Loveland Divorce Lawyers

Let Us Protect Your Rights & Best Interests Throughout the Legal Process

A divorce can be a hotly contested and highly emotional process, especially when children are involved. To ensure you obtain the best possible results to get a fresh start in life, you must hire an experienced family law attorney to guide you through the complexities of the divorce process.

Our Loveland divorce attorneys at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. can protect your rights and best interests throughout this difficult time. With more than 30 years of legal experience, we have helped thousands of people just like you through the divorce process.

Colorado Divorce Laws

Colorado is a no-fault state, which means a couple ends their relationship because the marriage is irrevocably broken. There is also a 90-day residency requirement that at least one spouse needs to fulfill, and a 180 day residency requirement before the Court has jurisdiction over the children.

There are two types of divorce: contested divorce and uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse agree on all divorce issues (e.g. child custody, child support, alimony, property division, etc.), it may be possible to get an uncontested divorce. By contrast, if both parties are not able to agree on one or more issues of a divorce, it is considered a contested divorce.

Uncontested divorces are less costly and much quicker compared to a contested divorce, which presents complex legal issues. Our Loveland divorce lawyers can evaluate the circumstances of your case and assist you no matter which way your divorce progresses.

How much does it cost to get divorced?

The cost of a divorce varies depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the time taken on the case. After thirty years of legal practice, Rebecca Pepin offers that she has had cases in which both parties were able to work together, promptly got their paperwork completed, and were able to resolve all issues and avoid court for under $3,000. She has also encountered complex cases where the parties:

• Have no children but still fought for many years over alimony and property
• Have children fought for many years over custody and support
• Debate for months over items such as personal property and bills

In these complex cases, the cost of divorce was closer to $100,000.

At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we work hard to control the legal fees by handling each case with a team comprised of:

• Senior attorney
• Associate
• Paralegal

This allows work to be assigned and divided to keep costs low and to ensure that someone is available when clients have concerns so time is not wasted playing phone tag or leaving messages. Our attorneys also work closely with each client to teach them communication skills to make the best use of the attorney time, such as keeping a journal and emailing weekly rather than daily to consolidate information.

Much of the cost is within the client’s control as each item settled is a savings in legal fees. Unfortunately, neither the client nor the attorney can control the opposing party, their attorney, or the court. Therefore, some costs may be incurred that both the client and our team would have rather avoided. JBP prides itself on working well with opposing counsel and the courts to try to streamline even those costs for the client.

What is the Divorce Process Like in Loveland?

The divorce process is often new to our visitors and we want to help each person through this difficult time. One way to do this is by offering information on what to expect.

To begin, the court needs to divide all of the parties assets and debts, and look at their financial circumstances to determine whether any spousal support (maintenance – formerly alimony) should be paid. It does that by having both parties fill out financial affidavits and exchanging copies of statements showing account balances. If homes or businesses need to be valued, experts are retained. Once the values are determined the court must divide everything equitably, which is not always equally. If the parties can agree to a division, the court will accept the parties agreements as long as they appear to be equitable. The court looks at the following in order to determine a fair amount and term of maintenance.:

• Term of marriage
• Income or potential income of both parties
• Assets or debts allocated to them
• Any pending health issues precluding work

If the parties have children, the court must consider the factors listed in CRS 14-10-124 to determine what is in the best interests of the children in devising a parenting plan. The court looks at that parties’ relationship and the children’s best interests in determining how to assign decision making responsibility. The goal as set out by the Colorado legislature is to have both parents be active and engaged parents to the best of their capabilities in line with the children’s best interests. If the parties can agree to a parenting and decision making plan, the court will generally accept it as long as it appears to be fair and in the best interests of the minor children. If the parties cannot agree they may retain experts ranging from mediators, parenting coordinators, decision makers, Child Family Investigators, Children Legal Representatives to Parental Rights Evaluators. The cost of each expert varies and a good attorney can explain the differences and necessity of any expert

Results Matter - Work with an Attorney with Experience

Whether you are dealing with a divorce that is contested or uncontested, it is important to ensure that your attorney has the necessary tools and skills to protect your rights. With 30 years of experience serving men and women with divorce cases, we are confident that we can help you obtain the best possible outcome.If your case needs to go to trial, you can count on the representation we offer.

Get Started on Your Case Today

Our legal team will make sure all the paperwork is complete, all deadlines are met, all assets are accounted for, and your rights and best interests are always protected. We are ready to help you close a chapter in your life and start a new one.