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Divorce

Denver Divorce Attorney

Top-Rated Divorce Lawyer in Colorado

After living in the middle of a shaky marriage, the last thing you want is complicated and emotionally draining divorce proceedings. The very thought of divorce issues like property division, custody agreement, and spousal support can cause you to lose sleep at night. You need good legal advocacy from a divorce lawyer in Denver, and you need it fast. We can help.

No one should face one of the most difficult and personal legal matters in life without the right advocate on their side. If you are moving toward a divorce in Colorado, act in your best interests by contacting a divorce attorney in Denver online from our family law firm right away.


Divorce FAQ


Denver Family Lawyers is home to a team of professionals dedicated to providing the best possible service and results for each client—including you. Call (303) 225-3343 to schedule a free case evaluation.

20 Years of Legal Experience Serving Clients Through Colorado

Led by our founding divorce attorney in Denver, William “Bill” Thode, our firm is the perfect combination of aggressive advocacy and compassionate counsel. We will support you through the course of your divorce but will also relentlessly fight for your rights every step of the way.

Start today with a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the laws regarding divorce in Colorado. Our Denver divorce lawyers will ensure you know exactly what your divorce might involve and how our team can help you take steps in the right direction. Our goal is to demystify the process and equip you with the necessary information to make informed decisions.

Should I Get a Divorce Lawyer?

Different circumstances often require different solutions; however, in most divorce situations, having a divorce lawyer in Denver by your side will help you immensely. A divorce attorney in Denver can help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights and assets, and help you reach a fair settlement. Without proper legal representation, you may end up with an unfair outcome that could affect your financial stability and future well-being.

An experienced divorce attorney can also provide guidance and support during this emotionally challenging time. They can offer objective advice and help you make informed decisions to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

This is especially true when dealing with the following situations:

  • Problems with abuse
  • Spouse was caught lying about an issue
  • Spouse is being vindictive
  • You discovered your spouse retained their own attorney
  • If there are children involved or complex financial issues

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Contact us online or call (303) 225-3343 to schedule a complimentary divorce consultation with one of our Denver divorce attorneys today.

FAQ: Getting a Divorce in Colorado

What Do Divorce Proceedings Look Like in Colorado?

No two divorce cases are the same, but there are a number of family law matters that most divorce cases have in common. If you are looking to dissolve your marriage, then you will need to consider:

At Denver Family Lawyers, we recognize how overwhelming the thought of divorce can be. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through your options. Every step is explained with clarity, ensuring you are well-informed about your rights and responsibilities.

Attorney Bill Thode has two decades of experience in Colorado family law. As a seasoned trial attorney and mediator in Denver, he is capable of getting results both in and out of the courtroom and can help you with any divorce matter, whether contested or uncontested. Find out what we can do for you by calling or visiting our divorce law firm today! We prioritize your family's well-being while aiming for the most favorable outcomes possible.

How Do You Get Divorced in Colorado?

After determining if you meet the state's residency requirements, which generally means that either you or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 consecutive days before filing for divorce, getting a divorce involves following specific legal procedures and considerations. Our divorce lawyers in Denver are well-versed in these procedures, and they can ensure that every detail is meticulously attended to.

To file for divorce in Colorado, you must:

  1. File a Petition for Dissolution: The divorce process starts when a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed with the court, either by one spouse or jointly. There is no preference given to the individual that files, or any benefit for filing jointly. The process remains the same regardless, allowing couples to pursue whichever approach is best for them without fear of it affecting their settlement.
  2. Serve the Documents: After the initial petition is filed, if it is not a Joint Petition for Dissolution, the filer must serve the other spouse with the divorce documents and a summons. Alternatively, the respondent may sign a waiver of service to declare that they received the papers.
  3. Response to the Petition: The respondent partner is given 21 days, or 35 if they live outside of Colorado, to file a response to the petition with the court, if they choose.
  4. Meet with the Judge at the Status Conference: An Initial Status Conference happens within around 40 days of filing the petition for dissolution. This meeting with the judge is the first court appearance and provides each spouse an opportunity to ask questions or bring up unique issues within their case.
  5. Disclose All Assets: After this preliminary meeting, the court will require each party to fully disclose their financial status, any debts and assets, and other relevant information necessary for the case.
  6. Receive an Order of the Court from the Judge: Couples who are able to do so amicably may settle their own case outside of court during mediation. If the two come to an agreement here, the mediator will complete a Memorandum of Understanding. Our divorce attorneys in Denver can also create a Separation Agreement detailing the terms each party agreed to. Either document may be presented to the court, and the judge can accept it and back it with an Order of the Court.
  7. Proceed to Permanent Orders Hearings: Mediation, while a required step in Colorado divorces, does not work for every couple. Those who cannot reach an agreement proceed to Permanent Orders Hearings. During these hearings, the judge considers the evidence, testimonies, and arguments of each party.
  8. Receive a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage: They will make a decision based on the information presented and each party’s financial disclosures to finalize any unsettled points of contention, such as alimony, child support and custody, property division, and more. The judge or magistrate will also issue a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.

Temporary orders can be made in an additional court visit before the permanent orders hearing to maintain the status quo of a couple’s life by settling immediate needs such as parenting decisions.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Colorado?

Divorce costs vary to reflect the complexity of each individual case and the legal involvement required.

  • Uncontested divorces without children do not require legal involvement to decide custody, child support, and other issues exclusive to divorce involving children, and typically cost around $3,500 to $4,200.
  • More complicated, contested cases can reach up to $20,000 if the couple requires a significant level of court involvement. Typically, however, Colorado divorces have an average cost around $9,700 to $11,800.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Colorado?

