Divorce is not just a complex legal process; it is a highly emotional period for families, one often filled with stress, heartache and uncertainty. At the Law Offices of Shawn H. Smith, we know that you might be feeling overwhelmed, and we’re here to support your divorce with personalized customer service and top-notch legal representation. As Greeley divorce attorneys, we will focus on addressing all your needs, allowing you to concentrate on building a new and better future with a renewed sense of hope.
What Sets Our Firm Apart
The Law Offices of Shawn H. Smith provides clients with the following:
- We have years of experience guiding clients through even the most complicated or contentious cases, and we can effectively address your challenges.
- We understand that each divorce is unique to the people involved, so we will tailor our strategic planning to fit your needs.
- We are trained lawyers with extensive experience, but we can still lay out an effective strategy without all the legal jargon, which helps make the process more comfortable for our clients.
- We serve folks in Greeley and the surrounding community.
Colorado Divorce Statistics & Laws
Briefly, here are a few of Colorado’s notable marriage and divorce statistics:
- Percentage of Coloradans who are married: 34.8%
- Colorado’s divorce rate: 11.89%, slightly higher than the US rate of 10.9%
- The highest divorce rate in the state: Aspen at 22.9%
Colorado’s liberal divorce laws were built, for better or worse, around the concept of fairmindedness for both parties. Colorado is one of just 18 states that does not allow one party to cast blame on, and then penalize, the other party for the divorce, even in situations involving abuse, infidelity or marriage abandonment. Equitable distribution of assets is applied in all cases, meaning both parties exit the union on roughly equal terms.
Child custody is treated similarly. Sole custody is rare, so both parents should expect comparable parenting time and responsibilities.
Common Areas Of Dispute
We know that each divorce has challenges. Still, some common issues we regularly address are:
- Child custody and support: Determining the particulars of custody arrangements can be one of the most challenging aspects of the process. This includes deciding who will have primary custody, how the spouses will handle visitation and how they will manage child support.
- Division of assets and debts: Dividing shared assets and debts can be complex, especially if there are significant financial holdings, property or shared debt. Couples need to agree on how to distribute everything from bank accounts to mortgages fairly.
- Alimony (spousal support): After the divorce, one spouse may be required to provide financial support to the other, depending on factors such as the length of the marriage and each spouse’s earning capacity. Negotiating the terms of alimony, also known as spousal maintenance, can be contentious.
Types Of Divorces We Often Handle
Based in Greeley, our team at the Law Offices of Shawn H. Smith offers Colorado residents the benefits of over a decade of family law experience. Our legal advice and representation encompass all types of divorces, including:
- Uncontested divorce using mediation: In an uncontested divorce using mediation, both parties agree to work with a neutral mediator to resolve all issues related to their divorce, including asset division, child custody and support arrangements. This process is typically faster, less expensive and less adversarial than traditional litigation, allowing couples to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
- High-conflict divorce: These types of divorces are characterized by intense animosity and frequent disputes. High-conflict divorces often lead to prolonged legal battles in court, increased legal fees and greater emotional stress for all parties involved.
- High-asset divorce: Divorces involving significant assets, such as businesses, real estate, investments and complex financial portfolios, are considered high-asset divorces. Accurately valuing and fairly dividing high-value assets requires experienced financial analysis and can lead to disputes over each asset’s true worth.
- Military divorce: Military divorces present unique challenges, such as navigating the division of military pensions and benefits and addressing issues related to deployments and relocations that can complicate custody arrangements. Additionally, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) can delay proceedings, adding another layer of complexity.
- Gray divorce: Gray divorces, which occur later in life, often involve complex financial considerations, such as the division of retirement accounts and pensions, and can significantly impact the economic stability of both parties. These divorces may also address long-term health care needs and the potential for limited earning capacity due to age.
Reasons Not To Get A DIY Divorce
Getting a divorce can be expensive and time-consuming – and it is tempting for many couples to file paperwork themselves in an effort to save both time and money. However, a do-it-yourself divorce can lead to a lot of complications, financial losses and unexpected delays. If you are considering a DIY divorce, you may want to think again. Here is why:
You May Not Understand Complex Divorce Laws
Colorado divorce laws are complex, especially for couples with no legal background. Laws and regulations are always changing. Attempting to file a divorce without having a strong understanding of Colorado divorce laws and legal training can increase the odds of major mistakes in your paperwork that will negatively affect your future. A divorce attorney can walk you through the divorce process, educate you on your legal rights and make certain that your paperwork is clear and complete.
You Need To Address Crucial Divorce Issues
You will likely need to address several areas during a divorce, including asset and debt division, child custody, child support and alimony. It can be difficult to address these concerns through a DIY divorce. A divorce attorney can help you gather documents and negotiate each issue from a position of strength.
Your Emotions Can Affect The Outcome Of Your Divorce
Divorce is a deeply emotional process. Any rash decisions you make without understanding your legal rights as you file for a DIY divorce could severely harm your final settlement. You could agree to a settlement that negatively affects you financially. A divorce attorney can act as a rational voice to help you navigate an emotionally charged divorce. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can avoid impulsive decisions that can lead to negative long-term consequences.
You Do Not Know What Could Happen Next
If your divorce was denied or a court asks for additional information, you may not know what steps to take next to reach a final arrangement. When you do a DIY divorce, you may face difficulties submitting paperwork for asset and debt division, child custody, child support and alimony. An attorney can help you draft the appropriate documents, address your most pressing concerns and take the next steps for a smooth divorce.
Serving Families During Divorce
At Law Offices of Shawn H. Smith, we take a holistic approach to serving our clients. This includes seeking a fair and equitable arrangement. We strive to prioritize the needs of the children while working toward arrangements that also work for the parents. Contact our office to discuss the details of your situation. Call 970-387-6858 or send us a message using this website.