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DIVORCE IN FORT COLLINS

Helping You
Start Fresh
In Fort Collins

DIVORCE IN FORT COLLINS

Helping You
Start Fresh
In Fort Collins

Divorce In Fort Collins

It is never easy for individuals in Fort Collins to come to the decision to get a divorce. Due to the financial and emotional costs involved, getting a divorce is not something to be taken lightly. The decision has significant and lifelong impacts on both you and your family members. If you’re considering divorce, there’s no shame in being unsure about what you should do next. You deserve all the help possible to ensure you make informed decisions about your future.

 

At Modern Family Law, our experienced and compassionate Fort Collins attorneys go to great lengths to help our clients understand and navigate the divorce process. A better understanding leads to smarter choices.  We guide client expectations and create a partnership between client and lawyer for the best outcome.

 

When it comes to the dissolution of marriage in Fort Collins, Colorado, you should try to educate yourself as much as possible prior to starting your proceedings. One option is to consult with a Fort Collins divorce attorney. Our experienced and compassionate divorce lawyers will listen to the specifics of your case and will provide you with guidance and advice to navigate this difficult time in your life. Please review some of the important practice areas involved in Fort Collins divorce below.

What Practice Areas Fall Under
Divorce in Fort Collins?

No-Fault Divorce in Fort Collins

A no-fault divorce means that neither you nor the other party must give reasons for why you are getting a divorce. The state of Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need any “grounds to divorce”, as long as your marriage with the other party is irretrievably broken then you can file for divorce.

 

Well, what exactly does this mean? Is this a good thing or a bad thing for parties considering a divorce in Fort Collins? In a no-fault state like Colorado, the court does not take into consideration any misconduct for reasons of divorce such as adultery, desertion, insanity, amongst others. The court will want to know if the marriage is irretrievably broken, if both consent then that is enough to get a divorce. However, the court will weigh in those factors during the dissolution of marriage when making determinations related to the best interest of the children.

 

Being a no-fault state can be noticed as a good thing because it allows for a quicker and less expensive divorce process considering there will be less conflict from parties trying to prove who was at fault for ruining the marriage and causing a divorce. The term “uncontested divorce” is a common term used when both parties already have an agreement on a parenting plan and the division of assets and only need to file for a divorce decree.

Property Division in a Fort Collins Divorce

Going through a divorce is stressful on its own, it’s increasingly stressful when you have to think about dividing your property. There are two types of properties that will be addressed in the process of divorce: Marital property and separate property.

 

Marital property is any property acquired during the marriage. This includes a home, automobile, checking accounts, saving accounts, 401k, furniture, etc. Separate property is property or assets you had before the marriage, again such as a house, cars, furniture, pets, etc. Each family matter is entirely different. To get a better understanding of what your case might look like it’s always best to seek legal advice from an attorney who specializes in family matters.

Debt Division in Fort Collins

The process for debt division works the same as property division. Any debt acquired by the parties during the marriage is considered marital debt which means it will be divided amongst the parties as equally as possible considering the circumstances of both parties.

 

Many people tend to believe that property division and debt division are made 50/50 between both parties but that is simply not true. Although it may not always seem like a fair division, the court aims to provide both parties with an equitable division according to their financial standings. Some parties may agree to sell their assets and split the proceeds 50/50, some decide to buy one party out to stay in their home or keep a vehicle, but it’s not always that simple. It’s common to see conflict and back and forth disputes regarding property and debt division.

Annulment in Fort Collins

An annulment is to cancel or void a marriage as if it never existed. In Fort Collins, annulments are handled a little differently than in other states. When filing with the court you don’t file an “annulment of marriage” but rather a “Declaration of Invalidity of Marriage”; therefore, you must be able to prove that your marriage was invalid. If you are married and no longer want to be married, you must go through the process of divorce. If you meet the requirements that prove your marriage was not valid then you do not go through the divorce process because the marriage will need to be voided. There are certain requirements and time frames you must meet before filing in court. If you got married in Colorado you can file at any time, but if you got married outside of Colorado you or your spouse will need to live in Colorado for 30 days before filing.

