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The state of Colorado refers to divorce as a dissolution of marriage. The requirements for obtaining a divorce include the following:

  • One spouse must reside in the state at least 91 days before filing.
  • Minor children must reside in the state at least 182 days before filing.
  • The petitioner (person filing) files a petition for dissolution in their local district court.
  • The respondent (the other party) has 21 days to file a response. Respondents residing outside Colorado have 35 days to respond.
  • A decree for dissolution of marriage cannot be granted sooner than 91 days after the respondent’s formal reply to the summons.

Parties who can discuss their issues and separate amicably – especially in cases involving children – can complete their divorce quickly. However, if you are unable to reach an agreement with your spouse, the experienced Littleton divorce attorneys at Pickard Law, P.C., will represent you with the earnest determination needed to ensure your legal rights are protected.

Colorado law does not recognize traditional joint or sole custody designations but instead uses the term parental responsibility, defined as joint or primary. Equal overnight visitation with a minor child is a joint responsibility. A parent with fewer than 93 overnight visitations with a minor child is not considered the primary parent.

Colorado further differentiates between decision-making and residential responsibilities. A parent has sole decision-making responsibility when they can make all major decisions regarding their minor children without consulting the other parent. Conversely, joint decision-making responsibility is when both parents share decision-making responsibilities.

If you are unsure about your rights and responsibilities under Colorado child custody law, call the experienced family law attorneys at Pickard Law, P.C., at 303-989-6655.

If you are subject to court-ordered child support, you may qualify for a downward modification if you experience a notable change in your financial circumstances, such as unemployment. In cases where a former spouse earns more income than they did when the original support order was authorized, you may qualify for an upward modification.

When filing a motion for modification of child support, a judge will either review your motion and schedule a hearing or decide the matter without scheduling a hearing. You are allowed representation at your hearing.

The experienced child custody attorneys at Pickard Law, P.C., can guide you through the process of modifying your current child support agreement when your financial situation (or that of your former spouse) has significantly changed.

The experienced divorce attorneys at Pickard Law, P.C., have represented divorce cases involving high-value assets and other types of wealth and property. We work hard on your behalf to secure a fair division of assets in your case.

Call us today at 303-989-6655 to discuss your case with a family law attorney.

Spouses dividing marital property in Colorado must equitably divide all property acquired during the marriage. Fair division and equal division are not the same. Factors like age, income, and contributions as a homemaker and to the estate of the marriage are all considered.

Marital assets and property can include:

  • Family residence
  • Vacation property
  • Other properties
  • Business assets
  • Household items
  • Personal belongings
  • Retirement accounts and pensions
  • Stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investments
  • Cars and other motor vehicles

The skilled divorce attorneys at Pickard Law, P.C., consult financial specialists who determine the value of the marital property and a subsequent equitable division. Our investigators can also help uncover possible undisclosed assets and income.

You and your spouse must divide your shared debts along with your property and assets. Commonly shared debts include:

  • Car loans
  • Home loans
  • Student loans
  • Credit card debt
  • Other independent loans

We work diligently on your behalf, ensuring the even and equitable distribution of debts between both parties.