Creating a Post-Colorado Divorce Plan for Your Future

  The key to life after divorce is to follow a Colorado post-divorce plan. With so many things affecting your life during and after your divorce, a plan can bring a lot of comfort and needed stability to your life and help you to move more positively into the future. There will inevitably be many things that you cannot control as much as you would like to during this process, so it is important to take hold of those things which you can control and use them to surround yourself with calm during the storm. Just like your children will need predictability, comfort, and safety in order to f …

Filing for Annulment (Declaration of Invalidity) or a Colorado Divorce?

 Colorado Divorce vs. Annulment C.R.S. § 14-10-111 states that a court has the authority to declare a marriage invalid for several reasons such as: (a) One person lacked the ability to consent to the marriage.    (b) One person did not have the physical ability to consummate the marriage by sexual intercourse, and the other person did not know about it when they got married.  (c) One person was not old enough to consent to the marriage, and that person did not have parental consent. (d) One person tricked the other person through some type of fraud, and the f …

Call The Harris Law Firm for Colorado Divorce or Post Decree Matters

If you have a Colorado divorce, or post-decree matter, call The Harris Law Firm at 303 299 9484 to see how one of our 18 family law attorneys can assist you. With offices in Denver and Fort Collins, we can arrange a consultation for you to determine how we can help. To set up a consultation, please call us today.

Check Out Our New Colorado Divorce Recovery Section!

Divorce Recovery: http://www.harrisfamilylaw.com/divorce-recovery Whatever the reason for your divorce, making the decision to end your marriage is a painful and difficult one.  Our relationships begin with the hope for a bright future, but when they fail, the sense of loss can be devastating. It is not simply the loss of the relationship that we grieve, but also a life shared, and a future that was planned together.  Recovering from a divorce is a complex process, and healing takes time, but it is important to know that you can, and will, begin again. …

Colorado Divorce or Post Decree Matter in Denver or Fort Collins?

If you have a post-decree matter involving child support, parenting time, or maintenance issues, call The Harris Law Firm to arrange for a private consultation with one of our 18 family law attorneys in Denver or Fort Collins. Call Heidi Culbertson, our Director of New Client Development at 303 299 9484.

See Our Colorado Divorce Recovery Section!

http://www.harrisfamilylaw.com/divorce-recovery   Divorce Recovery Whatever the reason for your divorce, making the decision to end your marriage is a painful and difficult one.  Our relationships begin with the hope for a bright future, but when they fail, the sense of loss can be devastating. It is not simply the loss of the relationship that we grieve, but also a life shared, and a future that was planned together.  Recovering from a divorce is a complex process, and healing takes time, but it is important to know that you can, and will, begin again.

Colorado Divorce Recovery Class: Sunday, January 22

  Colorado Divorce Recovery Class:   Date and time: Sundays starting Jan 22. 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Location: Lafayette. Please call for location. Payment: $350.00.  Credit card, cash or check accepted.  Bring: Water bottle, something to write with, an emergency contact number, and your payment.  Contact: Jeannine 303-499-1987; Jeannine@RebuildingDivorceRecovery.com        Jeannine@jeanninelee.com To RSVP, please call: 303-499-1987    Jeannine Lee, CPCC, ACC, GRC, CMHC  

Divorce Recovery Class on Sunday, January 15th

  Sunday, January 15th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Location: Cairn Christian church * Lafayette Reduced Price: $375.00. Payment plans available. Jeannine Lee, CPCC, ACC, GRC, CMHC   303-499-1987  http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanninelee Jeannine@rebuildingdivorcerecovery.com   …

My former spouse is still paying on a life insurance policy on me. Is that legal?

  Generally wills, beneficiary designations on accounts such as retirement plans and insurance policies that have the spouse as beneficiary are revoked upon divorce.  This means that if a person forgets to change the spouse as the beneficiary on the retirement plan, the spouse would not inherit, but the contingent beneficiary or estate would receive the benefit.  If you remember the name of the insurance company, you may be able to talk to them about the policy.  If you bought the policy through a broker or sales person, you may be able to check with them.  Check the …

Colorado Custody: Modifying the Parenting Plan Based on Relocation

  If you are relocating out of the State of Colorado, and want to take your child with you, you must first file in Colorado to modify the court ordered parenting time before you move. Before ruling on a relocation case, the court will consider the following: Your reasons for relocating to another state Why you believe that it is in the child's best interests to accompany you, rather than stay in CO with the other parent. The objections of the child's other parent to the proposed relocation …

Colorado Divorce: Post Decree Modifications During the Holiday Season

The holidays often trigger legal issues that include disagreements regarding parenting time and unpaid child support, and/or maintenance. If you have a Colorado divorce or post decree matter that you would like to discuss with a Colorado family law attorney, please give us a call at The Harris Law Firm. You can contact us at 303 299 9484 to schedule a private consultation. We will be available online over the holidays.

Dividing Debt After a Colorado Divorce

According to ex-bankruptcy judge and lawyer R. Glen Ayers, "Most divorce decrees allocate liabilities for pre-divorce obligations between the former spouses. So, the husband agrees or is ordered to pay certain credit card obligations and similar debts. The wife may agree or be ordered to pay a car note or some other debts. While the divorce decree may allocate responsibility between the spouses, that decree does not release either spouse from the obligation to the creditor." In other words, while your decree may specify who is to pay what, it does not release either of you from your …

Call The Harris Law Firm to Discuss Colorado Post Decree Modifications

If you have a parenting plan that needs to be modified or enforced, or have a Colorado divorce, call The Harris Law Firm to arrange a consultation with one of our 18 family law attorneys in Denver or Fort Collins.

This New Book is a Must Read for Any Woman Who Has Left a Difficult Relationship

The Tragic Kingdom by Colorado author Gloria Kennedy, and wonderfully illustrated by Jackie Penny, is every woman's story. It is a tale of love and loss but this time with a happy ending for the princess! Whimsical and inspiring, a great holiday gift for your women friends. To obtain a copy, email the author at gjkennedy55@gmail.com

Post Decree Relocation Cases in Colorado? Call The Harris Law Firm

If you are considering moving out of state, and need to readdress your current parenting plan, call The Harris Law Firm. We have attorneys in our Denver and Fort Collins offices who can work with you to discuss the modification of the allocation of parental rights and the best interests of your child(ren). Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support, the firm's philosophy is to work with you to resolve your legal matter in …

When Your Ex Becomes Your Roommate After a Colorado Divorce

  Couples often endure their marriages because of the kids, but now they often live together following their divorce because of the house. Before the economic downturn and the collapse of the real estate market, couples sold the house, divided the equity and moved on. Now with tight financial sitations, couples are having to rethink "moving on" and are staying together in the marital home as roommates. Although this is a less than ideal arrangement, it is important to be realistic about your options. When faced with this arrangement, try to&n …