 

Here are a few reasons to ask the court for an annulment:

 

  • The person you married was still married to someone else
  • Fraudulence (Green card marriage, terminal illness, assets)
  • Underage spouse
  • Blood relationship
  • Inability to consent to marriage

Military Divorce in Fort Collins

A military divorce is filed the same as a civilian divorce at Larimer county court. Although the procedures for a military divorce are the same as a civilian divorce, a military divorce should not be treated the same because it’s not. There are additional considerations to take into account when filing a military divorce. For example, a party may not only have property division to consider but also any pensions or benefits such as health care or 401k that were gained as a military member. Military members also have a Servicemember Civil Relief Act. This helps protect the rights of the member while on active duty. The Civil Relief Act may allow any civil court hearings to be extended if the military member isn’t able to attend, it also protects the military member from judgments or contempt of court if they fail to respond or attend a hearing due to their active duty status.

 

Going through a divorce is tough, especially with all of the stresses of military life. Fortunately for military members and their spouses, free legal advice and assistance are available via each installation’s legal assistance office. These offices are there to help, but can only provide legal guidance for one spouse or the other. They can not help both, due to a conflict of interest.

 

JAG officers are also available as a resource for military members and their spouses considering divorce. They can help spell out the legal implications of your divorce case. However, they cannot represent you as an attorney in a family law court. They can, however, refer you to a civilian family law attorney, such as Modern Family Law.

 

Our Colorado family law attorneys at Modern Family Law are knowledgeable in military divorces. We are ready to help.  Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our divorce attorneys in Fort Collins.

Decree Modification in Fort Collins

After a divorce process, the court issues a final decree. A decree is a final order that states the divorce is official and it includes the orders pertaining to property and debt division, child support/spousal support, and parenting time. Once the court puts these orders in place they are permanent. However, a decree can be modified after a period of time if circumstances have substantially changed since the order was finalized. This is called a Post Decree Modification, also known as a decree modification.

 

The two most common circumstances that allow for a decree modification are changes in income due to a new job or losing a job and changes in daily life such as moving with children into a new neighborhood or new school. Contempt of court is another reason to file for a decree modification if one of the parents is not following the order, the other parent can file a contempt to modify the order in the best interest of the child.

Collaborative Divorce in Fort Collins

Collaborative divorce in Colorado allows couples to work together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with the help of collaboratively trained attorneys. They disclose all relevant information and prioritize issues that need to be addressed. Other professionals may also be involved in making informed decisions about issues like property division, spousal support, and parenting arrangements. Once an agreement is reached, the attorneys will prepare the necessary legal documents and submit them to the court for approval.

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Divorce In Fort Collins

At Modern Family Law, our experienced and compassionate Fort Collins attorneys go to great lengths to help our clients understand and navigate the divorce process. When it comes to the dissolution of marriage in Fort Collins, Colorado, you should try to educate yourself as much as possible prior to starting your proceedings. A better understanding leads to smarter choices. One option is to consult with a Fort Collins divorce attorney. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys will listen to the specifics of your case and will provide you with guidance and advice to navigate this difficult time in your life. Please review some of the important practice areas involved in Fort Collins divorce below.

What Practice Areas Fall Under
Divorce in Fort Collins?

A no-fault divorce means that neither you nor the other party must give reasons for why you are getting a divorce. The state of Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need any “grounds to divorce”, as long as your marriage with the other party is irretrievably broken then you can file for divorce.

 

Well, what exactly does this mean? Is this a good thing or a bad thing for parties considering a divorce in Fort Collins? In a no-fault state like Colorado, the court does not take into consideration any misconduct for reasons of divorce such as adultery, desertion, insanity, amongst others. The court will want to know if the marriage is irretrievably broken, if both consent then that is enough to get a divorce. However, the court will weigh in those factors during the dissolution of marriage when making determinations related to the best interest of the children.

