Dedicated Denver Divorce Lawyer Guides Clients Through the Process of Ending Their Marriage

Hardworking Colorado attorney seeks fair asset division and alimony orders

From the Denver, Colorado law office of Karin Johnson Chatfield LLC, I provide reliable legal guidance and advocacy to divorcing clients as they navigate asset and debt division, child and spousal support and child custody. When tensions and emotions run high, I focus on helping my clients make practical decisions with their long-term interests in mind. I pride myself on taking the time to understand everyone’s point of view so I can propose solutions that help everyone in your family move forward.

Experienced counselor advises on contested vs. uncontested divorce issues

The only ground for divorce in Colorado is a no-fault ground, by citing that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” which means that neither spouse has to allege wrongdoing on the part of the other.

A divorce, or “dissolution of marriage,” is uncontested when spouses are able to reach agreements on all terms for ending the marriage. Though you may feel uncomfortable at the idea of working through money matters and other emotionally charged issues with your spouse, there are significant benefits to resolving these matters outside of court. Uncontested divorces generally involve lower costs, less stress, fewer negotiations and a faster finalization.

A divorce is contested, and therefore requires court intervention, when spouses cannot resolve disagreements. If you and your spouse have a highly antagonistic breakup or if your spouse refuses to participate meaningfully during divorce proceedings or alternative dispute resolution, decisions will be left up to a judge.

Your divorce settlement or court order will be specific to your marriage. It may include terms for:

• Property division — Colorado adheres to the equitable distribution guideline for dividing marital assets and debts. Courts decide what is fair by looking at the full picture of the marriage, including each spouse’s financial and homemaking contributions.
• Spousal support — Alimony payments may be ordered to help a spouse with lesser financial resources to maintain a standard of living similar to that they enjoyed during the marriage.
• Child custody — Colorado courts base child custody and visitation orders on what they determine to be in the best interests of children. Parental responsibilities and parenting time may be afforded to one or both parents.
• Child support — Both parents are responsible for contributing to the costs of their child’s expenses. Either parent can seek child support from the other in order to enforce this responsibility, but it is usually the noncustodial parent who will be required to pay support.

With decades of experience practicing family law, I am prepared to address any complications or difficulties involved in your divorce and committed to help you resolve them. I will work with you one on one to help you understand your options and come up with a plan.

Trusted advocate represents clients in the collaborative divorce process

Collaborative divorce has become increasingly popular in Colorado. An alternative to the traditional divorce litigation process, collaborative divorce requires all parties to work together to create a settlement. Collaborative divorce discourages hostility and encourages respect. Each spouse enlists his or her own lawyer, and both spouses and their lawyers sign an agreement to be transparent and cooperative in search of solutions. The goal is to give everyone a satisfactory outcome rather than creating “winning” or “losing” sides. Once issues are settled, a family law judge can formally approve the settlement. If negotiations break down, however, each spouse will have to hire a new lawyer and start the divorce process all over again.

My reputation within the Colorado legal community enables me to work respectfully with other attorneys as I represent spouses in collaborative divorce. The collaborative process is usually less expensive and takes less time than traditional divorce and offers a private and confidential setting that is often more amenable to reaching consensus. It may also help couples to maintain a cordial relationship even after the divorce becomes final, which is especially important when a couple has minor children.

Knowledgeable lawyer represents clients in divorce mediation

Colorado counties require spouses in a contested divorce to participate in mediation. This process brings spouses together with an impartial third party who facilitates communication, listens to both sides and proposes compromises intended to satisfy both parties. By sitting down together in a controlled space and airing out concerns directly, spouses may gain greater understanding about why conflicts are occurring and how they might be resolved.

Contact a respected Denver divorce attorney to schedule a free initial consultation

In more than three decades of professional experience, I have represented clients in Denver, Colorado and the surrounding areas in their divorces. To schedule your free initial consultation with the family law firm of Karin Johnson Chatfield LLC, call 720-386-5511 or contact me online.