Divorce Post-Decree Mediation Family Law Property Division

Staying in Business Together While Getting a Divorce

Laura E. Shapiro - May 9, 2017

You married your business partner, but after years of disagreements, you are now considering divorce.

At the same time, the company you run together is making enough money to support each of you in life beyond marriage.

You don't want to give up your career or your business. How can you get past all the arguing, bitter resentment and emotional damage and still work side by side? In the right circumstances, and with agreements in writing, it can be done.

Protecting your child’s inheritance during a divorce

Laura E. Shapiro - May 9, 2017

Black & White picture of child walking down road with stuffed toy

Having a lot of assets when you walk into a divorce can be tricky, especially when you have custody issues.

If your child also has assets that need to be protected what is the best way to proceed?

Full disclosure is necessary...

Getting divorced? Time to brush up on financial knowledge

Laura E. Shapiro - April 12, 2017

Whether you are in a stable marriage or are looking at a possible divorce, the fact is life can throw you a curve ball in an instant and leave you on uncertain ground.

This is especially true for the spouse who has stayed at home to care for the kids while the "bread-winner" handled all the financial matters, from weekly paycheck deposits to balancing the checkbook.

If you no longer have the in-house accountant watching the books, would you know how to care for the family funds?

Important Guidance for Couples Navigating High-Asset Divorce

Laura E. Shapiro - March 23, 2017

While there are many different reasons that a couple might wind up getting divorced, even the most amicable of divorces can become complicated if there is high net-worth involved.

There might be multiple properties to allocate, a family business that must be divided, and investment portfolios that must be addressed.

This process becomes even more complicated if there are children involved.

As a result, couples with significant assets should keep a few legal tips in mind to ensure that they minimize the cost of the divorce process and obtain a fair divorce settlement.

Mediation may be a good choice for your Colorado divorce

Laura E. Shapiro - March 21, 2017

People often approach divorce with concerns about drawn-out courtroom battles, but the there are concrete, smart steps that can be taken to avoid that scenario.

One alternative that merits consideration is mediation, which we regularly facilitate in our law office.

How can I prepare for property division?

Laura E. Shapiro - March 8, 2017

people and property on either side of a crack

Are you wondering how your property will be divided in your upcoming divorce? Although it is largely up to the parties involved, every state has statutes that address this.

For that reason, you will likely need help making good arguments for why you should get what is rightfully yours.

It is important to know that in Colorado, there is no "community property" law.

Colorado is what is known as an "equitable division" state. Therefore it is important to discuss with your lawyer what you believe to be fair.

How parents of children with disabilities can handle divorce

Laura E. Shapiro - January 17, 2017

As parents, we do so much for our kids. If you are a parent of a child with a disability or special needs, you understand that often the willingness to do something for your child turns into a necessity.

Sometimes parents are willing to make a broken marriage work for the sake of their children, but if your marriage is beyond reconciliation, you may be thinking about divorce.

If you are a parent of a child with a disability and are thinking about divorce, consideration for your child's needs will be at the forefront of issues to resolve before your divorce is finalized.

Specific arrangements for long-term care, education and financial support need to be made for your child beyond the age of 18.

Gimmick wedding dates more likely to divorce

Laura E. Shapiro - December 19, 2016

Did you know that marriages occurring on Valentine's Day or special number days like 12/13/14, etc. are more likely to fail than a wedding on any other random date?

Economists from the University of Melbourne published a report which indicates their study found weddings on date fads are five times more likely to crumble.

Couples who married on Valentine's Day were 11 percent more likely to divorce by the time they reached the five-year mark.

Remaining financially secure during divorce

Laura E. Shapiro - December 14, 2016

Divorce comes with many hurdles and things to consider, especially if you made the decision (mutually or individually) around the holidays.

You are not alone.

The end of the year not only represents holiday stress and cheer but also assessment of years' gone by, reflection and starting anew with the pending New Year.

What is legal separation?

Laura E. Shapiro - December 5, 2016

When couples start to think their marriage is near its end, sometimes they move to separate homes. This physical separation is not a status change in the eyes of the law.

Legal separation is a process that recognizes a new marital relationship and allows for continuation of some benefits while officially separating most financial and caregiving elements.