Most people think of a prenuptial agreement as a plan for "if the marriage ends." That's part of it, but it's far from the whole story. A well-drafted prenup protects you in situations that have nothing to do with divorce, and some people benefit from one even if divorce is the last thing on their mind. Here's a look at what a prenup actually does. 1. It Protects You From Your Spouse's Debt Marriage doesn't just merge assets, it can expose you to liabilities too, especially i

If you've been through a divorce or custody case involving kids, you already know that how you communicate with the other parent matters just as much as what your parenting plan says. Courts have taken notice too, which is why documented communication platforms have become common, and often court-recommended, tools. Why Use a Communication Platform? Parenting communication apps exist to solve a specific problem: text messages and phone calls between co-parents can turn into h

Family court has its own procedures in comparison to criminal court, and most people walking into it assume it will be just like television. Here's what to expect on three common questions. Do You Have to Testify at Trial? If your case goes to trial, you will very likely be required to testify, especially if you're a party to the case. Your attorney will prepare you beforehand so you know what to expect. This isn't something to be afraid of, most testimony in family law trial

If you're researching divorce in Colorado, you've probably already typed "how much does this cost" into a search bar more than once. Here's a straightforward answer, plus a few other things worth knowing before you file. What Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost? Costs vary based on how contested the case is. An uncontested divorce with no major disputes over property or children costs far less than a contested case involving custody fights, business valuations, or hidden assets. Most

Every parent going through a custody case asks the same question first: what's normal? Here's a few answers to questions we get asked all the time. What Are Typical Custody Arrangements in Colorado? Colorado doesn't use the terms "custody" or "visitation" anymore. Instead, courts decide the allocation of parental responsibilities — who makes major decisions for the child, and how parenting time is divided. This shift matters because it reflects how judges actually think about

No one likes to think about it, but here's the truth: the families who handle a death well aren't the ones who avoided planning — they're the ones who had a binder. A "death binder" (sometimes called a legacy binder, in-case-of-emergency binder, or estate organizer) is a single, organized place where your loved ones can find everything they need when you pass away or become incapacitated. It won't make grief easier, but it will make the logistics dramatically easier, and that

When people hear the term “estate planning,” they often think of complicated trusts and vast fortunes. But the truth is much simpler, estate planning is for everyone, not just the wealthy. If you own a home, vehicle, bank account, or personal belongings that have meaning to you, you already have an estate. The question is whether your estate is protected, or left to chance. In Colorado, families are often surprised by how even modest estates can become complicated without the

Divorce: Colorado’s “Equitable Division” Rule One question we hear often is "how will we divide our stuff in the divorce?" When a married couple divorces, Colorado follows the rule of equitable division when dividing property. That means the court divides things fairly, not necessarily 50/50. We won't tell you that you're guaranteed half of everything, because that's not how Colorado law works. What we will do is give you an honest, realistic picture of how your specific asse

Life doesn’t stand still, and neither do families. Jobs change, children grow, and what worked a few years ago may not work anymore. Colorado law recognizes this, which is why custody (known legally as “parental responsibility”) orders can be modified when circumstances change. "I want 50/50" isn't a legal argument, it's a starting point. What matters is what the court sees as in your child's best interest. We'll tell you honestly where your case stands on parenting time, bef

Life takes us in unexpected directions. Maybe you’ve been offered a new job, want to be closer to family, or simply need a fresh start in another state. But if you have children and share custody, moving away from Colorado isn’t as simple as packing up a moving truck. Relocation in family law has special rules, and it’s important to understand how to navigate them before you make any big decisions. Under Colorado law, if you share custody or parenting time, you can’t just mov

Family court can be an incredibly emotional place. When you’re fighting for your children, your home, or your financial stability, every decision feels urgent and deeply personal. It’s easy to want to take matters into your own hands, to file documents on your own, send messages to the court, or react out of frustration when things don’t seem fair. But in Colorado family law cases, acting without your attorney’s guidance can do far more harm than good, sometimes even turning

Testifying about domestic violence is one of the hardest things a person can do, especially in a courtroom, with your abuser sitting just a few feet away. Many women find the strength to tell their attorney the truth in private, but when it comes time to testify before a judge, fear can take over. This fear is completely understandable. Testifying means reliving painful moments, facing someone who once had power over you, and trusting that the court will protect your safety a

Divorce is emotionally draining, and when the process feels endless or overwhelming, it can be tempting to surrender, to give up the fight and let your spouse “have everything” just to make the conflict stop. While that reaction is completely understandable, it can have long-term consequences for your financial future and emotional well-being. Divorce isn’t just about ending a marriage; it’s about creating a fair foundation for the next chapter of your life. Fighting for what

No one likes to think about what will happen when they’re gone, but planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy; it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family, reduce stress, and make sure their wishes are honored. In Colorado, having a clear estate plan means your assets are distributed according to your instructions, not left to state law or family disputes. A well-drafted will, trust, or power of

When one parent tries to turn a child against the other, the emotional damage can be lasting, both for the parent-child relationship and for the child’s mental health. Colorado family courts take parental alienation seriously, because it can interfere with a child’s right to have a healthy relationship with both parents. What Is Parental Alienation? Parental alienation happens when one parent manipulates or pressures a child to reject the other parent. It can take many forms,

When emotions run high in a custody dispute, it’s easy for one parent, often the one who has taken on most of the caregiving responsibilities, to believe they know what’s best for the child. While those instincts come from love, Colorado family law emphasizes that, except in certain extreme cases, both parents have a voice when it comes to important decisions affecting their children. Courts in Colorado make custody determinations based on the best interests of the child, whi

Going through a divorce can feel overwhelming, emotionally, financially, and legally. There’s a lot to manage, from dividing assets to making decisions about your future. One of the most important ways you can protect yourself and ensure the best possible outcome is by being completely honest with your attorney and providing all requested financial documents and paperwork. Transparency isn’t just a courtesy, it’s the foundation of a strong legal strategy. When you share every

Divorce and custody disputes are among the most emotionally taxing experiences a person can face. The legal process often brings uncertainty, conflict, and significant life changes, all of which can take a toll on mental health. In Colorado, where family law proceedings can be lengthy and complex, seeking the guidance of a qualified mental health therapist can make a profound difference in your well-being and your ability to navigate the process with clarity and resilience. T

In Colorado, divorces are categorized primarily into two types: contested and uncontested. A contested divorce arises when spouses are unable to agree on one or more issues related to the separation. These issues may include child custody, division of assets and debts, alimony, or any other related matters concerning the dissolution of marriage. In such cases, the couple often depends on the legal system to resolve their disputes, which may involve court intervention. This pr

If you believe that your safety or your children's safety is at risk due to your significant other's threats or actions, there are measures you can take beyond obtaining a restraining order. Planning ahead is essential in such situations. Consider which documents you might require if you need to leave abruptly. Here are the basics: Your driver’s license Your social security card Cash on hand A credit card An address book or palm pilot containing all your important telephone n