Colorado law permits married parties to end their marital relationship by decrees of either dissolution (divorce) or legal separation. Both legal separation and divorce decrees require Colorado residency by one of the parties for at least 91 days plus an additional minimum 91-day waiting period after filing. Both decrees require the resolution of parenting plans for any children of the relationship, property and debt division, support for children and/or spouse, and allocation of attorneys’ fees and costs.
After a decree of legal separation, the parties remain married but able to live separate lives, while a decree of dissolution of marriage terminates the marriage. Since children cannot be divorced, a co-parenting relationship will remain as long as any child of the parties remains unemancipated.
Unmarried individuals can utilize similar procedures for the dissolution of a partnership or joint venture, coupled with equitable processes and statutes designed to provide for and protect children.
In all situations, the parties have a fiduciary relationship with one another during the legal process requiring complete disclosure of all relevant matters. The firm assists in the collection and disclosure of all relevant information, locating third-party advisors or experts, preparing and filing necessary documentation, and presenting legal arguments for the resolutions sought.
The firm helps clients determine the best method of dispute resolution: negotiation, mediation, litigation, or collaborative processes, while seeking the most fair and equitable solutions for clients and their children.