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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Denver, United States Attorneys in related practice areas.
Browse our 2 legal questions about Family in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Thank you and best regards, Kingsley Izimah, Esq. SK Solicitors
Read full answerit is the discretionary power of the court to determine the amount for the support of your child, it is not fixed amount
Read full answerFamily law covers legal matters that affect family relationships - most commonly divorce, parenting time and decision-making responsibilities for children, child support, spousal maintenance, paternity, adoption, guardianship, and protection orders in cases of domestic violence. In Denver, family law cases are governed by Colorado state statutes and local court procedures. The Denver courts apply Colorado family law principles while handling filings, hearings, temporary orders, and final judgments. Processes can be different when parties work out agreements on their own versus when disputes are contested in court.
Family problems often involve emotion, important legal rights, and long-term financial consequences. You may need a lawyer if you are facing any of the following situations:
- Filing for divorce or responding to a divorce petition where there are contested issues like property division, spousal maintenance, or debt allocation.
- Disputes about child custody, parenting time, or allocation of parental responsibilities where the best interest of the child is contested.
- Establishing paternity to secure parental rights or to obtain child support.
- Seeking or defending against a protection order because of domestic violence or stalking concerns.
- Modifying existing orders for child support, parenting time, or maintenance due to a substantial change in circumstances.
- Enforcement of court orders for child support, parenting time, or property division when the other party will not comply.
- Handling adoptions, guardianships, or other matters that require formal court approval and legal paperwork.
Even if you consider representing yourself, consulting a lawyer for advice about legal rights, likely outcomes, and procedural requirements can reduce mistakes and protect long-term interests.
Key local and state concepts you should understand in Denver and Colorado generally include:
- Equitable distribution of marital property - Colorado divides marital property equitably, not necessarily equally. The court identifies marital versus separate property and divides marital assets and debts in a manner the court deems fair.
- Allocation of parental responsibilities - Colorado uses statutory terms that focus on allocation of decision-making responsibilities (major decision-making and day-to-day decisions) and parenting time rather than the older custody/visitation labels. Decisions are made based on the best interests of the child.
- Child support guidelines - Child support is calculated under Colorado child support guidelines using each parent’s income, parenting time, and allowable deductions. The guidelines create a presumptive support amount, but courts can deviate if circumstances justify it.
- Spousal maintenance - Colorado law allows for temporary and permanent maintenance depending on length of marriage, incomes, and needs. Factors include the parties’ financial resources, contributions to the marriage, and the ability of each spouse to become self-supporting.
- Protection orders and domestic violence - Colorado provides civil protection orders to help victims of domestic abuse. Violations of protection orders may carry criminal penalties. Courts can issue temporary orders pending a hearing.
- Paternity - Establishing paternity is necessary for legal parenting rights and child support when the parents are unmarried. Paternity can be established voluntarily or through a court proceeding and genetic testing if needed.
- Court procedures and local rules - Family cases are filed in Denver courts under state procedural rules and local Denver judicial procedures. The court may require mediation, parenting education, or participation in alternative dispute resolution before a contested hearing. Filing requirements, forms, and local timelines vary, so confirm Denver-specific rules with the court or a lawyer.
To start a divorce you file a petition for dissolution of marriage in the appropriate Denver court, serve the other spouse, and request temporary orders if needed for custody, support, or property issues. If both parties agree, an uncontested dissolution may move faster. If contested, the case proceeds through temporary hearings, discovery, mediation, and ultimately a trial if no settlement is reached. Prepare financial documents and information about children before filing.
Colorado follows equitable distribution. Courts classify assets and debts as marital or separate, then divide marital property in a way the court considers fair. Factors considered include the economic circumstances of each spouse, length of the marriage, contributions to marital property, and the desirability of awarding the family home to the parent with primary parenting time. Separate property, such as inheritances or premarital assets kept separate, generally remains with the original owner.
Colorado courts decide allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time based on the best interest of the child. Factors include the child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs, the parents’ ability to meet those needs, the child’s established relationship with each parent, parental history of abuse or substance misuse, and sometimes the child’s preferences depending on age and maturity. Courts encourage parenting arrangements that promote stability and frequent contact with both fit parents.
