Laura E. Shapiro -
Colorado courts calculate spousal support using statutory guidelines.
Based on how long the couple has been married, the income of each spouse, and other specific factors, the Court will decide how much the higher-earning spouse may have to pay.
Under state law, the Court calculates spousal support using a formula. Under this formula, the amount of spousal support equals:
Laura E. Shapiro -
There is one significant difference between legal separation and divorce in Colorado: A divorce legally dissolves a marriage, but a legal separation does not.
Couples who divorce are free to remarry.
Couples who are legally separated are still married to each other, even though they are living independently and have gone their separate ways. Legally separated couples cannot marry anyone else until they have divorced.
Laura E. Shapiro -
You can file for legal separation at the district court in the county where you and your spouse live, or where your spouse lives.
Under state law, you must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before you can file a petition for your separation.
Before you file the paperwork, you might want to...
Laura E. Shapiro -
Many Colorado residents facing the prospect of a divorce wonder what will happen to their retirement.
The end of your marriage will certainly trigger significant changes in most areas of your life, but that does not mean that you have to give up on your dreams for your golden years.
Laura E. Shapiro -
If it sometimes seems to you like everyone is on social media, it may be because nearly everyone is.
As of 2017, 89% of U.S. internet users were on Facebook. Thirty-two percent were on Facebook's next biggest competitor, Instagram.
And from checking in at our favorite restaurants to status updates and posting pictures, people spend a lot of time on their accounts -76% of Facebook users login at least once per day.
But if you're considering or going through a divorce, now is a good time to take a step back from the screen.
Laura E. Shapiro -
There are many reasons why you and your spouse may not wish to move forward with a divorce at this time.
From the many tax benefits of remaining married to religious concerns, a legal separation may be the most beneficial option for you at this time.
Like other Colorado couples who make this choice, you would be wise to seek a formal separation agreement, not just a verbal agreement.
Laura E. Shapiro -
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.
Laura E. Shapiro -
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?
Laura E. Shapiro -
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.
Laura E. Shapiro -
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.