 

Being a no-fault state can be noticed as a good thing because it allows for a quicker and less expensive divorce process considering there will be less conflict from parties trying to prove who was at fault for ruining the marriage and causing a divorce. The term “uncontested divorce” is a common term used when both parties already have an agreement on a parenting plan and the division of assets and only need to file for a divorce decree.

Going through a divorce is stressful on its own, it’s increasingly stressful when you have to think about dividing your property. There are two types of properties that will be addressed in the process of divorce: Marital property and separate property.

 

Marital property is any property acquired during the marriage. This includes a home, automobile, checking accounts, saving accounts, 401k, furniture, etc. Separate property is property or assets you had before the marriage, again such as a house, cars, furniture, pets, etc. Each family matter is entirely different. To get a better understanding of what your case might look like it’s always best to seek legal advice from an attorney who specializes in family matters.

The process for debt division works the same as property division. Any debt acquired by the parties during the marriage is considered marital debt which means it will be divided amongst the parties as equally as possible considering the circumstances of both parties.

 

Many people tend to believe that property division and debt division are made 50/50 between both parties but that is simply not true. Although it may not always seem like a fair division, the court aims to provide both parties with an equitable division according to their financial standings. Some parties may agree to sell their assets and split the proceeds 50/50, some decide to buy one party out to stay in their home or keep a vehicle, but it’s not always that simple. It’s common to see conflict and back and forth disputes regarding property and debt division.

An annulment is to cancel or void a marriage as if it never existed. In Fort Collins, annulments are handled a little differently than in other states. When filing with the court you don’t file an “annulment of marriage” but rather a “Declaration of Invalidity of Marriage”; therefore, you must be able to prove that your marriage was invalid. If you are married and no longer want to be married, you must go through the process of divorce. If you meet the requirements that prove your marriage was not valid then you do not go through the divorce process because the marriage will need to be voided. There are certain requirements and time frames you must meet before filing in court. If you got married in Colorado you can file at any time, but if you got married outside of Colorado you or your spouse will need to live in Colorado for 30 days before filing.

 

Here are a few reasons to ask the court for an annulment:

 

  • The person you married was still married to someone else
  • Fraudulence (Green card marriage, terminal illness, assets)
  • Underage spouse
  • Blood relationship
  • Inability to consent to marriage

A military divorce is filed the same as a civilian divorce at Larimer county court. Although the procedures for a military divorce are the same as a civilian divorce, a military divorce should not be treated the same because it’s not. There are additional considerations to take into account when filing a military divorce. For example, a party may not only have property division to consider but also any pensions or benefits such as health care or 401k that were gained as a military member. Military members also have a Servicemember Civil Relief Act. This helps protect the rights of the member while on active duty. The Civil Relief Act may allow any civil court hearings to be extended if the military member isn’t able to attend, it also protects the military member from judgments or contempt of court if they fail to respond or attend a hearing due to their active duty status.

 

Going through a divorce is tough, especially with all of the stresses of military life. Fortunately for military members and their spouses, free legal advice and assistance are available via each installation’s legal assistance office. These offices are there to help, but can only provide legal guidance for one spouse or the other. They can not help both, due to a conflict of interest.

 

JAG officers are also available as a resource for military members and their spouses considering divorce. They can help spell out the legal implications of your divorce case. However, they cannot represent you as an attorney in a family law court. They can, however, refer you to a civilian family law attorney, such as Modern Family Law.

 

Our Colorado family law attorneys at Modern Family Law are knowledgeable in military divorces. We are ready to help.  Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our divorce attorneys in Fort Collins.

After a divorce process, the court issues a final decree. A decree is a final order that states the divorce is official and it includes the orders pertaining to property and debt division, child support/spousal support, and parenting time. Once the court puts these orders in place they are permanent. However, a decree can be modified after a period of time if circumstances have substantially changed since the order was finalized. This is called a Post Decree Modification, also known as a decree modification.