Man Faces 18 Year Prison Term for Vandalizing His Ex Wife's Home

  58-year-old Ronald Dean Smith was was accused of breaking into his ex-wife’s Stapleton home in September 2010 and pouring bleach into the baby grand piano, leaving cleat marks on her hardwood floor, and placing uncooked chicken in the heating vents of her house.  The court found Mr. Smith guilty Wednesday of breaking into his ex-wife's house and causing thousands of dollars in damages to her home. The court convicted of second-degree burglary and criminal mischief, both felonies.     Acc …

Your Credit Card Agreement Trumps Your Colorado Divorce Decree

A Colorado divorce decree is a legal, binding document. However, if you signed a credit card agreement, or a loan document,  stating that you agree to the terms of financial responsibility, then you are financially obligated to pay, regardless what your divorce decree may state.  If you find yourself in this situation, the credit card company doesnt want to hear the terms of your divorce decree, they just want to be paid. So if your spouse was court -ordered to pay the debt, and has not done so, this is a matter for your family law attorney to address. L …

Colorado Child Custody: A New Book by Actor, Alec Baldwin: "A Promise to Ourselves"

Alec Baldwin’s new book, “A Promise to Ourselves,” is about divorce, fatherhood, and parental alienation.  Available on Amazon.com   Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Parental Alienation, Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support, the firm's philosophy is to work with you to resolve your legal matter in the best way possible. When you consult with one of our attorneys, the expert legal advice you receive will help you understan …

Life After a Colorado Divorce

Grieving is imperative, but at some point you will have to realize that life goes on. When you are going through the natural grieving process, keep in mind  that you can and will have a happy, productive and meaningful life after your marriage. Don't get mired in regret, but learn from your mistakes and your experiences, and strive to move on. Get back in the game and check our divorce recovery section on our website at harrisfamilylaw.com Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law f …

The Intricacies Of Relocation Cases; A Win Or Lose Situation

  The Intricacies Of Relocation Cases; A Win Or Lose Situation   When parents originally file a Dissolution of Marriage, Allocation of Parental Responsibility, or Paternity action they each have the choice to live or move to a location of their choosing. The Court must accept the choice of their location, and allocate the parenting time and decision making in the children’s best interests pursuant to C.R.S. §14-10-124, taking into consideration the parents’ geographical locations. Spahmer v. Gulette, 113 P.3d 158 (Colo. 2005).   However, when a p …

Re-Read Your Divorce Decree

In the first few months following the dissolution of your marriage,  review the terms of your divorce to ensure that you do not have any upcoming deadlines, and make sure that your former spouse is upholding his or her legal obligations defined by the divorce decree. There are often deadlines associated with the closing of joint accounts, the refinancing of a home, and the resolution of other financial issues. Be aware of the dates that you are required to complete certain obligations. If you are required to transfer titles, property, …

A "Must Read" New Book for Single Parents!

This New Book by Bill McLeod is a "Must Read" for Newly Divorced and Single Parents Everywhere!  Kicking Butt as a Single Parent by Bill McLeod has 99 tips that every single parent must have! Go to Amazon.com to order now!

Women: Healing From Divorce in a Healthy Manner

Yes, divorce is hard and the entire process can be emotionally devastating, but be careful how you deal with your pain. Women going through a divorce often result to external means by shopping, having plastic surgery, or trying to create a new relationship before they have had time to heal. Shopping: For many women, shopping is a common method of  dealing with the emotional void. You are sad and you feel empty, so you go out and buy something new. Instead of purchasing something, deal with your pain in a more proactive manner. Go talk to someone about how you fee …

Rebuilding Divorce Recovery Seminar

Overcome the emotions of divorce Learn what went wrong Start designing your new future   Rebuilding Divorce Recovery Seminars   Cost:  $394.00.  Payment plans available. Format:  10 weeks, 3 hours per night.    Call about upcoming seminars!   For more information call Jeannine:  303-499-1987 

Living Together After the Divorce is Final

Before filing for divorce, spouses should consider the costs of separation. Begin by creating a balance sheet showing your monthly household income verses expenses. The next step is to divide both incomes in half, double the amount of the household expenses, and subtract total expenses from the net income. This is the amount of extra income that will be available to you after you have paid your post-divorce monthly expenses. When creating a new budget, many couples find that there will be little, if any, excess income available to them once they have paid their monthly bills. It …

How long does it take to recover from divorce?

Divorce recovery is a highly personal process, and it depends on many factors. These include the length of the marriage, your age,  the age of your children, your financial status, and how prepared you were for the demise of your marriage. Grieving the loss of your relationship is as inevitable as it is normal, but part of the process is to accept your grief. Begin by asking for the help and support you need from your family and friends, and obtain the assistance of a counselor if possible. As difficult as it is when your marriage com …

Could the Rising Divorce Rate in 2011 Signal an Economic Recovery for the U.S.?

The Harris Law Firm, the largest family law firm in the State of Colorado, has seen an increase in business in the first 4 months of 2011. Are the rising number of divorce cases a leading indicator meaning that our faltering economy is on the mend? Read more:   by Virginie Montet Virginie Montet – Thu Apr 28, 4:29 pm ET WASHINGTON (AFP) – A telltale sign of US economic recovery: the divorce rate is on the rise, after falling sharply in 2008 and 2009. "People were afraid they were going to lose their jobs so they were very cautious about ge …

If You Pay Child Support, Get Copies of the Paperwork from Family Support Registry

James Powell of El Paso County in Colorado Springs, Colorado has been paying child support for years, but for the benefit of someone else's children, not his own children! Powell stated: "The money that has been taken out of my paycheck every month has gone into someone else's account," Powell recently discovered the problem when he got someone else's child support paperwork in the mail. Powell said that he and that man have the same name and their ex-wives' names are similar. Powell believes that thousands of dollars have&nbs …

Using a QDRO to Divide a Qualified Plan During Divorce Proceedings

In general, ERISA rules do not permit a participant in a qualified plan to assign the participant's interest in the retirement account to another individual. These rules are intended to ensure that a participant's retirement benefits are available to provide financial support for the participant's retirement years. A limited exception to this rule is provided for assignments of retirement benefits through qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs). Under the QDRO exception, a domestic relations order may assign some or all of a participant's retirement …

Relocating Following a Divorce – How This Can Affect Your Kids

If you are considering a long distance move from your former spouse after your divorce is final, you must first consider the effect a move may have on your children.  When the custodial parent moves far away from the other parent, the separation can cause child to suffer from grief and separation anxiety. They have not only lost the daily interaction with their mother and father together as a family, but now the great distance from one parent makes consistent contact even more difficult . Additionally, a long distance move will also deny your& …

When Do I Start Dating Again?

Divorce is painful, and some people need more time to recover than others. After obtaining your final divorce decree, allow yourself at least six to twelve months to adjust to the fact that you are single.  Rather than beginning to date right away, use this time to adjust to your newly single status and get together with friends and family, take a class, go on a weekend getaway, get into therapy, and take time to discover the new you. When you grieved the loss of your marriage, and regained your self-confidence, your optimis …

Colorado Divorce: Cutting the costs

By Kathy M. Kristof Personal Finance - February 6, 2011 It may seem unromantic, but just about the only people who are busier than florists this time of year are divorce attorneys. Whether it's because Valentine's Day forces couples to face romantic disappointments or because many people put off cutting marital ties until after the holidays, February tends to kick off high season for divorce. And nothing could be worse for your finances than a contentious marital split, said Mark Baer, a family law attorney in Pasadena. Baer has compiled data to prove it. Married couples have significantly …

Is Kelsey Grammer getting remarried before his divorce is final?

