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Littleton Divorce Lawyers

Divorce Lawyers Serving Littleton, CO

Ending your marriage can be an overwhelming experience, with many issues to deal with. Not only can this be an extremely emotional experience, generally, but you may also need to consider both the financial and child-related ramifications of going through a divorce. When you’re not sure where to turn or how to get started, know that you don’t have to navigate this process alone.

Plog & Stein P.C. has been representing divorce clients for over two decades. With years of experience and a firm understanding of Colorado divorce and family law, each of our Littleton divorce attorneys is equipped to provide you with the quality representation you need. Our only goals is striving for the best possible outcome for you, the client.

Our divorce lawyers in Littleton and the surrounding Denver Metro area are serving divorce and child custody clients in Denver, Arapahoe, and Jefferson Counties. Contact us online, or call us today at (303)781-0322 to speak with a divorce lawyer!

Understanding Divorce in Littleton, CO

Your divorce case entails so much more than just the court ending your marriage. It entails working towards a plan that allows you to move on with your life in the best financial position possible, given the circumstances. With children, it also entails working to make sure they are accounted for in a manner geared toward their emotional, developmental, and financial best interests.

When divorcing, each spouse may be entitled to certain rights, or have certain obligations, which will need to be dealt with as part of the case. Keep reading to learn more about the divorce process in Colorado so you have a better idea of what you can expect.

Types of Divorce

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

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses are able to reach an agreement, without court intervention, on all underlying issues that must be addressed in the course of the divorce. Because uncontested divorces are inherently less adversarial, they are often quicker, more straightforward, and less costly contested divorces. 

Conversely, a contested divorce is one in which the spouses are unable to reach an agreement on one or more material issues related to their divorce. These disputed issues often include matters involving property division, spousal support, and child custody.
Notably, however, even in an uncontested divorce, the parties must still file paperwork with the court and have their separation agreement approved and entered by the court as a final decree before the divorce can be finalized. Thus, regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, having the assistance of an experienced Littleton divorce lawyer can be invaluable. 

Requirements for Divorce in Littleton, CO

Importantly, there are a few key requirements that you must meet to qualify for a divorce in Colorado: 

  • At least one of the parties must have been domiciled in the state for 91 days preceding the divorce proceedings; 
  • The court must find that the marriage is “irretrievably broken”; and 
  • An additional 91 days must have passed since the court acquired jurisdiction over the respondent, or the spouse who was served with the summons. 

If you have questions about how to initiate the divorce process in Colorado, speak with a Littleton divorce attorneys to get started today. 

Common Issues Addressed in a Colorado Divorce

Each divorce is different. However, below are some common issues that frequently arise in a Colorado divorce:

Understanding your legal rights and obligations early on can help you formulate a plan for effectively resolving these and other issues. Throughout your case, there will be legal procedures that need to be carefully followed often involving legal documents, financial disclosures, settlement negotiations, and court preparation. A qualified Littleton divorce lawyer can help you navigate the Colorado divorce process and protect and pursue your rights at every step along the way.

How Long Will Your Divorce Take?

In cases in which the spouses agree upon each issue, the divorce can be granted in ninety-one (91) days from service or a joint filing.

However, when there are contested issues, your case could take several months. Additionally, depending on the complexities of the marital estate (property) or perhaps child custody and support-related issues, there might be a need for one or more experts to weigh in on things such as the value of a business or what is in the children’s best interest as relates to a parenting time/visitation schedule, all of which can add time to the overall complexity and length of the divorce proceedings.

Each case is different. Recognizing this, our Littleton divorce attorneys work to build a strategy tailored to your specific concerns. Both in and out of the courtroom, the members of the family law team at Plog & Stein P.C. will work hard to advance your objectives in the most sensible and cost-effective manner possible.

Divorce vs. Getting a Marriage Annulled

In some cases, a party may be able to seek annulment of the marriage, rather than divorce. 

Whereas a divorce signifies the termination of a valid marriage, an annulment is a legal declaration that a marriage is void, invalidating it entirely. Below are some examples of when a marriage may be invalidated under Colorado law: 

  • One party lacked capacity to properly consent to the marriage at the time the marriage was entered into (e.g., due to mental incapacity, illness, or influence of drugs or alcohol); 
  • One party entered into the marriage in reliance upon a fraudulent act or misrepresentation by the other party that goes to the essence of the marriage; 
  • The marriage was prohibited by law (e.g., due to incest or bigamy); or
  • One or both parties entered into the marriage under duress. 

Speak with one of our Littleton divorce attorneys to discuss whether annulment may be a viable option for you. 

Contact a Divorce Attorneys in Littleton, CO

In any divorce case, detail matters. Effectively dissolving your marriage requires understanding the finer points in terms of what a well-written court order looks like. Specificity matters when it comes to dividing up a retirement account or crafting language related to disposition of the marital home.

Likewise, when dealing with child custody and support-related issues, you want to make sure your parenting schedule is detailed, with no room for guesswork. Thus, having an experienced Littleton divorce lawyer is invaluable in terms of making sure the final result of your divorce case is an array of comprehensive, workable orders giving you a clear plan of how things will be moving forward.

With so many divorce attorneys in Littleton and the surrounding Denver Metro area to choose from, finding the right one for your divorce can feel impossible. However, when you hire our team, you can feel confident knowing that your case will be in great hands.

Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, simple or complex, our divorce attorneys in Littleton will be there for you, each step of the way, to ensure your rights are well-protected. Let us put our 60-plus years of combined legal experience to work for you! Call us to schedule a consultation at (303) 781-0322 or contact us online.

FAQs

Do I Need an Attorneys For My Divorce?

Technically, no. You do not need to hire an attorney to represent you in a Colorado divorce. However, just because an attorney isn’t required doesn’t mean that having one for your divorce isn’t beneficial. For example, an experienced divorce attorney can help you assess your claims, draft and file important legal documents, gather evidence to support your claims, negotiate with your spouse and their legal counsel (if any), and represent your interests in court when necessary. 

Do I Have to Prove Fault to Get a Divorce in Colorado?

No, you do not have to prove fault to be granted a divorce in Colorado. This is because Colorado is a “no-fault” divorce state. Rather, one or both parties must show that the marriage is irretrievably broken without a reasonable chance of reconciliation.  

Can I Get a Divorce in Colorado Without Involving the Courts?

No, there is no way to obtain a divorce in Colorado without involving the courts. Even when the divorce is uncontested and both spouses agree on all material terms of the divorce, they must still file their petition for dissolution of marriage with the court and obtain a court order.