 

The two most common circumstances that allow for a decree modification are changes in income due to a new job or losing a job and changes in daily life such as moving with children into a new neighborhood or new school. Contempt of court is another reason to file for a decree modification if one of the parents is not following the order, the other parent can file a contempt to modify the order in the best interest of the child.

Collaborative divorce in Colorado allows couples to work together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with the help of collaboratively trained attorneys. They disclose all relevant information and prioritize issues that need to be addressed. Other professionals may also be involved in making informed decisions about issues like property division, spousal support, and parenting arrangements. Once an agreement is reached, the attorneys will prepare the necessary legal documents and submit them to the court for approval.

Schedule Your Free Consultation!


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Our Attorneys Are Ready To Listen

Our experienced divorce attorneys in Fort Collins have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to prepare your case and protect your interests to find the best possible outcome.

Understanding The Divorce Process In Fort Collins

The divorce process in Fort Collins can be daunting to face. As such, we would like to prepare you for the road ahead. When you file a divorce petition with the Fort Collins courts it will take at least 90 days to finalize the divorce. The court will usually order the parties to mediation. Mediation is a process that allows both parties to try to come to an agreement before their hearing. A mediator is a non-bias party who helps both parties understand and discuss the issues that are being disputed.

 

If you can not come to an agreement with the other party the court will have to step in and determine the ultimate decision. The court will always take the child’s best interest in mind and make the ruling from there. It’s also important to understand that although there is a final order, you can file a modification under serious changes or emergency circumstances to modify the decree or final order to fit the changes that were made. The typical steps for filing for divorce in Fort Collins are outlined below.

Step 1

File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

Step 2

Serve the divorce papers to your spouse through a process server.

Step 3

The court will schedule your Initial Status Conference.

Step 4

Complete additional forms per the court’s request.

Keep in mind that all divorce cases are unique. Although the process to file for a divorce is the same in Larimer County, each case is handled differently and may require the parties to file additional documents. Deadlines to file certain forms are also very important to consider and can lead to contempt of court if they are not filed in time. Having an attorney to manage each deadline and help you prepare all documents needed beforehand is very helpful and can help you relieve a lot of unnecessary stress.

Understanding The Divorce
Process In Fort Collins

The divorce process in Fort Collins can be daunting to face. As such, we would like to prepare you for the road ahead. When you file a divorce petition with the Fort Collins courts it will take at least 90 days to finalize the divorce. The court will usually order the parties to mediation. Mediation is a process that allows both parties to try to come to an agreement before their hearing. A mediator is a non-bias party who helps both parties understand and discuss the issues that are being disputed.

 

If you can not come to an agreement with the other party the court will have to step in and determine the ultimate decision. The court will always take the child’s best interest in mind and make the ruling from there. It’s also important to understand that although there is a final order, you can file a modification under serious changes or emergency circumstances to modify the decree or final order to fit the changes that were made. The typical steps for filing for divorce in Fort Collins are outlined below.

Step 1

File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

Step 2

Serve the divorce papers to your spouse through a process server.

Step 3

The court will schedule your Initial Status Conference.

Step 4

Complete additional forms per the court’s request.

Keep in mind that all divorce cases are unique. Although the process to file for a divorce is the same in Larimer County, each case is handled differently and may require the parties to file additional documents. Deadlines to file certain forms are also very important to consider and can lead to contempt of court if they are not filed in time. Having an attorney to manage each deadline and help you prepare all documents needed beforehand is very helpful and can help you relieve a lot of unnecessary stress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Fort Collins

Do I need an attorney to get a divorce in Fort Collins?

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to retain an attorney for your Fort Collins divorce case. If your case is a standard divorce, then you likely do not need an attorney. If the two parties are on the same page regarding the issues in the case, then you likely do not need an attorney. However, if there is major contention between the two parties, you cannot agree regarding significant issues such as parenting time, or there are complicating factors such as domestic abuse, substance abuse, child abuse, or income disparity, you will likely need to hire an attorney.

 

Learn more about the decision of whether or not to hire an attorney for your Colorado divorce.