Can you get remarried before obtaining your divorce decree? Kelsey Grammer, who is about to marry  his new fiance' on February 25th in the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel is about to find out! According the lawyers at The Harris Law Firm, a subsequent marriage will be rendered invalid if one of the parties is still legally married. But Grammer, who says that he "will not postpone his happiness" has already sent out invitations to 150 of his closest friends to the upcoming wedding ceremony even though he has not yet obtained a dissoluton of marriage&n …

Divorce Coaching at No Charge!

Divorcecoaching.com is a new website that offers divorce coaching! The site contains a number of helpful resources to women who are facing the end of their marriages, and also to those who are struggling to rebuild their lives following a divorce. The site was developed by divorce coach Jennifer Horton, and the site includes informative articles on the effects of divorce, an inspirational blog, a teleseminar series and a free ebook titled: The Six Questions that Initiate the Divorce Healing Process. For a limited time, Divorcecoaching.com is now offering a free 60-minute, …

Texas Court of Appeals Grants Gay Divorce

DALLAS – The Texas Attorney General ruled that the court can't block a divorce granted to two women who were legally married elsewhere, an appeals court ruled Friday. A judge in Austin granted a divorce last February to Angelique Naylor and Sabina Daly, who were married in Massachusetts in 2004 and then returned home to Texas. A day after the divorce was granted, Texas Attorney General Gregg Abbott filed a motion to intervene in the case, arguing the judge didn't have the jurisdiction to grant the divorce because Texas has a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. The judge ruled th …

Do You Need to File for Enforcement?

At the close of litigated family law proceedings, Colorado Courts enter permanent orders to establish the rights and obligations of the parties involved. In cases where both parties have agreed upon a settlement, the terms of the agreement are included in the final settlement agreement or permanent orders. The enforcement or modification of a court order is the goal in post decree matters. If you need to file for enforcement, call The Harris Law Firm, Colorado's family law team at 303 299 9484 To access this article about enforcing a Colorado court order in it's entirety: plea …

Be Careful Who You Date!

  When The Harris Law Firm’s client began dating a previously married woman, little did he know that he would be swept into a legal fight with the woman’s vengeful ex-husband. Nearly two years and several thousand dollars in attorney’s fees later, the firm assisted the client in defeating husband’s scorched-earth litigation tactics and in recovering the lion’s share of the attorney’s fees he had to spend in defending himself from the ex-husband’s aggressive and unrestrained litigation.   Husband opened his legal attacks by c …

Relocation and Modifying Your Colorado Parenting Plan

In the State of Colorado, following a divorce, parental rights are outlined by parental agreements or the Allocation of Parental Rights (APR) When a custodial parent wishes to relocate, the court must consider the following before modifying the parenting plan: The reason for the relocation  The objections of the other parent The child's relationship with each parent The impact of the relocation on the child Educational opportunities for the children in the current and in the new loca …

Does Marriage Bring a Great Degree of Happiness?

But betting on marriage to bring you happiness may be a risky gamble since about 48 percent of marriages end in divorce [source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]. Nevertheless, psychologists have pointed to marriage as the single most reliable happiness indicator. Across nations and ethnic groups, people report greater happiness from marriage than career, community or money [source: Seligman]. A 2005 survey from the Pew Research Center substantiates these assertions. Forty-three percent of married respondents reported that they were "very happy," compared to 24 percent of …

See Our Post -Divorce Checklist

http://www.harrisfamilylaw.com/the-post-divorce-checklist Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support, the firm's philosophy is to work with you to resolve your legal matter in the best way possible. When you consult with one of our attorneys, the expert legal advice you receive will help you understand your rights and options according to Colorado law. And when you retain this AV rated firm, the many years of combined experienc …

Divorce ceremonies give Japanese couples a new way to untie the knot

One by one, Japenese couples are walking through the legal steps of finalizing their divorces: dividing property, determining child custody and arranging the college fund. But when it comes to settling the heartache over the end of a marriage, Japanese couples are finding that the legal system had no formal recovery process. Thus the new divorce ceremony. One in four marriages in Japan now ends in divorce, yet it's still considered a cultural taboo. These increasingly popular divorce ceremonies help some Japanese cope with the country's changing social norms, accordin …

12 Mistakes People Make When Representing Themselves

    For a variety of reasons, many people choose to represent themselves in a divorce, custody, child support or other family law case. The decision of whether to hire an attorney to represent you or to choose to represent yourself may be one of the most important decisions one makes regarding their children, their family and their financial security. Often, we meet clients who have attempted to represent themselves, but found they became overwhelmed or made significant errors and are now trying to "undo" what happened in their case. Colorado law states that parties w …

Mistakes People Make When Representing Themselves

Many people who are a party to a family law matter have tried using the internet parenting plans that can be found on various websites. While these "one size fits all" parenting plans may meet the most basic needs of divorcing parents, they are often very vague and ambiguous. For example, these parenting plans often state "parenting time is as agreed upon" or "Thanksgiving for Mother, Christmas for Father". This leaves open many, many interpretations of what the exact schedule will be on these holidays. Or, some of these parenting plans contain no m …

Does Your Unemployed Ex Refuse to Pay Child Support?

With the U.S. Department of Labor reporting the national unemployment rate at 9.5% as of June 30th, 2010,and Colorado’s jobless figure at 8.3%, more and more unemployed parents are unable to pay their court-ordered child support.  But what can the custodial parent  do if their former spouse has stopped paying child support and is currently not seeking employment?   A family law attorney can investigate the non-paying parents circumstances to determine if they have funds to pay child support. Your attorney can help you to determine if they are coll …

Dating During the Divorce Process

If you are going through a divorce, and decide to begin dating during the process, there are several points to consider before establishing a new relationship: 1.Take the time you need to seriously ponder the reasons why your marriage ended, and seek the services of a counselor to help you through this challenging time. 2. Remember that bringing a new relationship into your life will bring new and different kinds of stress. 3. Be realistic about what you expect from another person and about what you have to offer a new relationship. 4. If you are still dealing with unre …

Divorce Recovery can be More Costly than Divorce Itself

According to recent statistics from the National Center for Health, the U.S. divorce rate is currently estimated at 47.9 percent.  Based on legal expenses, child support, and travel for parental visits to non-custodial parents, the financial impact of divorce is estimated at $11.1 billion dollars annually. Another $75.1 billion per year is estimated for post-divorce therapy, individual and family counseling, life coaching, and other mental health related therapies.  While the circumstances associated with divorce are unique for every couple,&nb …

Saving Your Marriage- Getting the Support You Need!

