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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Browse our 2 legal questions about Family in United States and read 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 answerBrowse our 4 legal articles about Family in United States written by expert lawyers.
Family law in Greenwood Village covers legal matters that affect families and household relationships in the Greenwood Village area of Arapahoe County, Colorado. Common issues include divorce, child custody and parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, paternity, adoption, domestic violence protection orders, and guardianship of minors or incapacitated adults. Most family-law cases are handled by the county or district courts serving Arapahoe County under Colorado state statutes and local court rules.
Family-law matters are often emotionally charged and can have long-term financial and parental effects. You may want a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:
- Filing for or defending against a divorce or legal separation, especially when there are complex assets, businesses, or retirement accounts to divide.
- Disputes about child custody, parental decision-making, or parenting time schedules, including proposed relocations.
- Contested child-support calculations, enforcement, or modification requests.
- Requests for spousal maintenance or disagreement about the amount or duration of support.
- Paternity establishment or defense when parentage affects custody or support.
- Adoption or guardianship cases that require court approvals and background checks.
- Domestic violence or stalking incidents that require civil protection orders or involve criminal proceedings.
- Enforcement of existing court orders or modifications when circumstances change, such as loss of income, relocation, or new evidence.
An experienced family-law attorney can explain your rights, prepare pleadings, represent you in hearings, negotiate with the other party, and help you avoid procedural mistakes that could affect the outcome.
Key local and state rules that are especially relevant in Greenwood Village include the following:
- Jurisdiction and Residency - To file for divorce in Colorado generally you or your spouse must meet Colorado residency requirements, including a minimum period of residence prior to filing. Family-law matters are heard in the county or district courts for Arapahoe County.
- Equitable Distribution of Property - Colorado is an equitable-distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Separate property typically stays with the original owner.
- Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time - Colorado courts decide custody using the best-interests-of-the-child standard. Modern Colorado practice emphasizes parental responsibilities and parenting time rather than traditional custody and visitation terminology. Courts consider factors like the childs needs, each parent’s ability to care for the child, and the child’s relationship with each parent.
- Child Support - Child-support orders are based on Colorado child-support guidelines. The guidelines use both parents incomes, parenting time, and certain allowable deductions to calculate a presumptive support amount. Courts may deviate from guidelines for stated reasons.
- Spousal Maintenance - There is no single formula for maintenance in Colorado. Courts evaluate statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, each party’s income and earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage.
- Protection Orders and Domestic Violence - Colorado law provides civil protection orders for victims of domestic violence, stalking, and harassment. Law enforcement and prosecutors handle criminal domestic-violence cases under state law.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution - Mediation and collaborative divorce are commonly used in Arapahoe County to resolve parenting and financial issues without trial. Some courts require parenting classes or mediation attempts for child-related disputes.
To start a divorce you or your spouse must meet Colorado residency requirements. You file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the appropriate county or district court in Arapahoe County and serve the other spouse with the papers. The process begins with temporary orders if urgent issues exist, then moves toward settlement or trial. A lawyer can prepare documents, advise on temporary relief, and represent you in court.
Colorado judges determine parental responsibilities and parenting time based on the best interests of the child. Factors include the child’s physical and emotional needs, each parent’s ability to provide for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, any history of abuse, and sometimes the child’s preferences if the child is mature enough. Courts prefer parenting plans that support the child’s stability and ongoing relationships with both parents when safe and appropriate.
Child support in Colorado is calculated using statewide guidelines that consider both parents’ incomes, the number of children, health-insurance costs, childcare expenses, and the parenting time each parent has. The result is a presumptive support amount. Courts may adjust the amount if circumstances warrant it, for example, high parental income or special needs of the child.
Equitable distribution means the court divides marital property fairly, which may not always be a 50-50 split. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Separate property includes assets owned before marriage, inheritances, and gifts to one spouse, provided those items remain separate and are not commingled.
Spousal maintenance may be awarded depending on factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living during the marriage. There is no automatic entitlement and courts evaluate requests under statutory factors. Maintenance can be temporary or long-term depending on circumstances.
If you are in immediate danger call 911. You can seek a civil protection order from the county or district court to prohibit the abuser from contacting or approaching you. Law enforcement can arrest for domestic violence, and prosecutors may bring criminal charges. A lawyer or local victim-advocate organization can help you understand options and obtain emergency relief while protecting your safety and privacy.
Paternity can be established voluntarily by signing a paternity acknowledgment or through a court order if disputed. Blood or genetic testing is commonly used to confirm biological parentage. Establishing paternity is often necessary to obtain child-support orders, parenting time rights, and to secure parental benefits or inheritance issues.
You can ask the court to modify child-support or custody orders if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, such as a job loss, significant income change, a relocating parent, or changes in the child’s needs. The process requires filing a petition and proving the change to the court, or negotiating a new agreement with the other parent and submitting it for approval.
If a parent willfully disobeys a court order for support, parenting time, or other obligations, you can ask the court to enforce the order. Remedies may include wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, fines, or orders for make-up parenting time. Enforcement can be complex, so a lawyer or the local child-support enforcement agency can assist in pursuing remedies.
Timing varies widely. An uncontested divorce where parties agree on key issues can be resolved in a few months. Contested divorces or cases involving custody disputes, complex assets, or litigation can take a year or longer. Temporary orders, emergency hearings, and the court’s schedule also affect timing. Mediation or negotiation can shorten the process.
When you need more information or help in Greenwood Village, consider these resources:
- Arapahoe County courts and self-help centers - for forms, filing procedures, and local court rules.
- Colorado Judicial Branch self-help materials - general state-level guides on family-law procedures and forms.
- Colorado Child Support Services - for help establishing and enforcing child support orders.
- Colorado Legal Services - provides free or low-cost civil legal help for eligible residents.
- Local domestic-violence shelters and victim-advocate programs - for safety planning and court assistance.
- Colorado Bar Association and local bar referral services - to find qualified family-law attorneys in the Greenwood Village area.
- Community mediation programs - many disputes can be resolved through neutral mediation professionals who help parents reach parenting and financial agreements.
If you think you need legal assistance with a family-law matter in Greenwood Village, consider the following steps:
- Gather documents - collect financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, deeds, custody-related documents, school records, medical records, and any evidence related to domestic violence.
- Assess urgency - if you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911 and seek a protection order right away. For urgent financial or custody needs, ask the court about emergency or temporary orders.
- Contact a lawyer for an initial consultation - bring your documents and a brief timeline of events. Ask about experience with Arapahoe County courts, fee structures, possible outcomes, and alternative dispute-resolution options.
- Explore low-cost or pro bono options if you have limited funds - contact Colorado Legal Services, local law clinics, or the county self-help center for guidance and possible assistance.
- Consider mediation or collaborative law if both parties are able to negotiate - these approaches save time and expense when appropriate.
- Keep records - maintain a written record of communications, missed parenting-time exchanges, payments, incidents of abuse, and steps you take to comply with or enforce court orders.
Family-law matters can be stressful and complex. A local attorney or legal advocate can help you understand Colorado law, evaluate options, protect your rights, and focus on the best interests of you and your family.
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The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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