Who determines how assets are divided in a Colorado Divorce?

The shortest answer regarding “who” actually divides property is this: the Court tries to let you and your spouse work out an arrangement that is equitable to both parties. In Colorado, Courts require mediation before anyone sets foot in a courthouse for their “Final” or “Permanent” Orders Hearing. This is because the Courts understand that out of everyone in the world, you and your spouse know your means, abilities, and desires the best. It is easy to think any property division should simply just go down the middle at a 50/50% split. But equitable does not always mean fair. The Courts have every right to determine a settlement is not equitable to both parties and ask that the parties attempt to do it over again with some instruction from the Court. That’s why it’s important to be represented by an attorney. We can determine the best equitable outcomes for you as well as discuss other options based on goals and desires. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Court will step in to allocate property.

 

Learn more about the division of assets in a Fort Collins divorce.

What happens if I do not sign the divorce papers in Fort Collins?

In Colorado, our Courts only require one party to sign and file a divorce petition to begin the divorce process. Learn more about the initial pleadings in a Fort Collins divorce.

Where do I file my divorce paperwork in Fort Collins?

Divorce paperwork can be filed with the Larimer County Court located at 201 La Porte Ave, Ft. Collins, Colorado 80521.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About
Divorce in Fort Collins

Do I need an attorney to get a divorce in Fort Collins?

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to retain an attorney for your Fort Collins divorce case. If your case is a standard divorce, then you likely do not need an attorney. If the two parties are on the same page regarding the issues in the case, then you likely do not need an attorney. However, if there is major contention between the two parties, you cannot agree regarding significant issues such as parenting time, or there are complicating factors such as domestic abuse, substance abuse, child abuse, or income disparity, you will likely need to hire an attorney.

 

Learn more about the decision of whether or not to hire an attorney for your Colorado divorce.

Who determines how assets are divided in a Colorado Divorce?

The shortest answer regarding “who” actually divides property is this: the Court tries to let you and your spouse work out an arrangement that is equitable to both parties. In Colorado, Courts require mediation before anyone sets foot in a courthouse for their “Final” or “Permanent” Orders Hearing. This is because the Courts understand that out of everyone in the world, you and your spouse know your means, abilities, and desires the best. It is easy to think any property division should simply just go down the middle at a 50/50% split. But equitable does not always mean fair. The Courts have every right to determine a settlement is not equitable to both parties and ask that the parties attempt to do it over again with some instruction from the Court. That’s why it’s important to be represented by an attorney. We can determine the best equitable outcomes for you as well as discuss other options based on goals and desires. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Court will step in to allocate property.

 

Learn more about the division of assets in a Fort Collins divorce.

What happens if I do not sign the divorce papers in Fort Collins?

In Colorado, our Courts only require one party to sign and file a divorce petition to begin the divorce process. Learn more about the initial pleadings in a Fort Collins divorce.

Where do I file my divorce paperwork in Fort Collins?

Divorce paperwork can be filed with the Larimer County Court located at 201 La Porte Ave, Ft. Collins, Colorado 80521.

 

Our Compassionate Approach to
Divorce Cases in Fort Collins

At Modern Family Law our divorce attorneys understand what a confusing, emotional, and overwhelming process divorce can be. We are compassionate about our client’s situations and help them navigate this difficult time in their lives. It is Our experienced Fort Collins divorce lawyers’ goal to make this process as smooth and uncomplicated for you as possible. Our team provides each client with a detailed explanation of their rights during this difficult time. It’s also important that we provide you with peace of mind while going through such an emotional journey and give you the tools necessary to move forward in life after getting divorced

 

We understand that many of our Fort Collins clients fear how expensive a dissolution of marriage can be. Due to this, we are proud to offer a number of ways to help pay for our service. One is our innovative SimpleStart™ Program. Qualify to reduce the initial cost needed upfront and simply pay the client’s bill every two weeks. Contact us to learn about our other payment options and how our divorce attorneys in Fort Collins can help you.