  Sarah James, LCSW, CAC 11 9220 Teddy Lane, Ste 1400 Lone Tree, CO 80124 Phone: 303-241-0421 www.thecoloradocounselor.com

Tips for Suviving Your Divorce

Tips for Surviving Your Divorce Keep to a routine. If you work, all the better. (Don't worry about being less productive than usual.) If you don't work, even if you have nowhere you have to go and nothing that must be done, make up a sequence of activities for that day and do each one of them. It helps to keep busy. Exercise. Jog, power walk, do yoga, walk your dog, spin, ride your bike, lift weights, or do anything that gets you moving. Physical activity counteracts the lethargy of depression, releases endorphins, and interrupts the downward spiral of depression. Breathe. In …

Modifying the Divorce Decree

The Harris Law Firm assists clients in post-decree modifications that include changes to maintenance agreements, the allocation of parental responsibilities, and issues regarding one party being in contempt of a court order. A modification of the divorce decree may be required when an individual's circumstances have changed since the divorce was finalized. Changes may include a change in relocation, income, living conditions, or a change regarding financial needs of the children involved. To set up a consultation with one of our attorneys regarding a post-decree modification, please call us …

The Harris Law Firm Provides Advice on The Tom Martino Show

      During a recent appearance on the Tom Martino Troubleshooter program on 630 KHOW, Harris Law Firm principal, Rich Harris assisted a woman in desperate need of child support. In that case, it appeared that problems with a county social services worker were delaying her much-needed payments.? Rich offered tips on how best to deal with the caseworker to protect her rights.    

There are No Perfect Parents

        There is no such thing as a perfect parent because parenting is much more of an art than it is a science.And if perfection were required, no one, not even the psychologists evaluating the needs of the children, or the judges deciding the case, would pass the test. However, in the context of divorce, we often see parents expecting and even demanding that the other parent achieve perfection. Some parents get upset because the children are playing sports, or riding four wheelers with their grandparents, or that they’re not fed a certain wa …

Post Decree Issues

Modification Whether you and your former spouse reached an agreement in your divorce , or the settlement was decided on by a judge, certain aspects of the judgment are subject to modification.  Child support and parenting time are often modifiable if you can show that there has been a substantial and continuous change in circumstances. Examples of such circumstances include losing your job, or conversely making substantially more money. Grounds to change  the orders regarding parenting time can include the changing needs of th …

Family Law Judge Publishes "The Good Karma Divorce"

The dissolution of a marriage is one of the most painful changes a family can endure, but domestic relations judge Michele Lowrance says that it is possible for all concerned to have a positive divorce experience. In her recent publication, "The Good Karma Divorce," the judge offers helpful suggestions and strategies ensure that the process remains civil and professional. Ms. Lowrance recently shared some of her strategies, particularly those for helping your child through a divorce, on Good Morning America today. You can read an excerpt from "The G …

New Years Resolution:Healing the Pain of Divorce

For people facing the pain of divorce or separation, the New Year is a good time to commit to the healing process. A marital breakup can be devastating because it will affect your emotions, self-esteem, children, finances and energy levels. With so much personal upheaval, most people going through divorce are unsure of how to find healing from the hurt, and hope for the future. Many experience a breakthrough in this process by attending recovery support groups. The groups are made up of people who understand the depth of emotions and the "Why?" inherent in the divorce process …

Orders of Protection

Orders of protection can be obtained by individuals to prevent stalking, abuse, or the threat of abuse.  At the initial court appearance, the protected party may receive a temporary protective order. Approximately 14 days later, the protected party must attend a second hearing to make the temporation order of protection permanent.  The restrained party must attend in order to contest the order. Both parties must meet the court's procedural requirements and provide the burden of proof to either enforce, or contest a protection order. Locat …

Englishman Charged with Murdering His Ex Wife

Brian Jones, former husband of Katrina Jones, will appear in court this morning charged with murder after his former wife was stabbed to death as she prepared to host her own divorce party. Police discovered the body of 34-year old mother-of-two last Friday night after being called to investigate a disturbance. Her former husband was charged with murder the following day. Ms. Jones was planning to hold her divorce party on Friday evening to celebrate the finality of the couple’s divorce, after about nine years of marriage. Floral tributes were placed outside the house …

Research Shows that Monogamy is not for the Birds

AUSTRALASIAN gannets, seabirds that were previously believed to mate for life, apparently have a "divorce rate" that is similar to humans. Researcher Steffi Ismar from Auckland University said that orthinologists once considered the birds to be strictly monogamous, but observations of a colony on New Zealand's Cape Kidnappers over a 3 year period revealed their rate of separation from one breeding season to the next is about 40 per cent.  Australasian gannets are large birds that breed on islands off Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand, each pair producing …

Claiming Your Child as a Tax Deduction

Unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties, the Colorado court shall allocate the right to claim dependent children for income tax purposes between the parties. These rights shall be allocated between the parties in proportion to their contributions to the costs of raising the children. A parent shall not, however, be entitled to claim a child as a dependent if he or she has not paid all court-ordered child support for that tax year or if claiming the child as a dependent would not result in any tax benefit. Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris La …

Not yet Divorced Mel Gibson has a New Daughter

On Friday, October 30th, Mel Gibson's partner, Oksana Grigoreva, 39,  gave birth to their first child, a daughter they have named Lucia. Grigorieva, a pianist and songwriter, has a teenage son with former James Bond actor Timothy Dalton. Gibson, 53, has seven children with estranged wife Robyn, who filed for divorce to end their 28-year marriage in April of this year.

Man Receives a Goat in Divorce Settlement

An Australian man was awarded his ex-wife's pet goat as part of a divorce settlement. Steve Killeen said the couple purchased the goat on the Internet a year ago when his then wife was searching online for a hairless cat. "When she saw pictures of the baby goats, she and Killeen decided to go with a  pet goat instead of a cat." Killeen's wife took the family dog with her following their divorce, but Killeen received custody of the goat.

The Harris Law Firm Welcomes Yet ANOTHER New Associate!

The Harris Law Firm is pleased to announce that Christina Apostoli has joined the firm as a new Associate Attorney. Ms. Apostoli spent 6 years as a Deputy District Attorney in the 18th Judicial District assigned to the Special Victims Unit (SVU) and brings to the firm her experience as a skilled litigator. Welcome to the team, Chris!

International Child Abduction in Japan

On Friday, October 16th, U.S. Ambassador John Roos and ambassadors from Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand and Spain urged Japan to resolve a growing number of international child custody disputes.  On October 15th, Japanese police freed an American man accused of abducting his own children. Japanese law currently allows only one divorced parent to act as custodian, and in these cases, the custodial parent is usually the mother. Unfortunately this leaves many dads without parenting time until their children have reached the age of majority.&nbs …

Can My Ex's Paycheck Be Garnished?

