Colorado Springs Family Law Lawyer

Prenuptial agreements, created before marriage, and postnuptial agreements, created after marriage, can provide clarity and protection regarding finances and property. These agreements can address asset division, spousal support, and other financial matters in the event of divorce or death. Johnson Law Group can draft and review these agreements, confirming that they are legally sound and reflect your wishes. We help you consider all relevant factors and create an agreement that works for your unique situation.

Divorce

Divorce is a significant area of family law. While common, it is never painless. Divorces vary greatly. Uncontested divorces, or those without shared property, can be more straightforward. However, complex situations involving substantial assets, businesses, or children require more time and attention. Johnson Law Group can guide you through either process.

While some consider navigating divorce without representation, it is rarely advisable. An attorney can mediate asset division and protect your interests. Even in amicable divorces, emotions can cloud judgment. Disagreements can arise over seemingly minor details. 

Property Division

Property division is a key part of divorce. It is about both parties benefiting fairly from shared assets. "Property" encompasses more than just real estate. It includes savings, retirement accounts, businesses, stocks, bonds, investments, vehicles, and all types of real property. Assets are not always easily divisible. For instance, a house cannot be physically split. We negotiate solutions, such as one spouse keeping the house while the other receives another asset of comparable value or selling the property and dividing the proceeds. Our goal is a fair division of asset value.

Child Custody

Child custody and visitation are often the most emotionally challenging aspects of divorce. Parents understandably want to protect their relationships with their children. Child custody cases focus solely on the child's best interests. Courts recognize the importance of both parents in a child's life, favoring shared custody unless one parent is unfit, unavailable, or has a history of abuse. The court’s priority is sufficient care from willing and able parents.

Legal representation in child custody cases is essential. Courts appreciate parents who demonstrate commitment to their children. We can present your case effectively, even addressing past issues like DUIs or misdemeanors. While we do not provide criminal defense, we can offer context and present you in the best possible light. A Colorado Springs child custody attorney is vital for protecting your relationship with your child.

Child Support

Child support is another critical aspect of divorce. Both parents share the financial responsibility of raising their children, whether through guardianship, financial support, or both. While many understand that the parent with primary custody receives financial support from the other, it is more nuanced. Support is proportionate to each parent's income. It would not be fair for parents with vastly different incomes to contribute equally. Child support calculations often consider partial custody arrangements to determine equitable contributions.

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance, or alimony, may be awarded when one spouse earns significantly more than the other, often in situations where one spouse stays home. It helps compensate for income loss during the divorce. However, it is not automatic. We can advise you on whether you or your spouse might be eligible. You must have been married for at least 36 months to be considered in Colorado. For marriages of 12.5 years or more, payments could last half the length of the marriage.

Spousal maintenance is not guaranteed. If you are seeking alimony, legal representation is crucial. The paying spouse may not offer it willingly. You must raise the issue and present a convincing case. If you are the paying spouse, an attorney can verify that the other party has disclosed all assets and income. We strive for fairness for both parties.

Modifications

Court orders for divorce, custody, support, and maintenance are legally binding. However, life circumstances change. Agreements may need adjustments, called modifications. These changes must be made through the court with legal assistance to be enforceable. Attempting changes independently will not hold up legally. 

Modifications can include decreasing or ending spousal maintenance if the recipient gets a job or remarries, altering child custody due to changes in schedules or relocation, and adjusting child support based on income or needs. Contact us if you believe you qualify for a modification.

Orders Of Protection

Family law sometimes involves domestic violence, which requires sensitive legal counsel. Emergency orders of protection can be obtained through law enforcement, providing immediate no-contact protection. Permanent protective orders are issued after a court hearing. These orders can be against spouses, children, parents, roommates, caretakers, etc. Sometimes, a protective order is the only action taken. Often, it is followed by divorce proceedings. We recommend legal representation in all cases involving protective orders.