Broomfield Divorce Lawyers
Comprehensive Solutions For Complex Divorces
Divorce cases can be complex and emotionally draining, especially when they involve children or the division of high-stakes assets. With over 30 years of family law experience in Broomfield, our attorneys offer a strategic and compassionate approach to divorce—one that ensures your assets are fairly divided and you receive the support you need while negotiating parental rights and custody issues.
Let us help you address communication breakdowns, divide property fairly, and set up a child custody arrangement that, above all, benefits your child. Contact us today. We are ready to help.
Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C.: Protecting Denver Families
At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we understand the complexities and sensitivities surrounding family law matters. Our Colorado family law attorneys are here to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to solve issues like parenting time, custody, divorce, property division, and more. To ensure you receive the support you deserve, we offer:
Experience and Expertise
With over 30 years of family law experience, we understand the complexities of divorce. That experience has taught us how to streamline asset division, custody arrangements, and spousal support arrangements.
Trusted Network of Resources
While our team is equipped with the knowledge to handle even the most complex divorce matters, we also have access to a trusted network of resources. This includes financial advisors and tax professionals who shore up our strategies, ensuring you receive comprehensive solutions.
Customized Solutions
We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Like you, every divorce case is unique — which is why we design legal strategies that perfectly align with your situation and needs. Our approach not only ensures peace of mind but also guarantees that your your voice will be heard and your rights protected.
Comprehensive Strategies
Our knowledge and experience have equipped us with strategies to help you avoid obstacles and unnecessary disputes. From an equitable division of assets and negotiating spousal support to addressing the intricacies of child custody and parental rights, our expertise guarantees a thorough and effective approach to your divorce.
Understanding the Divorce Process in Colorado
Initially, many clients approach us with concerns about the divorce process, fearing it will be complex to establish grounds for divorce. The good news is Colorado is a “no-fault” state, which means it is only necessary to declare that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Though fault-based arguments may be considered when dividing property and determining spousal support, navigating these aspects requires a nuanced understanding of Colorado law.
This is where our family law attorneys excel. We will support you through every stage of the divorce process, providing clarity and peace of mind at every step.
To better understand the divorce process, it's important to familiarize yourself with the key steps involved:
Dissolution of Marriage Petition
If one person is filing, they may offer the other party the opportunity to accept the documents with a waiver, or may hire a process server to deliver the petition to the spouse. If both parties agree with the divorce, they can file a joint petition.
Status Conference
Within 42 days of filing, both parties and their lawyers will meet with a judge for the “Initial Status Conference.” This is an informal meeting that allows both sides to identify the major issues of the case.
Rule 16.2 Disclosure
Within 42 days after service of the petition or post-decree filing, both spouses must exchange financial information. This includes bank accounts, retirement information, debts, and assets.
Temporary Orders Hearing
Both sides can request a “Temporary Orders” hearing to determine temporary financial and parenting time orders. This will stay in effect either until the divorce is settled or goes to trial.
Negotiation and Mediation
Both parties will negotiate to attempt to reach an agreement on all issues. If agreement cannot be reached, the parties will attend mediation. If an agreement can be made through negotiation or mediation, it will be submitted to the court.
Permanent Orders Hearing
In the case that you and your spouse are unable to come to an agreement, the case will enter a Permanent Orders hearing. A judge will hear evidence from both sides and come to a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce cost in Colorado?
Filing Costs
The bare minimum cost for a divorce includes the filing fees. To get divorced, the two spouses may file the petition together and share the filing fee, or one spouse can file the petition, and the other can file a response.
The petition is a request for a divorce and gives the court the information it needs to move forward with the divorce.
The response allows the other spouse to correct any misstated information and object to the information in the petition.
The cost to file a petition is $230, and the cost of filing a response is $116. The court has resources for parties who cannot afford the filing fee.
Mediation Costs
Divorces are complicated, and spouses often need the assistance of a professional to help them sort out all of the issues. The court will order parties to attend mediation with a professional if they are unable to resolve all issues on their own before the court will hold a hearing to decide on these issues for the parties.
Issues include the division of assets and debts, spousal support, parenting time, decision-making responsibility for the children, child support, who will take the family pets, etc.
The cost of mediation ranges from the Colorado Office of Dispute Resolution, which bills at $75 per hour per party ($150/hour per hour total) to private mediators who set their own rates and generally range from $200 to $350 per hour, to retired judges who charge around $300 per hour and up.
The Colorado Office of Dispute Resolution allows parties who cannot afford mediation to apply for reduced rates, as do some private mediators.
Attorney Fees
Please replace existing copy with the following: An experienced family law attorney can handle all aspects of a divorce and guide you through the process. Attorneys generally ask for a retainer and then bill by the hour for their work. You will receive a bill monthly for this work, and most attorneys expect that you will pay your bills in full each month and issue a refund for the retainer at the end of the case.
The hourly rate for attorneys in Northern Colorado ranges from $275-$450 an hour, and typical retainers range from $3,000 to $10,000 but may vary due to the case's complexity.
Do you need a reason to file for divorce in Colorado?
You do not need to prove any grounds for divorce in Colorado. The court will not ask you to describe why you are getting a divorce. The spouse filing for divorce simply needs to tell the court that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” There is no need to prove that there was infidelity, abuse, or gross financial mismanagement to get a divorce, though those issues may impact some of the issues to be settled or determined in the divorce case.
How is parenting time split by Colorado family law courts?
The court, by default, assumes that a child benefits the most from spending time with each parent and that both parents should be able to participate in decision-making on behalf of the child equally. The court orders specific parenting plans based on the best interests of the child, and the circumstances of the parties determines the best schedule.
Do mothers get priority in child custody orders?
Neither mothers nor fathers have priority in child custody cases. The court uses the child's best interests as a guide to make orders concerning the child. The court prioritizes the child’s needs over the parents’ needs.
What is marital property in a divorce?
All assets and debts accumulated while married are presumed to be marital property. There are a few exceptions, including inheritances and gifts. However, even inheritances or gifts can become marital property if they are used in certain ways, such as purchasing a joint asset. During a divorce, the court will divide all marital property equitably. Equitable distribution is based on what is found to be fair, not necessarily equal.
Have Questions? Contact Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C.
At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we understand the complexities and sensitivities surrounding family law matters. Our Broomfield family law attorneys are here to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to navigate issues like parenting time, custody, divorce, property division, and more. Your family's well-being is our priority, and we are committed to helping you find the best solutions with competence and compassion. Contact us today!
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