As with most states, the length of the divorce process is significantly affected by the specifics of the case and whether it is contested or uncontested. The quickest it can be done is 91 days. Decrees of Dissolution of Marriage have a 91-day waiting period that begins once the respondent is served with the petition. Some cases may take significantly longer if they are contested and the couples fail to agree on key decisions within their divorce. Other couples may be agreeable and speed through the Denver filing process, in which case they will simply need to see the waiting period through before being issued their divorce decree.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation is a way for a couple to resolve their divorce without having to go to court. Mediation is not only incredibly effective, but many people find mediation to be one of the best ways to settle a divorce. During mediation, the parties meet with a neutral mediator whose job it is to help them reach decisions and agreements over such issues as:

  • Parenting time
  • Child custody
  • Property division
  • Spousal support

It’s expected that the parties will disagree about certain issues. The mediator’s objective is to help the parties talk through their disagreements so they are able to effectively reach an agreement or settlement. By fostering communication, mediation can save couples from the time and expense of court trials.

Anyone can benefit from resolving their divorce through mediation. That being said, mediation may not be for you if you and your spouse simply cannot get along or work together. In that case, you may be better off letting your attorneys argue your case in court. Mediation is a great alternative to litigation for those people who are willing to put aside their differences and come together to try and resolve their divorce. Those who use mediation to settle their divorce will find they will save time and money in the long run.

What Is the Difference Between Divorce, Legal Separation, and Annulment?

Divorce, legal separation, and annulment are all terms that refer to the end of a marriage. However, there are significant differences between these three options. If you and your spouse are questioning whether you should continue your marriage, it is important to understand these three options and what they mean.

  • Divorce: Divorce is the process of dissolving a marriage. Once a divorce has been finalized, the parties will no longer be legally married, and any of the rights, protections, and benefits they shared as a married couple will no longer be valid.
  • Legal Separation: When a married couple is unsure of whether or not they want to continue with their marriage, they can legally separate and spend some time apart. This is a less dramatic step than filing for divorce, as the parties can easily resume their marriage if they decide they still want to be together.
  • Annulment: An annulment is essentially declaring that the marriage is invalid. It’s much harder to annul a marriage than to get a divorce.

Anyone can get a divorce, but in order to get an annulment, the parties must meet at least one of the following grounds:

  • One of the parties was mentally incapacitated at the time of the marriage
  • One spouse could not consummate the marriage due to a physical incapacity that the other spouse was unaware of
  • One spouse was under the legal age of consent at the time of the marriage
  • One spouse was married under duress
  • One spouse was married to another person at the same time the new marriage began
  • The marriage was incestuous
  • The marriage was a dare or a hoax
  • The marriage was based on fraud

Be sure that you fully understand these options, what they mean, and which ones you qualify for. This will save you a lot of time and effort. Speaking with a divorce lawyer at Denver Family Lawyers about whether you should file for a divorce, legal separation, or annulment can further expedite the process. Identifying the most suitable option can significantly affect your financial and legal rights.

How Are Assets Divided in Divorce in Colorado?

Colorado is classified as a "marital property" state, meaning only property that is gathered during a marriage is divided in a divorce proceeding. This includes any debt acquired.

Examples of marital property include:

  • Real estate
  • Investments such as stock and/or bonds
  • Vehicles
  • Personal property including pets

During a court proceeding, if both parties cannot come to a mutual agreement on which property should be divided, then the judge will award assets based on equitable division. This doesn't necessarily mean a 50/50 split, rather, it's based on what is deemed most fair. Factors that influence equitable division include the length of the marriage and the income of each spouse.

Trusted Divorce Attorneys in Denver

With a distinguished history dating back to 1997, Denver Family Lawyers has established a reputation for excellence in the field of divorce and family law. Our team of experienced attorneys, led by the highly regarded Attorney Thode, is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation tailored to your specific needs, whatever the situation surrounding your divorce. 

Here are just a few of Attorney Thode's accolades over the past 25 years:

  • Lifetime Achievement Award from America’s Top 100 Attorneys
  • Attorney of the Year from Top 100 Lawyers
  • Top 100 Lawyers from The National Trial Advocates
  • 10 Best Attorneys: Client Satisfaction
  • Top Ranking Law Firm: Family Law from the American Association of Attorney Advocates
  • Top 10 Family Law Firm from Attorney & Practice Magazine
  • 10 Best Law Firms in Colorado from the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

We understand the complexities of the divorce process and can help to make sure you are protected. Our divorce lawyers pride ourselves on a commitment to excellence, ensuring every client receives personalized attention and strategic advice for optimal outcomes.

Call our top-rated divorce attorney in Denver for a free case evaluation: (303) 225-3343.

  • National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • 10 Best 2016 American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • American Academy of Trial Attorneys Premier 100 2015
  • Colorado Bar Association
  • BBB Accredited Business
  • Denver Bar Association
  • American Society of Legal Advocates 2016
  • America's Top 100 Attorneys
  • Legal Elite Corp America 2016

Place Your Trust

In Denver Family Lawyers
  • Versatile
    All of our clients receive personalized legal strategies.
  • Honest
    Bill is a no-nonsense Denver family law attorney who is focused on serving his clients' needs.
  • Experienced
    We have been helping families navigate difficult legal situations for over 20 years.
  • Courtroom-Ready
    We are led by a skilled litigator and mediator who is comfortable in the courtroom.

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Serving Colorado Families Since 1997
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