When there are Court Orders for child support or maintenance,  the Court can order up to 60% of the parties disposable income to be garnished when the support remains unpaid. An additional 5% may be garnished for support payments that are over 12 weeks in arrears

Christy Brinkley's Ex-Husband Wants Her in Jail

    A year after their divorce,  supermodel Christy Brinkley and her philandering ex husband Peter Cook fought a new battle in a New York courtroom yesterday. Both parties charged the other with violating terms of their settlement. Unable to come to an agreement, a subsequent hearing will be held on Tuesday. Peter Cook, whose affair with a local teenager ended their marriage, claims Brinkley is trying to alienate their 2 kids from him. Cook claimed that Brinkley's refusal to provide him with their son's passport resulted in the child being unable to go on a school trip to …

Can I Be Denied a Passport if I Owe Back Child Support?

You may be denied a passport by the Department of State if you owes more than $5,000 in child support arrearages pursuant to federal law.  It depends, in part, on whether a human services agency has contacted the Department of State and placed a hold for non-payment.

Super Model Jordan Plans to Celebrate Her Freedom

With just weeks to go until her marriage to Peter Andre has officially ended, 31 year old Supermodel Jordan is preparing for a gala to celebrate her new found freedom! Jordan is preparing to invite her friends to celebrate the start of her new life. “Divorce parties are a great idea and   // if (typeof dartOrd == 'undefined') dartOrd=Math.random()*10000000000000000000;(function (x) { if (tm.defer) {tm.defer.defer(x); } else { document.write(x);}})(' 'ipt type="text/javascript" ' + 'src="http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/adj/dailymirror.4240/' + 'celebs_mputwo__300x250;'+mirrDar …

The Harris Law Firm Welcomes a New Associate

The Harris Law Firm is pleased to announce that Carrie Chaille Eckstein, our newest Associate Attorney, has joined the firm. In addition to handling legal matters associated with divorce and child custody, Ms. Eckstein also brings her experience as a CFI and a mediator to Colorado's Family Law Team! Welcome to the firm, Carrie!

Court to hear gay divorce in Texas, despite gay marriage ban

// DALLAS (Reuters) – A judge in Dallas ruled on Thursday that the state court on which she sits has the jurisdiction to hear a divorce suit by a gay couple who were married outside Texas where same-sex marriages are banned. Dallas District Judge Tena Callahan said in the ruling that her court "has jurisdiction to hear a suit for divorce filed by persons legally married in another jurisdiction and who meet the residency and other prerequisites required to file for divorce in Dallas County, Texas." Texas Attorney General …

Hugh Hefner to Divorce Wife of 20 Years

After an 11-year separation, Playboy magnet, Hugh Hefner filed for divorce from Kimberly Conrad in Los Angeles County, citing irreconcilable differences.  Hefner and former playmate, Conrad, were married in July 1989 but separated nine years later. Conrad continued living next to the Playboy mansion with the support of Hefner who paid Conrad $250,000 a year, pursuant to their prenuptial agreement.

Free Seminar at The Harris Law Firm

The Harris Law Firm's free "Questions About Divorce Seminar" will be held on Tuesday, September 15th from 12 pm to 1pm at the firm. The Harris Law Firm is located at 1125 17th Street, Suite 1820, Denver, CO 80202. To RSVP, please call 303 299 9484. Space is limited!

Cook's Business Thrived During Divorce from Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley's cheating ex-husband Peter Cook is benefiting from the publicity surrounding the pair's messy divorce last year - the bitter court battle has revived his career. The architect and his supermodel ex endured a lengthy break-up, during which Brinkley accused him of harboring a porn addiction. The pair - who share two children - split after the model learned of her husband's 2004 affair with a teenage assistant, hearing the details from her love rival's concerned parents. But Cook insists he has not suffered too badly from the high-profile divorce - because it's made hi …

John Cleese Divorce Settlement No Laughing Matter

Funny man John Cleese of Monty Python fame has settled his divorce from his third wife for $19.7 million, a sum that is worth more than he is. "What I find so unfair", said the Oscar nominated comedian to London's Daily Telegraph, "Is that if we both died today, her children would receive a greater inheritance than my children." The settlement stipulated that Alyce Faye Eichelberger, an American psychotherapist, will receive $13 million in cash, and additional assets worth another $6.7 million. John Cleese is dealing with his angst by making his ex one of the subjects of hi …

Modifying Maintenance

You can request that the Court modify the maintenance provision based on a significant change in circumstances unless your separation agreement specifically states that the maintenance award cannot be modified.

Out of State Parenting Time

If your child is spending time with their other parent in a state other than the one that issued the original order, it is wise to file the order in the new state.  If the parent in the new state does not follow the original order and , for instance, refuses to return the child on time, you will already have a case in the new state.  This will make it easier for you to ask for help from the new state to enforce your valid order.  You will need a certified copy of the order along with a Petition to have the new state recognize the order.  The new state does not have the powe …

No Regrets for Jon and Kate Plus 8

According to Jon and Kate Gosselin, the reality TV stars who recently filed for divorce, their decision to separate is not the result of a TV show filming their daily lives coping with their eight children. In her first interview since the couple announced on their three-year-old TV show in June that they were separating, Kate Gosselin told the Today show that she has no regrets about doing the series "Jon & Kate Plus 8," which airs on cable channel TLC. "I feel like it would have happened anyway, cameras on (or) cameras off," said Gosselin, who has twin eight-yea …

No More Wrestling With Parents Divorce

Brooke Hogan, daughter of wrestler "Hulk Hogan", was overjoyed when she heard the news that her parents divorce was over. Not the typical response of a child who parents are separating, but when the national tabloids are covering your parents divorce, it makes sense.  "I was relieved to hear that the divorce papers were finally signed, sealed and delivered", Brooke said in a recent interview, "They just were not good together and now it's over and everything is done. You guys dont have to hate each other anymore." Brooke Hogan currently has a reality TV show …

Divorce and the Division of Marital Property

Pursuant to C.R.S. Sec.14-10-107(4)(b)(I)(A)&(D), a party is restrained from transferring, encumbering, concealing, or in any way disposing of, without the concent of the other party or an order of the court, any marital property.

Summer Vacations with Your Children

Some parenting plans require that a parent get approval from the other parent prior to travel, so it is important review the provisions prior to making your summer travel plans for your children. It the agreement is silent on the issue of traveling then no formal requirements must be followed, but as a matter of courtesy, the parent should provide the other party with ample notice, phone numbers where you can be reached and an intinary of all travel plans.

Countess Gets an Extra $6.5 Million

The bitter divorce between United Technologies Chairman, George David, and his younger Swedish Countess wife, Marie Douglas-David is over. Mr. David, 67, and his bride, Ms. Douglas David, 37, signed an agreement in Hartford, Connecticut on Friday. that says Mrs. David will receive a $42.5 million portfolio, plus an extra $6.5 million, and some property. Douglas-David received more than the $43 million that she was entitled to per the couple's pre-nuptial agreement, but less than the $99 million that she was asking. George David is said to be worth approximately $300 million. Both parties expre …

Modifying Child Support

Generally,  a parent can only modify child support when the end result will be a 10% higher or lower than the current amount. Changes in the amount of income, daycare expenses, health care expenses and changes in the amount of parenting tiem are all factors that can alter the amount of child support. Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support, the firm's philosophy is to work with you to resolve your legal matter in the be …

Will a Modification of the Parenting Plan Supplant the Original Court

Generally, when there is a modification of a previous court order, it does supplant the original order. However, if there are aspects that were not dealt with in the modification order, it is possible that those portions will remain in effect.

