Broomfield Pre-Divorce Planning
Experienced & Skilled Divorce Counsel
At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, we've seen how taking a measured and strategic approach to divorce can significantly impact the outcome. While it may be tempting to act quickly and emotionally, we strongly advise our clients to slow down and pre-plan.
Divorce planning isn't intended to gain an unfair advantage; it's to ensure you enter the process fully informed and prepared.
Our experienced divorce attorneys are committed to guiding you through these challenges and acting as your advocates throughout the process. With our experienced legal team behind you, you will not only survive this difficult situation—you will overcome it with confidence and peace of mind.
Why is Divorce Pre-Planning so Important?
Thirty years of experience have shown us that clients who pre-plan and consult with an experienced attorney typically experience less stress and achieve better outcomes. By partnering with our attorneys, you will:
- Gain financial clarity: We’ll help you gather financial documents and account for assets and debts to ensure you understand your financial status.
- Protect your assets: We’ll identify and protect separate property, including pre-marital assets, gifts, or inheritances.
- Receive strategic guidance: Together, we’ll assess the long-term financial impact of your divorce, help you project post-divorce budgets, and develop strategies to protect your interests.
- Ensure stability for children: Your children’s stability is important to us. We’ll ensure you minimize disruption and ensure more stability,
Remember, the decisions you make now can have a long-lasting impact on your financial and emotional well-being. Let our experienced team guide you through this critical planning phase!
Take the First Step. We’re Here to Support You
Don’t face the complexities of divorce alone. Whether you need pre-planning support or are ready to move ahead with your divorce, we are here to help. With over 30 years of experience, our Broomfield family law team offers the strategies you need to secure a stable future. Contact us today!
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
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.
When should I start pre-divorce planning?
Ideally, you should start pre-divorce planning as soon as you're seriously considering divorce. Early planning gives you time to gather information, consult professionals, and make informed decisions without the pressure of ongoing legal proceedings.
Won't my spouse become suspicious if I start pre-planning?
Pre-planning doesn't mean you're doing anything underhanded. Many steps, like organizing financial documents or seeking counseling, can be framed as general life organization or self-improvement. If you're concerned about your spouse's reaction, consult with an attorney about how to approach planning discreetly and ethically.
What documents should I gather during pre-divorce planning?
We recommend gathering the following:
- Tax returns (last 3-5 years)
- Bank and credit card statements
- Investment and retirement account statements
- Property deeds and mortgage documents
- Vehicle titles and loan information
- Recent pay stubs
- Business financial statements (if applicable)
- Insurance policies
- List of assets and debts
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 work through 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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