Denver Divorce Attorney
Our Denver Divorce Lawyers Provide the Help You Need
Choosing to dissolve a marriage is never easy, but skilled representation from accomplished divorce attorneys can be the difference between a fresh start and a problem that lingers for years. At Johnson Law Group, LLC, in Denver, CO, we have the experience and compassion to guide you through the divorce process with your legal and financial well-being intact.
As Colorado is strictly a no-fault divorce state, we focus on obtaining the best results for our clients rather than assigning blame. When possible, we look to resolve disputes through consensus to reduce the financial and emotional stress you are facing. No matter what forum you choose to dissolve your marriage, we vigorously protect your legal interests and strive to build a strong foundation for the new chapter in your life.
Advising Divorcing Clients on Colorado's Spousal Maintenance Rules
Changes to Colorado’s spousal maintenance laws have made it easier to predict what payments, if any, one ex-spouse will have to make to the other.
There are a number of factors used to determine spousal maintenance rates, including:
- Income from Each Party — A percentage of the higher-earning spouse’s income minus a percentage of the lower-earning spouse’s income is used to set the required payment amount.
- Financial Situation — The overall financial status of each partner is used to assess whether the statutory support amount is fair or should be granted at all.
- Marriage Duration — The longer you were married, the longer you may be qualified to receive spousal maintenance.
The statutory formula applies to couples with a combined monthly income of up to $240,000. Our divorce lawyers will advise how the calculation applies based on your specific situation. Understanding these laws can help you anticipate potential outcomes and plan for your financial future post-divorce. We provide detailed consultations to ensure you are well-prepared for discussions on spousal maintenance.
The guidelines state that you can only receive alimony if your marriage lasted at least three years. It provides time limits for payments for marriages lasting three to 20 years.
For a marriage over 20 years, the law allows the judge in the case to determine the length, which could be for life. Alimony ends when you or your former spouse dies or if your former spouse remarries. Understanding these potential scenarios allows you to make informed decisions during divorce proceedings, ensuring your rights and interests are protected.
Navigating Divorce Mediation in Denver
Mediation offers a less adversarial path to dissolving a marriage, promoting collaboration over conflict. In Denver, divorce mediation is increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness and emphasis on mutual agreement. At Johnson Law Group, we guide you through this process, ensuring your interests are advocated for at each stage. Our seasoned mediators facilitate discussions around critical issues, such as asset division and parenting plans, encouraging productive dialogue and resolution. This approach not only reduces emotional stress but also allows for customized agreements tailored to both parties’ needs. Mediation sessions are confidential, fostering an open environment where concerns can be addressed without fear of public exposure.
Our Attorneys Meet Your Legal Team
At Johnson Law Group, our team of skilled and understanding legal professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient legal services for all clients.
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- Aaron
Myles is the best representation for anyone who has to go through an APR case. From day 1 he was very welcoming and attentive to me and what I was going through. I always felt very respected by him and the other members of his firm. Myles always took the time to really investigate any information or things involved with my case. I knew he was truly invested in my best wishes. When there were deadlines that needed to be met, they always were. If I was ever confused about a process, paperwork or court proceedings Myles took the time to explain and make sure I was comfortable and understood what was going on. All the way through Mediation. He was an absolute success and I could not have asked for better representation. I will always recommend Myles to anyone in need an attorney.
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I have a high profile case involving a custody matter, that stretched across multiple States, which included Colorado. At one point I had 4 Law firms attending to the matter in 4 different States, Johnson Law Group stood out as the best Law Firm, exemplifying integrity, fairness and strategies for the case. I highly recommend Johnson Law Group.- Jorel S.
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They’re professional and supportive team work was beyond efficient and they got the job done in the least amount of time and with the least stress possible. They’re an amazing team to help with family needs and are always available to answer any questions or support. I would definitely recommend Myles and Genet Johnson for any family legal needs.”- M.A.
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I wasn’t familiar with the process of child custody but I must say not only did Myles and his team direct me properly but it was a process that wasn’t money motivated. Very professional group, I was constantly informed of any step or move needed to be made, and they took a very stressful situation and made it a very pleasant storm. Thank you Myles and Johnson group for everything!”- Dwight
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- Lisa H.
Shana Velazquez and Julie Hernandez helped me with my divorce and they were amazing. Shana was so good about explaining everything to me and calming my anxiety. Being 64 and going through a divorce was very daunting to me and I appreciate their help and kind words more than words can say. I highly recommend them!
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I called Johnson Law Group extremely frustrated and stressed with the process of my custody case. From the consultation to every conversation after, Elizabeth went out of her way to make sure that i was comfortable with all the matters and decisions. My goals and the safety of my children were always the priority to the JLG team. I highly recommend Elizabeth and the whole Johnson Law Group team to anyone going through custody matters. Elizabeth, Cassidy, and Paola were amazing. I would happily use them again if needed.- Patricia
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Very professional, and caring. Everything was handled well, they listened to all my concerns, and responded in a timely manner. I would highly recommend using Johnson Law Group, they are amazing!- Sonja
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My Attorney and Paralegal Kara Mietlicki are such a wonderful team. I’ve seen them in action and it’s amazing.They will go to battle for someone that they believe in. They will work endlessly to make sure that their client gets their paternal rights. I am thankful that they are by my side through the toughest struggle I have ever experienced in my life. I highly recommend their representation.- Shawndabney W.
DIVORCE FAQS
Answers to the Most Common Questions About Divorce
Once you have decided to end your marriage, what is the first step you should take? While going through a divorce can be incredibly painful and emotional, you need to know how the process works to make the best decisions for your future. You’ve come to the right place for help with the divorce process in Denver. Read more to familiarize yourself with the issues of divorce so you can better understand the financial and legal ramifications of starting a divorce proceeding.