Calculating Child Support When a Spouse has Remarried

Child support is only calculated using the custodial and non-custodial parents income. The Court maintains the right to deviate from the guidelines if it believes it is justified to do so, but in most cases the Court will follow the amount prescribed by these guidelines. If one parent is voluntarily unemployed because they have remarried and no longer need to work, it is possible for the Court to impute income to the non-working parent for child support purposes.

Make Estate and Financial Planning 1st Step After Divorce

After a divorce, the last thing most people want to do is consult with another attorney. However, regardless of your age, or whether or not you have children, it is important to consult both financial and legal experts to be sure that your estate and financial plans are updated to reflect your new circumstances.  Working with a financial planning professional can help you review your new spending and savings needs and create long term goals. If you are planning to remarry, a financial planner can help you to ensure that specific assets are allocated to your children. In some cases, when a …

The Harris Law Firm is Now on Facebook!

Check out The Harris Law Firm's new profile on Facebook for recent updates from the firm! Enter Harris Law Firm to view recent posts and photos!

The Harris Law Firm Profile is Now on Linked In

Check out The Harris Law Firm on Linked In!

Earl Spencer Plans Out of Court Settlement to Avoid Publicity

Lawyers for Earl Spencer, the 45 year old younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, plan to settle his divorce case with former wife, Countess Caroline Spencer, in order to keep the proceedings out of public gaze. The move followed the lawyers failure to insure that the bitterly contested proceedings would be held behind closed doors and away from the press. The court recently ruled that the media should be allowed to report the case, in line with new laws on coverage of family court hearings. The decision appears to have forced the pair to rethink how they felt about airing deeply personal …

Michael Jackson - the Husband and the Divorces.

Following allegations of sexual molestation charges involving a 13 year boy in 1993, Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley in De La Vega, Santa Domingo in May of 1994. Although many have theorized that the marriage was publicity stunt created to cast Jackson in a better light, Presley has consistently denied this over the years. Citing irreconcilable differences, Jackson and Presley separated on December 10, 1995 and divorced in January of 1996. Presley now has 2 children from her 6 year marriage to musician Danny Keough. In November of 1996, Jackson married Debbie Rowe, a nurse he had …

Replica of Letter on Henry V111 Divorce Unveiled

Officials have unveiled a replica of the 1530 parchment sent by members of England's House of Lords to Pope Clement V11 to support the divorce of King Henry V111. The 3 foot by 6.5 foot document has more than 80 original red wax seals of the signatories is considered a crucial document of the king's battle to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. At the time the king was obsessed with producing a male heir and feared that Catherine could not bear him a son. The Vatican's refusal to annul the marriage led the king to reject the authority of the Pope and install himself as the head of The …

Post Decree Modifications on the Rise

Family law attorneys across the nation have noticed a significant increase in activity during the first and second quarters of 2009. A rising number of clients are filing motions to reduce their maintenance and child support payments due to a decrease in wages or lack of employment. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers recently stated that 39% of the nations top divorce attorneys cited an increase in requests for lower child support payment, and an additional 42% reported a rise in the number of changes to maintenance payments. Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 47 …

Stock Options: Marital or Separate Property?

It can be important to establish the purpose of the stock option and why it was awarded when determining marital vs. separate property. Was the asset intended as a form of retention bonus or was it a reward for past performance?  The actual value of the stock option may also be difficult to ascertain if the stock represents shares in a privately held corporation as opposed to a publicly traded one.  When the compensation will actually be received is another important issue when determining if the other spouse is entitled to a portion of its value.

Rich Harris on the Tom Martino Show - Fox 31 News

President and Managing Partner of The Harris Law Firm, Rich Harris will appear on the Tom Martino Show on Fox 31 TV on Monday, June 1st from 9 am to 10 am to discuss Colorado family law. The show will be re-broadcast on KWGN Channel 2 at 11 am.

Rich Harris on Tom Martino Show Today from 12 to 3 pm

Rich Harris will appear on The Tom Martino Show from 12 to 1 pm on KHOW 630 AM today and again on June 29th. Listen to Rich Harris, President of The Harris Law Firm, discuss Colorado Family Law and expound on subjects that include  divorce, allocation of parental rights, modifications of child support, etc. Call Tom Martino and Rich Harris and ask your question live at 303 713 8255 (TALK)

Rich Harris Discusses Family Law on Tom Martino Show

Rich Harris, President and Managing Partner of The Harris Law Firm, discussed the modification of parenting time on the Tom Martino Show on KHOW yesterday.  Rich will be discussing Colorado family law with Tom Martino on KHOW 630 AM every Wednesday at 12:30 pm

Rich Harris & Tom Martino 630 KHOW Wednesdays at 12:30 pm

Rich Harris will appear on the Tom Martino Show, 630 KHOW,  on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm to discuss Colorado family law. The Harris Law Firm is now listed as the go to family law firm on Martino's referral list at www.mylegalhelpcenter.com

Modification Cases Increase During Economic Downturn

In a recent survey of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers of Chicago, 39% of the nations top divorce attorneys  cited an increase in modifications being made to child support payments since the economic downturn began. Additionally, 42% of the members reported a rise in the number of changes made to spousal support, also called "alimony" or "maintenance."

Attorney Margaret Walker Named Pro Bono Coordinator

Rich Harris, President and Managing Partner of The Harris Law Firm in Denver, Colorado is pleased to announce that family law attorney Margaret "Peggy" Walker has been named the new "Pro Bono Coordinator" for the firm.  Ms. Walker will coordinate the with the firm's 13 family law attorneys to provide free legal services to those who cannot afford a lawyer. Ms. Walker has practiced family law in the State of Colorado since 1977, and is a former law professor with the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. In addition to her practice as a family law attorney for Th …

John H. Tatlock Joins The Harris Law Firm as Special Counsel

Rich Harris, founder, President and Managing Partner of The Harris Law Firm has announced that John H. Tatlock, Esq. has joined The Harris Law Firm as Special Counsel. Tatlock is a trial attorney with more than 20 years of experience in complex litigation.

Supporting Children from Different Marriages

The obligation to support a child of a previous marriage does not end when a parent remarries and has additional children. The Colorado Court will not allow a parent to violate a child support obligation simply because he or she has new children to care for. Understandably the cost of supporting children is substantial; however if a parent ignores their financial obligation and that responsibility falls into the hands of the government to support the child, the Child Support Enforcement Agency will seek to garnish the parents wages to pay for child support and any arrearages.

