Divorce can significantly disrupt your life, causing confusion and uncertainty. Those initial days can be challenging, with numerous questions arising. Colorado law mandates a waiting period of over 90 days before filing divorce papers.
Our compassionate team at Family Lawyer Patricia M. Perello Law Firm supports you throughout both contested and uncontested divorces. We recognize the individual behind the documentation. We’re here to assist you in regaining stability.
Experience Counts In A Colorado Divorce
Family Lawyer Patricia M. Perello Law Firm brings over 25 years of legal experience to Colorado Springs families. Our team helps clients through both contested and uncontested divorces with care and skill.
We know that ending a marriage stirs up strong feelings, even in cases where both people agree on most things. Our lawyers guide you through every step, from filing papers to dividing assets and setting up child custody plans.
We make sure you meet all legal rules, like the 90-day Colorado residency requirement before filing. Our goal is simple: to make your divorce process as smooth as possible while protecting what matters most to you.
Knowledge, Experience, and Compassion
Our legal team brings deep knowledge of Colorado divorce laws to your case. We understand that divorce stirs up strong feelings, even in uncontested cases. Our lawyers have helped many couples through both contested and uncontested divorces in Colorado Springs.
We care about your future after divorce. Our goal is to guide you through this tough time with clear advice and support. With our help, you can avoid common mistakes that might slow down your case or cost you more money in the long run.
Dedication, Experience, Results
Our team works hard to protect your rights during this tough time. We handle both contested and uncontested divorces with the same care and skill. The divorce process in Colorado takes about 4-6 months, but we make it as smooth as possible.
Types of Divorce
Contested Divorce
Contested divorces happen when spouses can’t agree on key issues like child custody or how to split assets. This type of divorce often takes longer and costs more money. Our Colorado Springs divorce lawyers guide clients through this tough process with care.
The contested divorce path may stretch from 6 months to over a year based on court schedules and case details. Filing for a contested divorce in Colorado requires at least one spouse to have lived here for 90+ days. Strong feelings often come up during these cases, making them harder to resolve quickly.
At Family Lawyer Patricia M. Perello Law Firm, we help you deal with these complex legal steps while protecting your rights and interests.
Uncontested Divorce
Uncontested divorce offers a smoother path to ending your marriage in Colorado. This process works when both spouses agree on all issues like child custody and how to split assets. Our clients find that uncontested divorces typically finish in 90 to 120 days, though court schedules can affect timing.
We at Family Lawyer Patricia M. Perello Law Firm guide you through legal steps while keeping costs lower than contested divorces. Our team makes sure all papers meet court rules and deadlines. Many couples prefer this option because it gives them more control over the outcome and keeps private matters out of public court hearings.
Contested Divorce Process
Filing for Divorce
Filing for divorce starts with proper paperwork at your local county court. You must meet the Colorado residency rule before you can file. Our team at Family Lawyer Patricia M. Perello Law Firm helps clients complete these forms correctly the first time. We make sure all your assets are listed and your rights are protected from day one.
The court will set dates for hearings after you file. This process takes about 4-6 months for most cases in Colorado Springs. Court schedules can affect this timeline. We guide you through each step so you know what to expect and when to appear in court. Your divorce case begins officially once these papers are filed and your spouse receives them.
Discovery Phase
The discovery phase follows right after filing divorce papers. During this time, both sides share important information about money, property, and other facts needed for the case. We help our clients gather all needed documents like bank statements, tax returns, and property records.
Key documents to prepare include:
- Bank statements
- Tax returns
- Property records
Our team guides you through this process to make sure nothing gets missed. This phase can last several weeks or months based on how complex your case is. The court might set deadlines for sharing information. We work hard to protect your rights while making sure all legal rules are followed.
Our goal is to build a strong case that supports your interests in the divorce settlement.
Negotiation and Mediation
Negotiation and mediation help couples reach agreements without going to trial. Our team guides you through these talks to settle issues like property and custody. We create a calm space where both sides can speak freely.
Most Colorado couples find solutions this way, even in contested divorces. The process takes less time than court battles, usually helping to complete your divorce within 4-6 months. You’ll save money and stress by finding middle ground with our help.