Child support uses Colorado’s child support guidelines that take into account each parent’s gross income, parenting time, health insurance and child-related expenses, and the number of children. Parenting time can affect the calculation, and there are presumptive amounts generated by guideline worksheets. Courts can deviate from the guidelines for reasons such as extraordinary expenses, significant income disparities, or other special circumstances.
Spousal maintenance may be awarded when one spouse needs financial support and the other can pay. The court examines factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age and health, future earning capacity, education, the standard of living during the marriage, and contributions to the household or career of the other spouse. Maintenance can be temporary or long-term depending on those factors and rehabilitative needs.
If a parent disobeys a court order, you can request enforcement through the court. Enforcement options include contempt proceedings, wage garnishment for past-due support, fines, or other sanctions. For parenting time violations, courts may make modifications, order make-up time, or impose remedies depending on the violation. Keep detailed records of missed visits, payments, and communications to support your enforcement request.
Paternity can be established voluntarily if both parents sign a legal acknowledgment of paternity, or through a court action where the court may order genetic testing. Once paternity is established, the father’s legal rights and obligations attach, including the right to seek parenting time and the duty to provide child support.
Victims can seek civil protection orders from the court to restrict the abuser’s contact, remove the abuser from a shared residence, or provide other protections. The court can issue temporary emergency orders and schedule a hearing for a longer-term protection order. Law enforcement and local domestic violence agencies can assist with safety planning and can help you navigate the court process.
Yes. Child support, parenting time, and maintenance orders can be modified if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Typical reasons include job loss, significant income change, relocation, or changes in the child’s needs. Requests for modification must usually be filed in court and supported by evidence of the changed circumstances.
You may represent yourself in family court, but family law involves complex procedures, legal standards, and important long-term rights. An experienced lawyer helps you understand legal options, prepare documents, negotiate settlements, and represent your interests at hearings. If you cannot afford a lawyer, seek low-cost legal clinics, legal aid organizations, or limited-scope assistance where attorneys handle specific tasks rather than the whole case.
These local and state resources can help you find information, forms, or legal assistance:
- Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Resources and court forms - for instructions and local filing procedures.
- Denver County District Court family court clerk - for filing information and local rules.
- Colorado Child Support Services - for establishing or enforcing child support and collecting payments.
- Colorado Legal Services and local legal aid programs - for qualifying low-income clients who need representation.
- Denver Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service - to find private attorneys and schedule consultations.
- Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence and local shelters - for emergency assistance, safety planning, and advocacy.
- Mediation centers and parenting coordinators in Denver - for alternative dispute resolution services.
- Local parenting education programs - some courts require or recommend classes for parents going through separation or divorce.
If you need legal assistance with a family law matter in Denver, consider the following practical steps:
- Collect documents - financial statements, pay stubs, tax returns, bank and retirement account statements, mortgage or lease papers, and any records related to children such as school and medical information. Also keep records of communications, missed parenting time, and payments.
- Identify your goals - clarify what you want to achieve regarding custody, support, property, and safety. Prioritize the most important issues so you can discuss them efficiently with an attorney or mediator.
- Consult an attorney - schedule a consultation with a family law attorney to discuss your case, likely outcomes, and fee structures. Prepare a list of questions and bring the documents you gathered. Ask about limited-scope representation if full representation is unaffordable.
- Consider alternative dispute resolution - mediation or collaborative law can resolve many family issues more quickly and less expensively than contested litigation while giving parties more control over outcomes.
- For safety concerns - if you are in immediate danger, call emergency services. Contact local domestic violence resources for shelter and legal advocacy support before or while you pursue legal orders for protection.
- Use court self-help resources - if you plan to proceed without an attorney, use the court’s self-help materials and workshops to understand forms, filing steps, and courtroom procedures.
Taking these steps will position you to protect your rights and interests while navigating Denver family law matters. If you are unsure where to begin, a brief consultation with a qualified family law attorney or a visit to a local legal aid clinic is a practical first move.