Keeping Your Married Name

Regardless of her former husband's preference, a woman has the legal right to maintain the use of her married surname if she chooses to do so. Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support, the firm's philosophy is to work with you to resolve your legal matter in the best way possible. When you consult with one of our attorneys, the expert legal advice you receive will help you understand your rights and options according to Color …

Colorado's Family Law Team

Court Orders Issued Outside the State of Colorado

If you live in the State of Colorado and have domestic court orders issued by another state, Colorado will give full faith and credit to those court orders. Our family courts will acknowledge and enforce them as if they were entered in Colorado.

The Sweet Taste of Divorce?

On a typical Saturday, Beatriz Otero, owner of Elite Cake Creations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida,  delivers an average of 18 wedding cakes from Miami to Palm Beach. But recently, the bakery has added a novelty item to their line of pastries: divorce cakes! The bakery's motto is no milestone should go unnoticed, so they have designed a cake in the shape of a broken heart with the groom on one piece and the bride on another. Otero said that they are in no way being flippant about the fact that divorce is a serious situation, but she added that when people are looking for closure and are r …

Passport Denied for Non Payment of Child Support

A parent may be denied a passport by the Department of State if it is determined that he or she owes more than $5,000 in child support arrearages pursuant to federal law. It depends, in part, on whether a human services agency has contacted the Department of State and placed a hold for non-payment.

Money and Kids After Divorce

Financial planner, analyst, and new author Linda Leitz shares valuable advice to divorced parents in her new book called "We Need to Talk: Money and Kids After Divorce." Leitz, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, focuses on how single parents can teach their kids about financial responsibility when the other parent leaves the household. It is a book not just about managing money, but coping with the emotions involved when the family has to learn to live with less. She expounds on the five stages of grief, (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance) that spread to money managem …

How Children Can Adjust to Divorce

Author Nancy Holyoke's new book, "A Smart Girl's Guide to Her Parents Divorce: How to Land on Your Feet When Your World Turns Upside Down" offers many tips for girls facing this upset in their lives. She offers tips such as: 1. Recognize that you will not feel awful forever. Time helps, emotions cool and situations change. 2. Know that the divorce is not your fault. 3. Allow yourself to feel your feelings, which may include anger, sadness and grief. 4. It's okay to speak with another adult about how you feel: Friends, neighbors, family, therapists Published by American …

Garnishing Wages for Non-Payment of Maintenance

If your former spouse has failed to pay maintenance, it is possible to file a motion for enforcement and have his or her paycheck garnished for up to 55%  after deductions for taxes and other wage assignments. Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support, the firm's philosophy is to work with you to resolve your legal matter in the best way possible. When you consult with one of our attorneys, the expert legal advice you rec …

Former Pastor Ted Haggard to Make TV Appearance

Former Evangelical Pastor Ted Haggard and his wife are planning another TV appearance, this time to discuss their marriage.  The two are in Los Angeles taping an appearance on the syndicated "Divorce Court" to be broadcast nationally on April 1st.

The End of the Special Advocate

In 2005, the Colorado Governor signed into law a revised version of the special advocate statute. Although this term is sometimes still used, this revised statute created very different positions and gave distinct qualifications, duties and responsibilities. To view this article in its entirety, please click here:

Change of Venue for Cases Involving Children

For parenting time or child related issues, a case is properly filed in the county where the child(ren) resides. A change of venue is not likely unless both parties agree.

Britain Holds First Divorce Fair

Breaking up is hard to do, but lawyers and mental health professionals in Britain are offering support to the newly divorced at "The Starting Over" divorce fair in Brighton. With one of the highest divorce rates in Europe, the exhibitors at the fair will offer legal assistance, divorce counseling, and alternative therapies to help heal those recovering from the strain of divorce.

Cut Rate Lawyering: Are Consumers Being Ripped Off?

OK, so you are standing terrified in divorce court. Your kids are at stake.  Your home and finances are at stake. And a red-faced judge is screaming at your lawyer for not knowing the rules of evidence and for not submitting your financial documents on time. You want to crawl under a rock and hide. Nightmare? Unfortunately, no. We have seen this very scenario , and countless similar others play out in the courtrooms in the Denver area recently. Sadly, one of the fall outs from this economy is that more and more people are understandably trying to save money on legal fees,but they ar …

Overpayment of Child Support?

If you made payments through the Family Support Registry, then Child Support Enforcement can help you resolve this matter: www.childsupport.state.co.us/parent/family/SupportRegistryIndex.jsp Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support, the firm's philosophy is to work with you to resolve your legal matter in the best way possible. When you consult with one of our attorneys, the expert legal advice you receive will help you un …

Twice Divorced Robin Williams Postpones Performances

Robin Williams, who filed for divorce from second wife of 19 years last March, has postponed 4 live performances due to shortness of breath. Williams is currently being evaluated by doctors who have recommended that he take a week off to rest. The statement just released says that the comedian, now 57, will reschedule the missed performances of the "Weapons of Self Destruction" tour which began in September of 2008.

Jennifer Anniston Discusses Divorce from Brad Pitt

Jennifer Anniston and Brad Pitt divorced in 2005, but going on four years later, the press remains interested in the details of their breakup. When the pair recently came face to face at the Oscars, Jen told Elle Magazine that she doesnt owe anyone her side of their story, and explained that there is no good guy and no bad guy, and no sides to be taken. Jen attended the Oscars with boyfriend John Mayer, and Brad was front row center with his "co-parent", Angelina Jolie.

Courts Taking the Unstable Economy into Consideration

Colorado Courts are taking into account today's unstable economic environment when hearing cases regarding post decree modifications that include child support and/or maintenance. The Court will ask you for documentation regarding a decrease in wages or termination of employment, and may also ask you to provide proof that you are diligently seeking new employment.  The 12 attorneys at The Harris Law Firm, which specializes in Colorado family law, handle post decree legal matters regarding child support and maintenance modications.

Collecting Back Child Support

If there were court orders in place for child support to be paid, the recipient can file a motion for contempt to collect arrearages plus interest which is 12% per annum compounded monthly.

What is the Effective Date When Support is Modified?

Generally, a child support modification is only retroactive to the date of filing the motion. However, when the parties mutally consent to the change in custody of a child, child support is retroactive to the date of the change.

Parental Planning for Relocation

Perhaps the most important consideration for the court in determining relocation cases is how will it impact the parenting relationship with the other parent. Parents seeking to relocate will be well served to outline several approaches and plans to maintaining substantive parenting time with the other parent. A family law attorney can provide numerous models for parenting plans designed for parties living in different states or long distances apart. Think about the time and cost involved in transporting the children longer distances and how school breaks, 3 days weekends, and even virtual vis …

If You Need to Modify Child Suppport, File Now!

  In Colorado, you can modify child support based on an employment change that would result in more than a 10% difference in the ultimate support obligation. But support can only be modified back to the date in which the modification was filed and cannot be retroactive beyond the date of filing.   I

Child Support Modifications: Imputing Income

  To impute income, the court must first determine that a parent is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed. If the court finds that this is the case, child support will be calculated based on potential income. The court considers a myriad of factors, but may impute income based on income from previous employment.

