Colorado Divorce Attorney
Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C.: Your Partners Throughout a Divorce
Navigating family law cases like divorce can feel overwhelming. That’s why you need an experienced and compassionate legal team on your side.
With over 30 years of family law experience, Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. is here to ensure your assets are fairly divided and you receive the support you need while negotiating parental rights and custody issues. From simple property division to complex business ownership cases, we have the skills and commitment to streamline your divorce process. Contact us today!
Comprehensive Family Law Services with a Personal Touch
There are many reasons Colorado families turn to the team at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., especially when they are faced with the emotional and financial burdens of divorce. Our experienced attorneys offer:
- 30+ Years of Experience: Over the last three decades, we’ve built a reputation on competence and compassion. Our track record speaks for itself and we encourage you to see what our clients say about us.
- Custom Legal Solutions: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, especially in divorce cases. Rest assured, we will work with you to find a custom solution tailored to your unique needs.
- A Comprehensive Approach: Our Colorado divorce team has deep knowledge of all matters related to family law. From navigating adoption and child custody to establishing prenuptial agreements and property division, we are here to assist.
- Compassionate Guidance: We believe in efficiency, but not at the expense of kindness and compassion. Our team is dedicated to helping clients overcome burdensome divorce issues with care and concern.
Understanding the Divorce Process in Colorado
Initially, many of our clients express concerns about the divorce process and worry that establishing grounds for divorce will be complicated. However, Colorado is a “no-fault” state, which means it is only necessary to declare that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Though fault-based arguments may be considered when dividing property and determining spousal support, navigating these aspects requires a nuanced understanding of Colorado law.
This is where our family law attorneys excel. We will support you through every stage of the divorce process, providing clarity and peace of mind at every step.
To better understand the divorce process, it's important to familiarize yourself with the key steps involved:
Dissolution of Marriage Petition
If one person is filing, they may offer the other party the opportunity to accept the documents with a waiver, or may hire a process server to deliver the petition to the spouse. If both parties agree with the divorce, they can file a joint petition.
Status Conference
Within 42 days of filing, both parties and their lawyers will meet with a judge for the “Initial Status Conference.” This is an informal meeting that allows both sides to identify the major issues of the case.
Disclosure
Within 42 days after service of the petition or post-decree filing, both spouses must exchange financial information. This includes bank accounts, retirement information, debts, and assets.
Temporary Orders Hearing
Both sides can request a “Temporary Orders” hearing to determine temporary financial and parenting time orders. This will stay in effect either until the divorce is settled or goes to trial.
Negotiation and Mediation
Both parties will negotiate to reach an agreement on all issues. If agreement cannot be reached, the parties will attend mediation. If an agreement can be made through negotiation or mediation, it will be submitted to the court.
Permanent Orders Hearing
In the case that you and your spouse are unable to come to an agreement, the case will enter a Permanent Orders hearing. A judge will hear evidence from both sides and come to a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce cost in Colorado?
Filing Costs
The bare minimum cost for a divorce includes the filing fees. To get divorced, the two spouses may file the petition together and share the filing fee, or one spouse can file the petition, and the other can file a response.
The petition is a request for a divorce and gives the court the information it needs to move forward with the divorce.
The response allows the other spouse to correct any misstated information and object to the information in the petition.
The cost to file a petition is $230, and the cost of filing a response is $116. The court has resources for parties who cannot afford the filing fee.
Mediation Costs
Divorces are complicated, and spouses often need the assistance of a professional to help them sort out all of the issues. The court will order parties to attend mediation with a professional if they are unable to resolve all issues on their own before the court will hold a hearing to decide on these issues for the parties.
Issues include the division of assets and debts, spousal support, parenting time, decision-making responsibility for the children, child support, who will take the family pets, etc.
The cost of mediation ranges from the Colorado Office of Dispute Resolution, which bills at $75 per hour per party ($150/hour per hour total) to private mediators who set their own rates and generally range from $200 to $350 per hour, to retired judges who charge around $300 per hour and up.
The Colorado Office of Dispute Resolution allows parties who cannot afford mediation to apply for reduced rates, as do some private mediators.
Attorney Fees
An experienced family law attorney can handle all aspects of a divorce and guide you through the process. Attorneys generally ask for a retainer and then bill by the hour for their work. You will receive a bill monthly for this work, and most attorneys expect that you will pay your bills in full each month and issue a refund for the retainer at the end of the case.
The hourly rate for attorneys in Northern Colorado ranges from $275-$450 an hour, and typical retainers range from $3,000 to $10,000 but may vary due to the case's complexity.
Do you need a reason to file for divorce in Colorado?
You do not need to prove any grounds for divorce in Colorado. The court will not ask you to describe why you are getting a divorce. The spouse filing for divorce simply needs to tell the court that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” There is no need to prove that there was infidelity, abuse, or gross financial mismanagement to get a divorce, though those issues may impact some of the issues to be settled or determined in the divorce case.
How is parenting time split by Colorado family law courts?
The court, by default, assumes that a child benefits the most from spending time with each parent and that both parents should be able to participate in decision-making on behalf of the child equally. The court orders specific parenting plans based on the best interests of the child, and the circumstances of the parties determines the best schedule.
Do mothers get priority in child custody orders?
Neither mothers nor fathers have priority in child custody cases. The court uses the child's best interests as a guide to make orders concerning the child. The court prioritizes the child’s needs over the parents’ needs.
What is marital property in a divorce?
All assets and debts accumulated while married are presumed to be marital property. There are a few exceptions, including inheritances and gifts. However, even inheritances or gifts can become marital property if they are used in certain ways, such as purchasing a joint asset. During a divorce, the court will divide all marital property equitably. Equitable distribution is based on what is found to be fair, not necessarily equal.
Have Questions? Contact Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C.
At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we understand the complexities and sensitivities surrounding family law matters. Our Denver family law attorneys are here to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to navigate issues like parenting time, custody, divorce, property division, and more. Your family's well-being is our priority, and we are committed to helping you find the best solutions with competence and compassion. Contact us today!
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