Aurora, Colorado Divorce Lawyers
Guiding You Toward a Divorce That Works
Divorce can be one of the most emotionally and financially challenging experiences of your life. When your future feels uncertain, having a knowledgeable attorney can help you stay grounded and informed. Since our founding in 1997, Denver Family Lawyers has helped people in Aurora navigate divorce with clarity, professionalism, and care. Led by Attorney William “Bill” Thode, who has been recognized by respected legal organizations nationwide for his family law practice, we are committed to giving you the steady support you need at every step of the divorce process, whether you want to file for divorce or were handed divorce papers already.
Call us today at (303) 225-3343 to discuss your divorce during an initial case evaluation.
How a Divorce Lawyer Can Make the Process Smoother
Even when both spouses are committed to ending the marriage respectfully, divorce involves major decisions about finances, parenting, and long-term stability. Colorado’s divorce laws and procedures can be complex, and misunderstandings can lead to avoidable delays, arguments, or unfavorable outcomes. Working with an experienced divorce lawyer can help you approach each step with confidence and reduce stress during an already difficult time.
A knowledgeable divorce attorney from our firm can help make the process smoother by:
- Explaining your rights and obligations under Colorado law
- Helping you avoid common mistakes that can delay or complicate your case
- Preparing and filing necessary court forms and legal documents
- Attempting to negotiate fair and practical agreements with your spouse or their attorney
- Advocating for your parental rights and a parenting plan that supports your child’s best interests
- Providing strategic representation during mediation or court hearings
- Offering steady communication so you never feel uncertain about what comes next
Contested Divorce, Uncontested Divorce & Mediation
Every divorce follows its own path, and choosing the right approach can influence how long the process takes and how stressful it becomes. The three most common paths are contested divorce, uncontested divorce, and mediation.
We can help and represent you during any divorce proceeding, such as:
- Contested divorce: When spouses cannot agree on issues such as property division, parental responsibilities, child support, or spousal maintenance, a contested divorce will likely follow.
- Uncontested divorce: When spouses agree on all major terms and submit their agreement to the court for approval, the divorce may remain uncontested.
- Divorce mediation: The divorce mediation process involves spouses who work with a neutral mediator to resolve disputed issues and attempt to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
A contested divorce may require court hearings, formal discovery, and judicial involvement to resolve disputes. These cases often take longer and may be more costly due to litigation. Uncontested divorces typically move more quickly since spouses are already in agreement, but it is still important to take steps to ensure that all documents are prepared correctly.
Mediation is a popular option for couples who want more control over the outcome and prefer a cooperative process. While the mediator does not represent either spouse, your attorney can help you prepare for mediation and advise you throughout the negotiations to protect your interests.
Common Topics & Issues to Consider in a Divorce
Divorce requires couples to resolve several legally significant issues. Even when separations begin amicably, these topics can become complex and emotionally charged as the process unfolds. Understanding the key areas involved can help you prepare for the decisions ahead.
Common topics involved in Colorado divorces include:
- Division of marital property and debts
- Determination of separate versus marital assets
- Parental responsibilities, including decision-making authority
- Parenting time schedules and co-parenting expectations
- Child support calculations under state guidelines
- Spousal maintenance, sometimes called alimony
- Division of retirement accounts and investment assets
- Handling real estate, including the marital home
- Temporary orders for support or parenting time during the divorce
Having experienced legal guidance can help you navigate these matters while staying focused on long-term stability for yourself and your children.
Typical Divorce Process in Aurora, Colorado
Although every case is unique, most divorces in Aurora follow a similar sequence of steps. In most situations, divorces for Aurora residents are filed with the Arapahoe County District Court, though jurisdiction may vary depending on where each spouse resides.
The typical divorce process includes:
- Filing the Petition or Co-Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Serving the divorce papers unless both spouses sign a joint petition
- Submitting financial disclosures, which are required in every case
- Attending the Initial Status Conference (ISC), usually held within a few weeks of filing
- Participating in mediation, which is required in most contested cases
- Attempting to negotiate agreements about parenting time, property division, and support
- Preparing for hearings or trial, if any issues remain unresolved
- Finalizing the divorce decree once all requirements are met
Throughout this process, we provide guidance, strategic advice, and steady support so you understand what to expect at each stage.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Colorado?
Colorado law requires a mandatory 91-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. This waiting period begins once the divorce is filed and both spouses have been served or have signed the paperwork. Even if spouses agree on all issues, the court cannot finalize the case before this minimum timeframe expires.
In practice, most divorces take longer than the mandatory waiting period. The overall timeline depends on factors such as the complexity of financial issues, the level of cooperation between spouses, and whether contested issues require litigation. Uncontested divorces may take only a few months, while contested cases, especially those involving parenting disputes or high-value assets, can take significantly longer.
Get Real Divorce Support by Calling Now
Divorce is a major life transition, but you do not have to go through it on your own. Our team of Aurora divorce attorneys at Denver Family Lawyers is committed to helping you approach the process with clarity and a well-informed plan. Whether your case is contested, uncontested, or headed toward mediation, we are here to protect your interests and support you every step of the way.
Call (303) 225-3343 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our law office.