Divorce does not set out to be a negative part of life. It is an opportunity for two people in a relationship to recognize the difficulties they are experiencing. They can agree to help each other by allowing each other to have a fresh start without the other. Often, these processes start out with good intentions, but not always. Sometimes there are situations where one person does not want to end the relationship, but the other does. There may also be situations where spouses start out with the best of intentions but simply cannot agree on the terms of the divorce.

A contested divorce in Colorado Springs can be lengthy and potentially costly without the help of an experienced family law attorney like those at Johnson Law Group, LLC. Our attorneys are skilled at helping our clients reach their desired outcome in a contested divorce case.

Not every divorce is contested. However, there are signs to look for to know that you should be prepared for that process. If any of the following occur, you may want to file for a contested divorce, which will force your spouse to respond through served papers.

• Your spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers.
• There is an inability to reach a child custody, visitation, or support agreement.
• There is a lack of collaboration on asset division, including physical property such as a home.
• One spouse refuses to disclose financial information.
• A parenting plan cannot be filed because of a disagreement.
• There is evidence that one spouse intentionally harms the other by disparaging them in front of the children.
• There is a disagreement on who is entitled to which assets.
• One spouse is refusing to be supportive financially through child support or spousal support.
• One spouse hires an attorney who is overly aggressive and applies pressure to agree to terms.

Contested divorces have their own set of dynamics.

• They are often contentious.
• There will be a hearing overseen by a judge.
• The success of such divorces will depend on any prior preparation made for the case.

The hearings will consist of many components and could require any of the following:

• If the case has issues involving the mental stability of one of the spouses, experts such as psychiatrists may be asked to testify.
• There may be a need for character witnesses such as relatives, friends, or others.
• If there is suspicion that assets have not been disclosed, there may be a need to introduce financial records and other documents.
• There could be an effort to discredit the other spouse by introducing examples of infidelity or marital misconduct.

In addition to the above elements of a contested divorce trial, the following complexities should be expected as well.

• Attend an initial status conference, at which a judge will define the litigation process. They will identify major issues to be discussed and evidence that needs to be admitted.
• There are attorneys for both sides, which can be costly due to the amount of time that they need to invest in the process.
• The process will take longer because there is a longer period in which both spouses will gain information from each other during the “discovery phase.”
• Depending on the nature of the dispute, court and attorney fees could be thousands of dollars.

There are opportunities to use mediators to help resolve contested divorces more easily than by strictly going to court.

You enter marriage with the intention of forming a partnership with your spouse. Your divorce should have a similar partnership with someone who has your best interests in mind. This is how a divorce attorney can help. In addition to being a support for you during the difficult and stressful process, a divorce attorney can help in many ways. From gathering evidentiary information through the discovery process to helping to keep the emotions out of the mediation process, a divorce attorney has one goal in mind: to help you get the outcome you are looking for.

Q: How Much Does a Contested Divorce Cost in Colorado?

A: Every divorce is different and comes with different dynamics. Depending on the needs of your case, the average contested divorce in Colorado could cost between $10,000 and $12,000. This amount includes legal fees, court filing costs, and other expenses that may be related to the case. If you can mediate your case, you could significantly save money.

Q: How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Colorado?

A: As with the cost of your case, the dynamics of your case could cause different timelines. A contested divorce can take up to six months on average. This could change depending on the court's requirements for evidence in litigation or any mediation that takes place. The more the spouses can discuss their own agreements, the shorter the process will take.

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Colorado Springs?

A: The average cost of a divorce attorney in Colorado is between $150 and $250 per hour. Depending on the attorney’s experience or the type of client they serve, it could cost upwards of $650 per hour. Generally, the higher the price of the attorney, the more complex your case may be. When you first speak with an attorney, you should inquire about fees.

Q: Can I Contest a Divorce in Colorado?

A: Anyone can file for a contested divorce in Colorado. The legal system would like spouses to settle their divorce independently of the court as it is quicker and more amicable. However, if there are disagreements that the two cannot agree on, either party can seek a contested divorce, in which the court can help make the necessary agreements.

Divorce can be complicated, stressful, and emotional. If you are facing a divorce, you should have the support on your side that will help you reach the best outcome. With the expert divorce lawyers at Johnson Law Group, LLC, you will have the knowledge and expertise that can help win your case. Our experience can go to work for you and help you reach the necessary agreements to finalize your divorce. Contact our offices today.