Lakewood Divorce Attorneys
Divorce Lawyers for People in Jefferson County, Colorado
Ending a marriage is rarely simple, and the legal steps you take now can influence nearly every aspect of your future. Whether your case involves complex property issues, disagreements about parenting time, or questions about long-term financial support, you deserve guidance grounded in Colorado law and backed by steady, focused representation. Denver Family Lawyers supports clients in Lakewood who need help understanding their rights at each stage of the divorce process. If you’re planning to file for divorce or have received divorce papers, talk to us today, so we can make your goals our priority.
Call our Lakewood divorce lawyers at (303) 225-3343 and request a consultation to begin.
Colorado Divorce Requirements
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, which means you do not need to prove wrongdoing to request a dissolution of marriage. Instead, you can inform the court that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” You or your spouse must meet state residency requirements, though, and you must follow a defined legal timeline once a petition is filed. Although every divorce is unique, certain issues frequently arise in Jefferson County courts, including the division of marital property, allocation of parenting time, and the determination of child or spousal support.
Key elements of Colorado divorce requirements include:
- Meeting the residency requirement, meaning at least one spouse has lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing
- Complying with mandatory financial disclosures
- Following the statutory waiting period before the divorce can be finalized
- Addressing all relevant issues, including child-related matters and property division
Our role is to guide you through each requirement and help you stay organized. With our help, you can be confident that your decisions are well-informed and aligned with Colorado law.
Property Division in Divorce
Colorado uses an equitable distribution system, which means marital assets and debts are divided in a way the court considers fair, though not necessarily equal. Property division can become one of the most complicated parts of the process, especially when significant assets, business interests, pensions, stock accounts, or real estate holdings are involved.
Judges review many factors before deciding what an equitable division looks like, such as:
- Each spouse’s financial circumstances
- Contributions to the marriage
- Nature of both marital and separate property.
We can help you identify what qualifies as marital property, prepare the required documentation, and argue for a reasonable distribution that supports your long-term stability.
Child Custody & Parenting Time in Divorce
If you share children, the court must approve a parenting plan that reflects the children’s best interests. In Colorado, custody is divided into legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the children primarily live). Parenting time arrangements can be flexible, but they must be practical, safe, and rooted in the children’s well-being.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) in Divorce
Spousal maintenance is not automatic in Colorado. Instead, the court evaluates whether one spouse requires financial support and whether the other spouse has the ability to pay it. Factors such as the length of the marriage, each party’s income, employment history, and financial resources all play a role. Maintenance can be temporary or long-term depending on your circumstances. Because the outcome can affect both spouses for years, we work closely with you to evaluate income figures, understand the statutory guidelines, and anticipate how a judge may approach the question of fairness based on current Colorado law.
The Divorce Process: What to Expect
Many cases begin with negotiation or mediation, especially in Jefferson County, where courts encourage alternative dispute resolution. If you and your spouse can agree on key issues, your divorce may proceed more efficiently. If not, a contested case may require hearings, temporary orders, or a final trial. Throughout this process, we help you understand your options, prepare required filings, and maintain a clear picture of what lies ahead.
FAQ: Divorce in Lakewood, Colorado
1. How long does a divorce take in Lakewood or Jefferson County?
Colorado has a mandatory minimum waiting period of 91 days from when the responding spouse is served or signs a waiver. However, the full timeline depends on how quickly issues are resolved. Cases involving contested custody, property disagreements, or complex financial evaluations may take longer. We provide oversight at each step so you remain prepared for expected timelines.
2. Do I have to go to court for my divorce?
Not always. Many divorces in Jefferson County are resolved through negotiation or mediation, and the court may finalize your case without a formal hearing if all issues are settled. However, if disagreements cannot be resolved, a judge may need to decide the unresolved matters. We help you prepare for both settlement-focused processes and courtroom proceedings.
3. What if my spouse and I agree on everything? Can we file an uncontested divorce?
Yes. If both spouses agree on property division, parenting arrangements, support, and all other required matters, you may file an uncontested divorce. This can reduce the time, cost, and stress associated with the process. Even in uncontested cases, it is important to work with a lawyer who can check that the agreement complies with Colorado law and adequately protects your interests before it is submitted to the court.
Call Any Time You Want a Lakewood Divorce Lawyer’s Help
A divorce can reshape your financial circumstances, redefine your family’s dynamic, and create new responsibilities for you and your ex-spouse. With the right legal support, you can move through this process with clarity and confidence. Denver Family Lawyers and our Lakewood divorce attorneys are committed to helping you move forward with less stress and more answers.
Call (303) 225-3343 right now if you would like to schedule a consultation.