Getting a divorce is probably the most financially harmful event someone can go through. However, there are legal mechanisms that will keep the courts from dividing your assets unduly during and after a divorce. One primary method is to execute a well-drafted, articulate prenuptial agreement. While people do not typically plan for divorce along with planning for their wedding, taking proactive steps is highly recommended. With a fair agreement that includes all relevant information on assets, divorce courts commonly accept the marriage agreement you made alongside your lawyer. A postnuptial agreement acts in the same way, except this is executed by couples after marriage.

As a grandparent, you likely feel a significant sense of responsibility, care, and love for your grandchild. In recent years, grandparents’ rights have become far more substantial than they once were. The courts have recognized the irreplaceable role a grandmother or grandfather can play in a child’s life.

Whether your child has divorced from his or her spouse or your grandchild may be facing foster care, the law does not rule out grandparents’ rights. In certain instances, you may be able to legally adopt the child in case of extenuating circumstances. The courts will always prioritize the child’s best interests, and you very well may be a part of that equation. 

In terms of family law, a protection order will most likely be needed and obtainable against another individual for acts or behaviors classified as domestic violence. To obtain a restraining order for domestic violence, you must be able to prove that the person committing the acts of violence is someone now or formerly related to you by blood or marriage; someone who is living or formerly lived with you; or someone you once had an intimate relationship with.

There are different kinds of protection orders, or restraining orders, that the state of Colorado may issue depending on the nature and degree of the alleged domestic violence. We are sensitive the emotion being acquiring a protection order, so we handle the logistics while you get back to normalcy. 

Colorado recognizes common law marriages – regardless of gender – which means you may marry your same sex partner and, also, get divorced. We pride ourselves with having knowledgeable staff in this area in order to give you diligent, up-to-date legal counsel and services in this new and evolving area of the law. It is important to have strong, experienced legal representation when dealing with same sex marriage and divorce because though spouses are the same sex, certain issues like custody, adoption and property distribution may need more sophisticated navigation to get you the results you want. 

Sometimes you’ll hear a couple say they are “legally separated.” By this, they usually mean they are no longer living together and are awaiting, or considering, a full divorce. Often, the colloquial use of “legal separation” is not in line with Colorado state law. Legal separation is a similar process to divorce, but can yield significantly different results afterward.

In the state of Colorado, married couples have two choices for parting ways: a decree of dissolution of marriage (divorce) or a decree of legal separation. In both cases, two lives are being separated. Thus, financial assets must be divided, custody arrangements will need to be made, and child and spousal support will need to be established. Some ways that legal separation is different from divorce is the inability to remarry (unless, or until, the decree is converted to one of dissolution of marriage), inability to retain inheritance rights, and other potentially important details for your life.