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Are There Residency Laws for Divorce?
Before starting any divorce proceedings, it’s important to understand Colorado’s residency requirements. In order to file for divorce, you must meet the state's residency laws, which generally require you to have lived in Colorado for at least one year before you can apply. If either you or your spouse is living in another state, a waiting period may apply.
Divorce can be an emotional and complex process, so it’s essential to know the legal steps involved to make informed decisions for your future. For guidance, it’s a good idea to consult with experienced Denver divorce attorneys at Johnson Law Group, who can help you navigate the divorce process. We offer free consultations to answer your questions and assist in moving forward with your case.
To gain a better understanding of the financial and legal aspects of divorce, you can also read more about divorce on our family law blog, which offers valuable insights into the divorce process.
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What Are the Grounds for Divorce?The grounds for divorce are the legal reasons on which you are basing your request that the court allows you to end your marriage. Typically, grounds fall into one of two categories: no-fault and fault-based grounds.
Fault-based grounds require you to show some evidence that your spouse committed an act such as adultery, cruelty or desertion that has caused the marriage to end. While there are not many benefits to filing for a fault-based divorce over a no-fault divorce, you may receive sympathy from the judge when determining alimony or the division of marital assets.
No-fault divorces are more common than fault-based divorces and are primarily based on irreconcilable differences. In short, filing for a no-fault divorce means you and your partner can no longer get along and you do not believe that relations will improve in the future. No-fault divorces are common for a variety of reasons. First, you do not have to show evidence that your spouse did something wrong. If you are not accusing your spouse of wrongdoing, the divorce process generally takes less time and causes less anxiety and tension. -
How Do I File for Divorce in Denver?The divorce process legally begins when you complete the appropriate paperwork and file it in a Colorado court. A complaint or petition begins the divorce process. The Johnson Law Group can help you prepare and file all divorce documents, including the petition. A complaint is a specific petition to the court to end your marriage. Parties are referred to as either the "plaintiff" or the "defendant" in a complaint, while they are referred to as "petitioner" and "respondent" in other petitions.
After the complaint is filed, your spouse will be notified. The complaint can be delivered to your spouse in person or the document is sometimes allowed to be mailed. After your spouse has been served with the appropriate paperwork, court proceedings are officially started.
A multitude of factors can impact the divorce process. Some couples choose to divide property and set up custody agreements without involving lawyers. However, most couples use divorce attorneys to ensure their interests are best served in court. Mediation is also an option for those who want to deal with the divorce outside of court. -
How is Child Custody Determined in Colorado?If you and your spouse have children, custody will likely be the main issue in your divorce. Colorado law dictates that all custody issues are settled with the best interests of the child in mind. When possible, this usually means having both parents involved in a child’s life.
Joint legal custody is often the best outcome when it comes to a child custody case. In joint custody cases, both you and your spouse have a say in the child’s education, upbringing and medical treatment. However, joint legal custody does not necessarily mean joint physical custody.
If you have joint physical custody, the child spends the same time living with each parent. However, this may not be feasible for several reasons. Typically, the judge grants sole physical custody to one parent but provides the other parent with pre-scheduled visitation and parenting time. Most judges recommend the noncustodial parent spend one or two evenings a week and every other weekend with the child. -
Do I Need to Pay Alimony in Denver, CO?
Alimony is commonly referred to as spousal support or spousal maintenance. Most judges do not award permanent alimony. Instead, many courts award alimony for a limited period of time. For instance, one type of spousal maintenance is called rehabilitative alimony. Courts sometimes award this for a fairly short period, typically two years or less. The support ends when the courts believe a partner can viably enter the workforce and earn a living.
Some courts award reimbursement alimony. This type of spousal support is awarded when one spouse contributed to the other’s college education or career. The theory behind reimbursement alimony is that spouses need to be repaid for costs they incurred for the benefit of the other partner.
Regardless of the type of alimony being awarded, courts often consider the following factors when awarding spousal maintenance:- A spouse’s need for support
- A partner’s ability to pay
- Each spouse's job history
- The duration of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income
- Each spouse’s education level
- Each spouse’s childcare duties
- The division of property
Historically, the male in a partnership often paid alimony to the female after the dissolution of a marriage. However, this trend is quickly changing as more women are earning higher incomes than men and more men choose to stay home with children.
Choosing to dissolve a marriage is never easy, but skilled representation from accomplished divorce attorneys can be the difference between a fresh start and a problem that lingers for years. At Johnson Law Group, LLC, in Denver, CO, we have the experience and compassion to guide you through the divorce process with your legal and financial well-being intact.
As Colorado is strictly a no-fault divorce state, we focus on obtaining the best results for our clients rather than assigning blame. When possible, we look to resolve disputes through consensus to reduce the financial and emotional stress you are facing. No matter what forum you choose to dissolve your marriage, we vigorously protect your legal interests and strive to build a strong foundation for the new chapter in your life.
Contact a Denver Divorce Lawyer for Your Free Consultation Today
Johnson Law Group, LLC, are the divorce attorneys in Denver, CO, that will represent Colorado clients with divorce, divorce mediation and modification, and other family litigation.
If you are struggling with any aspect of the divorce process, including alimony, child custody, or property separation, contact Johnson Law Group. Our team of divorce lawyers are experienced in all aspects of divorce law and well-versed in Denver’s laws and regulations. You do not need to endure this difficult journey alone. Get the help you need.
Please call (720) 744-3513 or contact us online for a free consultation at our Denver office.
