Denver High Asset Divorce
Protect Your Assets During Divorce
Even in the most amicable divorce cases, proceedings often become contentious when it comes time to divide wealth and assets. This is particularly the case when substantial wealth is involved.
If you have concerns about dividing stocks, investments, property, trusts, or retirement and savings accounts, contact us immediately. With over 30 years of family law experience, we will work diligently to protect your interests and help you confidently overcome high-stakes financial matters.
How Are Assets Divided in Denver, Colorado?
In divorce cases, Colorado law requires that property be divided equitably. However, equitably does not necessarily mean equally. While some couples are able to reach an agreement outside court, high-asset divorce often requires outside expertise. Our family law team can help you work through these financial matters.
One important concept to understand is the difference between “separate” and “marital” property.
- Separate property is anything that you owned before getting married or received as a gift/inheritance during the marriage
- Marital property typically refers to anything acquired during the marriage
The distinction between separate and marital property is clear. However, matters can quickly become complicated in cases where separate property increases in value during the marriage. In such a case, that increase might be considered marital property. Separate property could also become marital property if you mix funds by putting inheritance money into a joint account, for example. In cases where the spouses cannot agree on who the property belongs to, the judge will decide, considering factors like:
- Each spouse’s financial situation
- The value of property each spouse is getting
- Who will live in the family home, especially in cases where children are involved
- How separate property has changed in value during the marriage
- Whether separate property was used for marital expenses
Find the Right Firm to Represent You
Dividing assets equitably can bring additional stress to divorce cases—one reason to partner with an experienced family law team. At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we have helped countless families overcome complex divorce cases involving high-value assets. Our skilled attorneys understand the intricacies of Colorado divorce law and will work tirelessly to protect your interests. 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.
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.
Have Questions? Contact Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C.
At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we understand just how difficult it can be to navigate the divorce process. For over 30 years, our Denver high-asset divorce lawyers have helped countless families and individuals secure the best possible legal outcomes. Contact us today!
Get more information about our divorce representation
We’ve Helped Others Like You
Get The Help You Need
Get JBP Legal’s experience on your side. Contact us for questions or a consultation.