Colorado Springs Family Law Lawyer

Property division makes up a large part of the divorce process. As couples build assets together, it is essential to ensure that each benefits equally from their hard work when the marriage ends. Property does not simply mean homes and real estate. In the case of divorce, property includes:

• Savings
• Retirement accounts
• Businesses
• Stocks and bonds
• Investments
• Cars and other large ticket items
• Property, including homes, cabins, vacation houses, and empty land

In some cases, all assets can be split evenly between the two spouses. However, not all of these assets can be divided. For example, you cannot physically split a house between two divorced individuals.

In cases such as these, the attorneys negotiate. Perhaps one spouse will get the home, and the other will get the cabin. Another method is selling the home and splitting the profit. There are many ways to approach this process. As long as the value of the assets ends up fairly divided, the property division is successful.

Modifications

All of the above are legally binding decisions. First, the court determines the terms of these agreements, after which the members are legally obligated to fulfill their part of the agreement.

However, this does not mean that the agreements cannot change. On the contrary, there are many situations in which an existing agreement may no longer suit those involved, and a change is necessary.

Changes to these agreements are called modifications. They can be obtained through the court system with the help of your Colorado Springs attorney. It is vital to make these changes through the proper channels to guarantee that they are legally binding. If you attempt to make changes on your own, the law cannot hold any party to the new agreement’s terms.

Some examples of modifications include:

• Decreasing or ending spousal maintenance payments when the supported spouse gets a job or remarries.
• Altering child custody agreements if the adults’ lives change, if one party moves away, or if the children have new schedules.
• Altering child support payments if there has been a change in income or need.

These are not the only examples of potential modifications. Many situations may warrant changes. If you believe you are eligible for a modification to a family law agreement, contact your Colorado Springs family law attorney.

Orders of Protection

Unfortunately, family law is not all about supporting changing families and fostering new lives for spouses seeking a divorce. In some cases, domestic violence comes into play. These situations are often heartbreaking and require delicate legal advice.

In moments of crisis, emergency orders of protection can be obtained through local law enforcement. These no-contact agreements can help shield the victim from their abuser and keep them safe until a more permanent protective solution is created. Permanent protective orders are possible after a hearing occurs, and a judge reviews the circumstances surrounding the domestic violence and protection request.

Protective orders can be created against a limited number of people, as they deal directly with domestic violence and abuse in the home. This means that spouses, children, parents, roommates, caretakers, etc., can have protective orders created against them.

In some cases, the protective order is the only step the victim chooses to take against their abuser. Though they do not last forever, the protection for a limited time may be enough to keep them safe. However, in many other cases, if the victim and abuser were married, the victim chooses to seek a divorce from their abuser to further distance themselves and permanently end the relationship. It is best to have a Colorado Springs attorney fighting on your side in these situations and all cases involving protective orders.