Centennial Divorce Lawyer

What is Colorado's Mandatory Waiting Period?

Colorado law requires a waiting period of 91 days from the date the divorce petition is filed before the divorce can be finalized. However, this waiting period can be waived under certain circumstances.

Average Time to Finalize an Uncontested Divorce

If the divorce is uncontested, meaning that the parties agree on all related issues, such as property division, spousal support, custody, and support, the process may be completed more quickly. In some cases, these cases can be finalized within a few months of filing the petition.

Average Time to Finalize a Contested Divorce

If the divorce is contested, meaning that the parties do not agree on one or more issues, the process can take significantly longer. 

• A contested case may involve hearings, mediation, negotiations, and even a trial. 
• The length of time it takes to complete a contested case can vary widely, depending on the facts of the case and the court's docket.

It is important to work with an experienced family law attorney in Centennial who can guide you through the divorce process and protect your rights and interests. 

A Colorado divorce attorney from Solutions Based Family Law can better advise you on the potential timeline for your case based on its specific circumstances.

What to Expect During the Divorce Process in Colorado

You can file for divorce on your own or jointly with your spouse. Colorado requires that at least one party must have resided in the state for at least 90 days before filing. Make sure you fill out all your documents fully and accurately. 

If only one spouse files, they must legally serve the notice to the other spouse and provide proof of adequate procedure to the court.

Documents you must submit to the court can include:

• Divorce petition
• Supporting documents
• Any applicable parenting documents

1. Upon reception of your documents, the court typically schedules an Initial Status Conference Date.  
   Both parties then must fully disclose their financial situations including income, assets, debts, and any other relevant information. The court may request additional details depending on whether your divorce is uncontested or contested.
2. During your Initial Status Conference, both parties must present their needs before the court. This helps the judge assigned to your case to get a more detailed understanding of your situation and allows you to gain a more precise timeline of how the rest of your divorce may unfold.
3. The court may order both spouses to go through mediation to negotiate any existing issues and reach a mutually beneficial agreement to present to the judge. Each party has the right to request their lawyer’s presence during those meetings.

If any issue remains contested after the mediation process, the judge reviews and resolves them before issuing a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage and any support orders necessary such as custody orders if you share minor children.

Dissolution of Marriage vs. Legal Separation

A dissolution of marriage permanently terminates your marriage. Both parties are then free to remarry. However, legal separation means you and your spouse remain legally married and cannot marry someone else. 

This may be a helpful solution for couples whose faith does not permit divorce or if you wish to maintain certain benefits possible due to your marital status.

It follows that separation and divorce share many of the same elements, such as:

• Property division
• Child custody
• Child support

Trying Separation Before Divorce

Particular couples decide to first file for separation before deciding whether to petition for divorce. However, the law does not state that separation is a prerequisite. You may directly file.

The duration of the divorce or separation process generally depends on your unique situation. The legal proceedings may take from a few months to more than a year. As we get a clear picture of your specific circumstances, we can discuss a potential timeline.

Choose Solutions Based Family Law to Protect Your Interests and Future in Colorado

Hiring a reputable lawyer can make a positive difference in the legal proceedings, even for straightforward, uncontested divorces. Solutions Based Family Law's team combines a thorough understanding of Colorado family law and extensive professional experience to help protect your rights and future.

We can help you outside of the courtroom or during hearings. Our attorneys have extensive experience with many types of divorces, and we can assist you during negotiations or trials. Our firm believes in compassionate and personalized representation to help you find a solution that meets your needs and goals.

From reviewing your initial petition to your proposed agreements, we can evaluate all documents, confirming they are in your interests. Suppose you share minor children with your spouse. In that case, our lawyers agree that negotiations and court orders respect parental rights.

Our firm serves families in Douglas, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Adams, Denver, Boulder, El Paso Counties, and their surrounding areas. Even after finalizing your divorce, our family attorneys remain available if you want to request court order modifications.

Call Solutions Based Family Law today at (720) 463-2232 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation in Centennial, CO.