The determination of income for purposes of calculating spousal maintenance is very similar to the determination of income for purposes of child support. There are some differences, however. Award-winning Denver divorce attorneys walk you through what a Judge will consider when awarding maintenance.

In Colorado, the final outcome of a divorce or custody matter is referred to as “Permanent Orders.” This can be the result of a hearing (“trial”) or a settlement. Permanent Orders are aimed at the final allocation of parental responsibilities, division of property, allocation of debt, and allocation of costs and attorney fees.

In any divorce involving children, one necessary issue that must be resolved is the calculation of child support. There are a number of factors that go into the calculation of child support in Colorado including the number of overnights each parent has with the children, any applicable credits for payment of health insurance or child care, and each party’s gross monthly income. There are other items which may change the ultimate child support amount, but the primary question people have pertains to the income portion of the calculation.

Arguably the most intimidating step in a divorce or custody case is the exchange of financial disclosures. With decades of experience in divorce and custody cases, almost every single client we have has been intimidated or overwhelmed by this process. It is our goal to walk our clients through it with clarity and ease, because while it is a substantial task it should not be a confusion one.

WHY WOULD YOU WANT LIMITED REPRESENTATION?

Last week, we discussed what limited scope representation/unbundled services are and what you can expect from limited representation. This week we are outlining why you may want to consider limited representation and how to determine if that is the best choice for you.Every case is different, so if you are considering limited scope representation give us a call! We offer free thirty-minute consultations with one of our award-winning attorneys. During that consult we can give you a better idea if limited representation is right for you.

WHAT IS LIMITED REPRESENTATION?

There are two types of representation available to you in your divorce or custody case: limited or full. Limited representation (also called “unbundled services”) is retaining a lawyer on a consultation-only basis. You hire an attorney in much the same way you would for a full representation case, but you represent yourself rather than have an attorney on your behalf.

When you hire a firm on a limited representation basis, you are hiring an attorney to consult with. This attorney will not be speaking to the opposing party or opposing counsel on your behalf, attending hearings, or filing pleadings. If you have a mediation or a hearing, unless you make other arrangements, you will be on your own rather than have your limited representation attorney with you. 

“I read that a parenting plan can only be changed every two years.” This is a common statement or question that people who contact us will ask. In reality, this is a large misconception and misunderstanding of Colorado law. This blog post will explain when and how often a parenting plan can be modified in Colorado.

Your divorce or custody case has begun. You attended your Initial Status Conference, and now you have had a custody expert appointed. A custody expert can be either a CFI (Child and Family Investigator) or a PRE (Parental Responsibilities Evaluator). For an introductory conversation on a CFI vs. a PRE, check out this article. After the initial deposit is paid, the next step is likely a large packet of paperwork the CFI or PRE wants you to fill out. Then you will schedule your initial interview.

"Contested” and “non-contested” hearings are terms you will likely hear as you near the end of your divorce or custody case. Every divorce or custody case ends in a hearing, whether that is contested or non-contested. For legal literacy, you need to know the difference as these terms will be used heavily towards the end of your case. Contested hearings are trials, whereas non-contested hearings are administrative proceedings.

You have decided to file for divorce or allocation of parental responsibilities (custody). And now you are asked whether you need Temporary Orders. But what are Temporary Orders? Do you need them? This is a common question that many clients come to us with after their case has already started. First, you need to understand what Temporary Orders are.

Mediation is the best tool to settle your divorce or custody case. But how do you set yourself up for success? Award winning Colorado attorneys outline the best ways to ensure that your mediation is as successful as possible.

Social media has many pitfalls when it comes to your divorce. In Colorado, your social media posts and activity can be used against you in a hearing during cross-examination. It is important that you do not harm your own case by your activity on social media. Colorado divorce attorneys tell you the 6 things you should never do on social media.

You have a parenting plan from the Court, but now you want to move out of the state. Perhaps your co-parent is the one wanting to move. Read our blog written by award winning attorneys to see how a relocation after final orders will be decided by the Court

Are you in the middle of a divorce or custody case and want to move out of state? Does your co-parent want to leave? Read the blog to find out how the Courts handle these situations.

In a divorce, who keeps the house? In Colorado, this can be a matter of who is able to afford the house more than anything else. Consider whether you can afford the payment, refinance out of your spouse’s name, and potentially pay them some of the equity you have built in the property.

How does student loan debt get handled in a divorce? It depends on when and how the debt was incurred. It may be possible that you won’t be responsible for your spouse’s debt, or only parts of it. Click to learn more!

How old does my child have to be before they get to decide where to live? This is one of the most common questions we get, and the one with the most surprising answer.

There are two types of evaluators that can be appointed in cases involving child custody: a Child and Family Investigator (“CFI”) or a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (“PRE”).

There are different types of parenting time schedules and they are dependent upon what is best for the child. The key thing to remember is that parenting plans are not written in stone – they can and often are modified over time as children age, parent’s lives change or a myriad of other reasons which might necessitate a change.

While many people assume that child support ends when a child is considered a legal adult at 18, child support in Colorado…