 

Our goal when working on a divorce case is to remove as much conflict as possible to help you get through your situation in a more effective and efficient manner. This approach decreases everyday stress and the need to make rash decisions during the process. We want to react with logic not emotion when getting you to the next stage of your life. 

Our Fort Collins Office Location

Additional Divorce Practice Areas

Divorce has many aspects and not every case is the same. Explore some of the other areas involved in a divorce. While you don’t need to understand every nuance of divorce, the more you do understand the easier the process will be.

Our Compassionate Approach to
Divorce in Fort Collins

At Modern Family Law our divorce attorneys understand what a confusing, emotional, and overwhelming process divorce can be. We are compassionate about our client’s situations and help them navigate this difficult time in their lives. It is Our experienced Fort Collins divorce lawyers’ goal to make this process as smooth and uncomplicated for you as possible. Our team provides each client with a detailed explanation of their rights during this difficult time. It’s also important that we provide you with peace of mind while going through such an emotional journey and give you the tools necessary to move forward in life after getting divorced

 

We understand that many of our Fort Collins clients fear how expensive a dissolution of marriage can be. Due to this, we are proud to offer a number of ways to help pay for our service. One is our innovative SimpleStart™ Program. Qualify to reduce the initial cost needed upfront and simply pay the client’s bill every two weeks. Contact us to learn about our other payment options and how our divorce attorneys in Fort Collins can help you.

 

Our goal when working on a divorce case is to remove as much conflict as possible to help you get through your situation in a more effective and efficient manner. This approach decreases everyday stress and the need to make rash decisions during the process. We want to react with logic not emotion when getting you to the next stage of your life. 

Our Fort Collins
Office Location

Additional Divorce
Practice Areas

Divorce has many aspects and not every case is the same. Explore some of the other areas involved in a divorce. While you don’t need to understand every nuance of divorce, the more you do understand the easier the process will be.

Meet Our Team Of Experienced
Fort Collins Divorce Attorneys

KS-thumbnail_1.1

Karlee Stoppenhagen
Managing Partner
Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins Family Lawyer Evan Chavez

Evan Chavez
Associate Attorney
Fort Collins, CO

See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Divorce Attorney’s In Fort Collins

Casey KjolhedeCasey Kjolhede
04:43 27 Jan 22
Karlee Stoppenhagen and her paralegal Selena Salinas made my stressful and uncomfortable journey bearable and understandable. They were patient with my endless questions and took care of all timelines, so I didn't have to. They were always respectful and helpful and their knowlege and skill made me confident throughout the entire process. Highly recommend if you are in need.
LeeAnn SvilarLeeAnn Svilar
21:57 11 Oct 21
Very helpful and answered all my questions. Spoke with a lawyer right away.
Brandi BabinBrandi Babin
20:57 17 Sep 21
Mrs Stoppenhagen and Selena Salinas were absolutely amazing. Everything was handled to my satisfaction and the advice was always spot on. They didn't try to "wrack up the dollars" and were very efficient. I would use them again if needed and would definitely recommend them to others.
Dr. B KellerDr. B Keller
22:35 09 Jan 21
I know Karlee Stoppenhagen to be honest and caring. Her professionalism is unmatched with an unending desire to see any matter to completion. She is someone you can trust.
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Additional Resources About
Fort Collins Divorce

6 Questions to Ask Before You Get Divorced

Questions to Ask Before You Get Divorced

If you’re considering a divorce, take a step back and think about the major factors involved before finalizing your decision. Here are 6 questions to ask yourself prior to pursuing a divorce.

Family attorneys for asset division in Colorado divorce

Who Determines How Assets Are Divided In A Colorado Divorce?

Dividing assets during a divorce can be a stressful and emotional time. We’re here to help explain what may happen to the various assets.

Denver divorce lawyers

I Am Getting Divorced in Fort Collins. Do I Need an Attorney?

Determining when you need to hire an attorney in a Colorado divorce can be a useful first step in figuring out how to proceed with your case.


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