We sit with both parties to work through tough topics step by step. Your concerns matter to us and one of our skilled mediators will keep talks on track when emotions run high. This path lets you keep control of your future instead of leaving decisions to a judge. Many clients feel better about their divorce after working through mediation with our legal team by their side.
Trial
Most divorce cases settle before trial, but some need a judge to decide. A trial happens after all other steps fail to reach an agreement. During this stage, both sides present evidence and witnesses to support their claims.
The judge makes final decisions on all disputed issues like property, money, and children. Trials can last from hours to days based on how complex your case is.
We help our clients prepare fully for trial by gathering strong evidence, coaching you on testimony, and building a clear case to support your needs.
Court trials can add time to your divorce, often extending the process to 6 months or longer. Our goal is to protect your rights and fight for a fair outcome in the Colorado courts.
Uncontested Divorce Process
Agreement on Terms
Agreeing on terms marks the first step in an uncontested divorce. Both spouses must reach clear decisions about child custody, property division, and spousal support. Our clients find this process takes careful thought and open talks. We guide couples through these discussions to ensure all legal points get proper attention.
Most uncontested divorces in Colorado wrap up within 90 to 120 days after filing paperwork. This timeline depends on how quickly you and your spouse can settle all issues. At Family Lawyer Patricia M. Perello Law Firm, we help create fair agreements that protect your rights and follow state laws. Our goal is to make this tough time less stressful for you.
Filing the Agreement
Filing your divorce agreement with the court marks a key step toward ending your marriage. We help couples in Colorado Springs file all needed papers for uncontested divorces. The court must get your complete settlement agreement that covers asset division, child custody, and support matters.
Our team makes sure your papers meet all legal rules to avoid delays in your case.
Court Approval
The court must approve all divorce agreements in Colorado before they become final. We help clients prepare their documents correctly to avoid delays in this crucial step. The judge reviews all terms to ensure they meet legal standards, especially regarding child custody arrangements.
Your agreement must follow Colorado laws for the court to approve it. Our team at Family Lawyer Patricia M. Perello Law Firm guides you through this final phase with care. We make sure your marital settlement agreement addresses all required elements before submission.
This careful preparation helps speed up the approval process and brings your divorce to completion faster.
Key Issues in Divorce
Division of Assets
Property division can be tough during divorce. Colorado law requires fair splitting of all marital assets and debts. Our team helps you identify what counts as marital property versus separate property.
We guide you through the process to make sure you get your fair share. Many couples find this part of divorce very stressful. The court looks at many factors when dividing assets, including how long you were married and what each person contributed. We work hard to protect your financial future after divorce.
Our lawyers have handled many complex property cases. We explain your rights in simple terms so you can make smart choices about your assets.
Alimony and Spousal Support
Spousal support helps one partner maintain their standard of living after divorce. Colorado courts look at many factors to decide fair payments, including how long you were married and each person’s income.
We at Family Lawyer Patricia M. Perello Law Firm guide clients through this complex process with care. Our team explains your rights and helps build a strong case for fair support amounts.
Money matters often cause the most stress during divorce. The right legal help makes all the difference in getting proper alimony terms. Our Colorado Springs divorce attorneys work hard to protect your financial future through this tough time.
We make sure the final agreement fits your needs while following state laws on spousal support.
Child Custody and Support
Child custody issues are another high-stress component in a divorce. We help parents create fair parenting plans that put children first. Our team guides you through Colorado’s custody laws and child support rules.
Courts base support amounts on both parents’ income and the child’s needs. We make sure your rights stay protected while working toward the best outcome for your family. This part of divorce can often take 90-120 days to settle, depending on your case details and court schedules.
Contact Family Lawyer Patricia M. Perello For Help
Delivering Client Satisfaction
Our clients come first at Family Lawyer Patricia M. Perello Law Firm. We listen to your needs and work hard to get the best results. For many people, a divorce is the most emotionally draining experience if their life. Our team guides you through each step with care.
We handle both contested and uncontested divorces in Colorado Springs with the same high level of service. Our goal is simple, to make a tough time easier for you while protecting what matters most.
Please contact us if you, or someone you know, is thinking of divorcing in Colorado – we are here to help.