Going through a divorce can be one of the most difficult processes to go through. It is often complex and can be confusing to navigate, especially when you are going through emotional turmoil at the same time. The team of divorce lawyers at Hogan Omidi, PC can help you protect your rights and interests if you are going through a divorce in Colorado. Below is a step-by-step guide outlining the Colorado divorce process.
It is important to note that the steps for a Colorado divorce process may vary, depending on your specific circumstances. Factors that may affect the divorce process include:
- Length of the marriage
- Whether or not the couple has children
- Whether or not the couple has debt
- Whether or not the couple has property
- Whether or not the couple can come to an agreement on how to split
The team at Hogan Omidi, PC, our team of divorce lawyers can help make this process less stressful. We will provide you with our professional advice on how to best protect you and your family’s interests.
The Divorce Process
In Colorado, the general divorce process may be broken down into seven steps.
Step 1: File for Divorce
The first step in the Colorado divorce process is to file a Petition for the Dissolution of Marriage. This is a document that informs the court that you are seeking a divorce and outlines the general details of your marriage, including how long you have been married, if you have any children, and any property or debts you may share.
Step 2: Come to An Agreement
You and your spouse may both save time and money and avoid a lengthy battle in court if you can come to an agreement on the terms of your divorce. It is important to note that it is advised you work with an experienced divorce attorney throughout this process so that they can help you determine whether the agreement is fair and in your best interests.
Step 3: Disclose Your Financial Information
At this stage of a divorce, both parties are required to disclose the details of their financial information, including information on expenses, income, assets, and debts. This information will then be used to determine factors like property division, spousal maintenance, and child support.
Step 4: Temporary Orders Hearing
A temporary orders hearing will be held if you and your spouse are unable to agree on temporary issues, like child custody or child support. At this hearing, the court will outline temporary orders for these issues that will stay in place until the divorce is finalized.
Step 5: Discovery Process
This is a formal process in which both parties may request information and documents from each other. This process can include depositions, written questions, and requests for the production of documents. The discovery process is used to gather evidence and information to support each party’s case.
Step 6: Mediation Process
The court will require you and your spouse to attend mediation if you are unable to come to an agreement on the terms of your divorce. In the mediation process, a neutral third party will help find a resolution to issues that you and your spouse were previously unable to settle. It is especially important to work with an experienced divorce attorney throughout the mediation process so they may help you protect your rights and interests.
Step 7: Permanent Orders Hearing and the Decree of The Dissolution of Marriage
The court will hold a permanent orders hearing if you and your spouse were unable to come to an agreement in the mediation process. At the permanent orders hearing, the court will make final decisions on issues such as child support, spousal maintenance, and property division. Once the court has made its final decision, the divorce will be finalized and a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage will be entered into.
Why Working With An Attorney May Be Beneficial
The divorce process and be complicated and emotional. But working with an experienced divorce attorney can help you protect your rights and interests by providing guidance on contentious issues such as spousal maintenance, child support and custody, property division (particularly in cases involving significant marital assets), and more. An experienced attorney will also be able to efficiently navigate the court system and meet all important deadlines.
Additionally, working with an attorney can be beneficial because they can help you save time and money by negotiating with your spouse and their attorney to reach an agreement outside of court. Going through a divorce can heighten emotions and cloud your thinking, making it hard to stay objective and make rational decisions. Working with an experienced Denver divorce lawyer means having someone in your corner who has gone through this process many times. Your lawyer can maintain neutrality, come up with a winning strategy, and offer you sound advice on the best choices throughout the process.