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A Fort Collins divorce lawyer at Modern Family Law helps you end your marriage under Colorado law and plan for what comes after. We work with clients across Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor and the rest of Larimer County, where cases are heard at the Larimer County Justice Center, and your first consultation is free. Whether you've been thinking about divorce for a long time or it caught you by surprise, it's a lot to take in.
Our Fort Collins family law attorneys explain your options in plain language, help you avoid costly mistakes and work toward agreement whenever possible. We'll keep you informed about every part of your case so you can make confident decisions.
The more you understand the divorce process, the better prepared you'll be. We'll listen to the details of your case, set realistic expectations and help you prepare for life after divorce.
Schedule a Free ConsultationColorado is a no-fault divorce state, so you don't have to prove that your spouse did anything wrong. The only legal ground is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" (C.R.S. § 14-10-106). Misconduct like an affair generally doesn't change how a Larimer County judge divides property or decides maintenance.
When you first decide it's time to divorce, plan ahead. Gather tax returns, pay stubs, retirement statements, bank records and a list of debts, and think about your goals for your kids, your home and your finances. Early planning and a conversation with an experienced divorce lawyer can save you time and money once you're in the court process.
Many professionals talk about the "three C's" of a healthier divorce: communication, cooperation and compromise. Unmanaged conflict is what makes divorce expensive, and it usually starts early. We work with clients from day one to keep the temperature down, often through mediation or collaborative divorce.
Our Attorneys Are Ready to Listen. Our Fort Collins divorce attorneys have the knowledge, resources and dedication to prepare your case, protect your interests and work toward a good outcome.
Schedule a ConsultationWe're not fans of surprises, and we suspect you aren't either. We built these calculators so you know what to expect every step of the way.
You can file for divorce yourself, or a divorce attorney can complete and file the paperwork for you. Our Fort Collins divorce attorneys can take some of the stress off by making sure everything is done correctly. If you'd rather file yourself, here are the basic steps. It gets complicated quickly, especially if you need orders for parenting time, support or property.
You or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing. If you have children, they generally must have lived in Colorado for 182 days, or since birth if they're younger than six months, before the court can make parenting orders.
Most divorces start with the JDF 1000 Case Information Sheet, the JDF 1101 Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and the JDF 1102 Summons, plus any other forms your case needs. If you file together as co-petitioners, you can skip the summons.
File your forms at the Larimer County Justice Center, 201 LaPorte Ave., Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521, and pay the filing fee unless you qualify for a fee waiver. Many documents can be filed electronically.
If you file alone, your spouse must be formally served with the petition and summons, or they can sign a waiver of service. Once served, they have a set amount of time to respond. If your spouse is hard to locate, the court can allow other ways to serve them.
Within 42 days, each spouse files a JDF 1111 Sworn Financial Statement and a JDF 1104 Certificate of Compliance and exchanges required financial documents. The court typically sets an Initial Status Conference within about 42 days of filing.
Colorado requires a 91-day waiting period before your divorce can be finalized. The clock starts when you file together or when your spouse is served or signs a waiver.
Our Fort Collins divorce attorneys understand how overwhelming the process can be. We'll listen to the specifics of your case, pay close attention to your concerns and goals, and give you clear, practical guidance to help you through this difficult time and start your life renewed.
Frequently asked questions
The biggest factor is the level of conflict, which is often underestimated at the start. Complex assets, like a business or farmland, also add cost. Uncontested cases generally cost much less than contested ones. We can't quote a final total up front, but we'll explain how each factor affects cost, and SimpleStart may lower your starting retainer.
Yes. At least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days before filing. Children generally must have lived in Colorado for 182 days, or since birth if under six months old, for a Colorado court to make parenting orders.
Yes. No Colorado divorce can be finalized in less than 91 days from joint filing, service or a signed waiver. Contested Larimer County cases commonly take several months to more than a year, depending on the issues and the court's schedule.
If you or your spouse live in Larimer County, you'll usually file at the Larimer County Justice Center, 201 LaPorte Ave., Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521. If your spouse lives in Weld County, for example in Greeley or parts of Windsor, you may have a choice of where to file.
Yes. Colorado allows spouses to file jointly as co-petitioners. When you file together, no one has to be served, which saves time and money and often sets a more cooperative tone. You'll still each complete financial disclosures.
Colorado isn't a strict 50/50 state. Marital property is divided equitably, meaning fairly, which is often but not always equal. Property each spouse owned before marriage, plus gifts and inheritances, usually stays separate, although growth in value during the marriage can be shared. Marital debts are divided as well.
Our Fort Collins divorce lawyers understand the emotional, overwhelming situations our clients face. Every case is unique, and you deserve the time it takes to listen to every detail of yours. Once we understand your case, we can give you clear guidance toward a good outcome for you and your family.
The best way through a divorce is to be prepared. Knowing the process helps you make better decisions and lessens surprises. We know the Larimer County process, and we serve families from Old Town to Loveland, Windsor, Timnath and Wellington. Our SimpleStart™ program gives qualified clients a way to reduce the money needed to start their case, and we explain our transparent fees up front.
Divorce is a life-changing event, and it can take time and energy to move on. Start by learning as much as you can about the divorce process in Larimer County. Then focus on yourself: get back into a routine and start fresh.
Ariel Williams
Managing Attorney Fort Collins, CO Meet Ariel
Kyra Burke
Associate Attorney Fort Collins, CO Meet Kyra
Madelyn Braun
Associate Attorney Fort Collins, CO Meet Madelyn
Stephen May
Associate Attorney Fort Collins, CO Meet Stephen
Donald Hawkins
Associate Attorney Fort Collins, CO Meet Donald
Selena Salinas
Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Fort Collins, CO Meet SelenaDivorce has many parts, and no two cases are the same. You don't need to understand every detail, but the more you know, the easier the process will be.
Our Calculators
We’re not fans of surprises and we suspect you aren’t either. We built these divorce calculators just for you, so you know what to expect every step of the way.
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