Modifying Child Support When Circumstances Have Changed

Child support can be modified if there is a substantial and continuing change of circumstances at the time of filing that would result in a change of more than 10% in the amount of support due each month.  

Mediation at The Harris Law Firm

Family law attorney and mediator Margaret Walker at The Harris Law Firm says mediation can be used in in a variety of ways. A couple can use the mediation process in the initial stages of a divorce to discuss the provisions for the children and how to divide assets and debts in an equitable manner. Mediation can be used later in the dissolution process to discuss ways of creating an agreement that is amenable to both parties. Mediation will not force an agreement, but will simply a foster a discussion between the parties with the mediator acting as a neutral third party. If mediation is used t …

What is an Initial Status Conference?

  The initial status conference is often the first Court date in your divorce case. The Court meets with both spouses at the ISC to determine how the case is progressing and what issues need to be addressed. If there are issues on which you and your spouse cannot agree, the Court may order the parties to attend a mediation session and/or set the matter for a contested hearing. Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Suppor …

Parental Alientation

Often times during a child custody and/or child support dispute, the parents act in ways adverse to the best interests of the children. Parents may attempt to voluntarily or involuntarily turn the child against the other parent. To view this article in its' entirety, please click here:

Judge vs. Magistrate

  A Judge is appointed by Colorado's Governor, except in home ruled cities and counties like Denver and Broomfield. The Judge serves for a period of years until a retention election.       A Magistrate is hired by the Chief Judge, and may have limited jurisdiction, such as not being able to preside over jury trials. A Magistrate can be fired like any other employee.        

What is a Child Family Investigator (CFI)?

A CFI is an individual appointed by the court to conduct an investigation and make recommendations to the court regarding parental decision making responsibilities and parenting time. The CFI is usually a licensed  therapist or has a background in psychology and/or counseling.

When Can A Child Decide?

Many states in the US will allow children to decide with whom they wish to reside when they reach a certain age. In Colorado, a court is not required to rule in favor of the child's request. A court may consider the child's wishes, depending upon the child's maturity, the reasonableness of the request, and to what extent the Court perceives the child's wishes as his or her own. To view this article in it's entireity, please click here Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Co …

Actor Alec Baldwin Writes Divorce Guide for Men

Actor Alec Baldwin, who stars with actress/writer Tina Fey on the NBC sitcom, "30 Rock", is also the author of a new book for men regarding the divorce process. Baldwin, who was married to actress Kim Bassinger, recently published a book about divorce titled "A Promise to Ourselves: A Journey Through Fatherhood and Divorce."

Divorce and Taxes

In short, maintenance payments must be declared as income by the person who receives them, and are tax deductible for the person who pays them. Child support payments, however, are neither taxable to the payee or deductible by the payor. More detailed tax information can be provided by your attorney or by a tax professional. To view this article in it's entirety, please click here: Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support …

Legal Separation and Filing Tax Returns Jointly

    Under 7703(a)(2), legally separated parties are viewed as unmarried. Therefore, it may be assumed that if classified as unmarried, then the parties may not file taxes jointly. Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support, the firm's philosophy is to work with you to resolve your legal matter in the best way possible. When you consult with one of our attorneys, the expert legal advice you receive will help yo …

Relocation: Determining the Best Interest of the Child

Relocation is a material change in circumstances and if the parties are unable to readjust the custody and visitation arrangements, the Court is required to examine the statutory factors to determine the best interests of the children. To view this article in it's entirety, please click here:

Creating Postive Interactions with Your Ex Spouse

For a great many individuals, going through a divorce is a traumatic process.  Learning about the emotional phases that divorcing couples commonly experience , perhaps with the assistance of a qualified therapist, may help you to make this transition and establish a different but healthy relationship with your former spouse. To view this article in it's entirety, please click here:

Dividing Marital Assets

Pursuant to C.R.S. Sec. 14-10-107(4)(b)(I)(A) & (D), a party is restrained from transferring, encumbering, concealing, or in any way disposing of, without the consent of the other party or an order of the court, any marital property.        

Protecting Children from Parental Abductions

In the absence of an existing court order, there can be no custodial abduction and either parent is within his or her rights to take the child anywhere they choose. There are specific ways, however, to protect yourself and your child from a possible parental abduction. To view this article in it's entirety, please click here: Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support, the firm's philosophy is to work with you to resolve you …

Finding a Great Lawyer

Selecting the right lawyer is crucial to the success of your family law case. Begin by meeting with the family law attorney in person for an initial consultation to discuss your situation in detail. Ask the attorney how much experience he or she has with your type of case. Find out if the lawyer works as a part of a team and ask about the other lawyers and legal professions who will be assigned to your case.  Ask the attorney if you can expect a prompt response to your calls and/or emails from him and/or his paralegal. Ask if you will you receive billing statements that are detailed and i …

How Do We Divide Our Upside Down House?

In today's difficult economic environment,  the marital home is often worth less now than you originally paid. If your house is "upside down" meaning you owe more than the house is currently worth, it can be a difficult asset to divide during the divorce process. Your family law attorney may be able to help you and your spouse come up with a creative solution to manage this difficult situation during and after the dissolution of marriage. To view this article in it's entirety, please click here: Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris …

Proper Courtroom Behavior

Many people do not know how to behave or what to expect when arriving to court, so here are a few helpful tips to help you prepare before and during your case: 1. Dress and act in a conservative manner 2. Act professional while your matter is waiting to be heard.   3. Be courteous while your matter is being heard. Although court can be a taxing experience, try to start off on a good foot and utilize these tips because it can make a difference. To view this article in its entirety, please click here: Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The H …

Will the Court Consider a Child's Wishes Regarding Parenting Time?

Colorado courts do not have to take into consideration a child's wishes regarding parenting time, but the court may choose to consider them. To view this article in it's entirety, please click here Located in Denver (303) 299-9484 and Fort Collins (970) 472-1838, The Harris Law Firm is Colorado's largest family law firm.  Focusing exclusively on Colorado Divorce and Colorado Child Custody and Support, the firm's philosophy is to work with you to resolve your legal matter in the best way possible. When you consult with one of our attorneys, the expert legal advice you receive will …

Colorado Maintenance

In Colorado, “Maintenance” is the term for spousal support or alimony. A Court’s decision to award maintenance to one party is made on a case by case basis, and is dependent on several factors: Initially the party requesting maintenance must show that he or she does not have the means to provide for his or her reasonable needs.   It must also be shown that he or she has an inability to support themselves through appropriate employment.   Once that standard is met, the Court will also consider factors that include: The length of t …

Colorado Step Parent Adoption

The creation of the parent-child relationship in a stepparent adoption essentially instills in the adopting parent all of the rights and obligations pertaining to the child, just as if the child were born to him or her and the custodial birth parent. The adopting parent has a right to parental responsibilities (custody), and has an obligation to support the child financially, which is important to note in the unfortunate event of the death of the custodial birth parent or the subsequent dissolution of the parties marriage. The child will also have the right of inheritance, just as if he or she …