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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Greenwood Village is a municipality in Arapahoe County, Colorado, and divorce and separation matters for residents are governed by Colorado state family law and handled through the state court system. Colorado is a no-fault divorce state that focuses on practical matters such as division of property, allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance. Local courts work with statewide statutes and guidelines, and many cases use mediation or settlement negotiations to avoid a contested trial.
Divorce and separation touch on emotionally charged issues and legal rights that have long-term consequences. You may need a lawyer if you encounter any of the following situations:
- Complex property or debt division, including high-value assets, business interests, or retirement accounts.
- Disputes over child custody, parenting time, or relocation with a child.
- Significant disagreements over child support or spousal maintenance.
- Allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse, or parental unfitness.
- Difficulty locating or valuing hidden assets or disputing financial disclosures.
- Need for temporary orders for support, possession of the home, or exclusive use of property.
- Wanting professional negotiation, mediation, or trial representation to protect your rights and secure enforceable agreements.
Key local and state law aspects that affect Greenwood Village residents include the following:
- No-fault divorce - Colorado grants dissolution for an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, so fault grounds are not required.
- Venue and residency - Divorce cases are filed in state district court. Typically, cases are brought in the county where either spouse resides. Greenwood Village residents generally file in Arapahoe County courts, subject to state venue rules.
- Property division - Colorado uses equitable distribution. Marital property and marital debt are divided equitably - which means fairly, not necessarily equally. Separate property may be excluded when it can be shown to be separate.
- Parental responsibilities and parenting time - Colorado focuses on the best interests of the child. Courts allocate parental responsibilities (legal decision-making) and parenting time (physical custody), and encourage parenting plans between parents.
- Child support - Colorado follows statewide child support guidelines that set support based primarily on parental income and parenting time. Courts can deviate from guidelines for documented reasons.
- Spousal maintenance - Courts may award maintenance based on statutory factors such as length of marriage, earning capacity, age and health, and financial needs.
- Temporary orders and emergency relief - Parties may seek temporary orders for support, parenting time, and exclusive use of the residence pending final resolution. Protection orders are available for domestic violence victims.
- Alternative dispute resolution - Mediation, collaborative law, and negotiated settlement are commonly used and often encouraged or required before trial.
To start a divorce you or your attorney file a petition for dissolution in the appropriate Colorado district court. For Greenwood Village residents, filings are typically in the district court that serves Arapahoe County. Court rules require proper notice to the other spouse and compliance with filing and service procedures. Consult the court clerk or an attorney to confirm local filing steps and fees.
No. Colorado does not require a period of legal separation before filing for divorce. Parties may be physically separated, but separation is not a prerequisite. You can file a petition for dissolution whenever the marriage has an irretrievable breakdown.
Colorado divides marital property and debts equitably. The court identifies marital versus separate assets, values them, and allocates them in a way that the court believes is fair based on the circumstances. Factors include contributions, economic circumstances, and any agreements between spouses.
Colorado uses the terms parental responsibilities and parenting time. Decisions are guided by the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child-parent relationship, history of care, parental fitness, child preferences when appropriate, and any history of domestic violence. Parents are encouraged to propose a parenting plan; the court will approve a plan that serves the childs best interests.
Child support in Colorado is determined by statutory guidelines that use parental gross income, adjustments, and the amount of parenting time. Courts apply the guidelines and may adjust the amount for special circumstances. The Division of Child Support Services can also assist with calculations and enforcement.
Spousal maintenance is possible if one spouse lacks sufficient income or ability to meet reasonable needs. The court considers many factors including length of marriage, earning capacity, age and health, standard of living during the marriage, and contributions to education or career. Maintenance can be temporary or longer term depending on circumstances.
Retirement accounts and pensions are often marital assets subject to division. A qualified domestic relations order or other court order may be required to divide or transfer retirement benefits without tax penalties. Proper valuation and legal documentation are important.
Not necessarily. Many divorces are resolved through negotiated settlements, mediated agreements, or collaborative law processes, which avoid a contested trial. If parties cannot reach agreement, the case proceeds to court for hearings and possibly a trial where a judge makes the final decisions.
Yes. Orders for child support, parenting time, and allocation of parental responsibilities can be modified if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Property division orders are generally final and harder to modify, except in limited circumstances such as fraud or mistake.
If you face immediate danger call emergency services first. For legal protection, Colorado courts issue protection orders for victims of domestic violence and harassment. Local law enforcement, domestic violence shelters, and victim advocacy programs can help with safety planning and filing for protection orders.
- Arapahoe County district court family law or self-help resources - for local filing procedures and forms.
- Colorado Judicial Branch self-help centers - statewide information on family law procedures and forms.
- Colorado Revised Statutes - for the statutory law governing dissolution, child support, and maintenance.
- Colorado Bar Association - for lawyer referral services and information about local attorneys.
- Colorado Legal Services or similar legal aid organizations - for low-income residents who need help.
- Division of Child Support Services - for support enforcement and case management.
- Local domestic violence shelters and hotlines - for safety planning and emergency assistance.
If you are considering divorce or separation in Greenwood Village, follow these practical steps:
- Gather documents - collect financial records, tax returns, bank and retirement account statements, property deeds, mortgage and debt records, and any records related to child care or special needs.
- Assess safety - if there is any risk of violence, prioritize your safety, contact law enforcement, and seek a protection order and shelter resources if needed.
- Get legal advice - consult a family law attorney experienced in Colorado law to understand your rights and options. Many attorneys provide an initial consultation to outline likely outcomes and strategies.
- Consider alternatives - evaluate mediation or collaborative law if you and your spouse can negotiate. These options can be faster and less costly than a contested trial.
- File or respond - if you need court intervention, file the appropriate petition or respond to one. Missing deadlines or failing to respond can have legal consequences.
- Prepare for interim needs - if you need temporary support, parenting time orders, or exclusive use of a home, ask your attorney about seeking temporary orders from the court while the case proceeds.
- Use local resources - contact the court self-help center, legal aid organizations, or bar association referrals to find forms, workshops, or low-cost representation.
Understanding local procedures and getting timely legal help will make it easier to protect your interests and reach a stable outcome for you and your family.
