Family Law

Choose a Family Law Attorney Near You That Will Fight for Your Rights

Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.

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When family relationships change, the legal system often becomes part of the journey. Whether you’re facing a divorce, a custody dispute, a financial disagreement, or any other family matter, the process can feel overwhelming. At Divorce Matters®, we understand how personal and emotional these issues are – and we’re here to guide you through them with strength, compassion, and clarity. If you’re searching for a family law attorney near you who is skilled, approachable, and genuinely dedicated to your future, you’ve found the right place.

Divorce Matters® is a Colorado-based law firm that focuses exclusively on family law. Our team of seasoned attorneys helps clients throughout the state resolve sensitive issues such as divorce, child custody, support arrangements, property division, and more.

Family Law Is All We Do - And We Do It Well

At Divorce Matters®, our entire practice is dedicated to helping Colorado families. Unlike general practice law firms, we focus 100% on family law so you can be confident you’re getting in-depth, informed representation no matter what kind of issue you’re facing.

We recognize that every family is unique, which is why we never apply a one-size-fits-all strategy to your case. When you work with a Divorce Matters® family law attorney near you, you get personalized legal advice designed to protect your rights, your children, and your future.

Here are the core family law services we offer:

Back to school parenting time with father and son

Whether your divorce is amicable or contentious, simple or complex, we’re prepared to help you through it. Our attorneys have handled thousands of divorce cases and are deeply familiar with Colorado laws and court procedures. We provide legal support for uncontested divorces, contested divorces, military divorces, high-asset separations, and more.

Custody and visitation can be emotionally charged topics. Our attorneys work to find solutions that prioritize the child’s best interests while protecting your parental rights. We help create parenting plans that are clear, enforceable, and practical – reducing conflict and promoting stability for your children.

Our legal team helps ensure that financial support for children is fair, appropriate, and based on Colorado’s legal guidelines. Whether you’re seeking support, paying support, or need to modify an existing order, a family law attorney near you from Divorce Matters® can help you through the process.

If spousal maintenance is a factor in your divorce, we can help determine what is reasonable and just under Colorado law. We’ll work to ensure you’re either receiving the support you need or not being asked to pay more than is fair.

In Colorado, marital property must be divided equitably, not necessarily equally. We work to protect your assets, minimize financial disruption, and achieve a fair division of property and debts.

Planning ahead can bring peace of mind. We draft, review, and enforce prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that safeguard your financial future and clarify expectations within your marriage.

If you or your children are in danger, our team will act swiftly. We help clients obtain protection orders and represent them in related custody and divorce proceedings with sensitivity and strength.

Life is full of changes, and sometimes, your court orders need to change too. We help clients modify existing custody, support, or parenting plans due to relocation, changes in income, remarriage, or other significant life events.

When one party fails to follow a court order, we can help enforce your legal rights. Our attorneys assist with filing contempt actions and defending against them, always working to resolve matters efficiently and effectively.

If you need a combination of these services, we also offer unbundled legal services to give you the best representation and legal counsel possible.

Why Choose Divorce Matters®?

When you hire a family law attorney near you from Divorce Matters®, you’re choosing a team that brings over a century of combined legal experience to your case. Our attorneys have handled thousands of family law matters across Colorado and have earned a reputation for excellence in negotiation, mediation, and courtroom litigation.

We are not just legal professionals – we’re people who care about your family, your future, and your peace of mind. We understand that you’re trusting us with some of the most personal aspects of your life, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Divorce Matters team

What to Expect When You Work with Us

From the moment you contact our firm, you’ll see the Divorce Matters® difference. We start by listening – really listening – to your concerns and questions. Then, we’ll walk you through your options, outline next steps, and build a legal plan that reflects what matters most to you.

We know that legal processes can be confusing and emotionally draining. That’s why we strive to make things simpler and more manageable, providing clear timelines, honest advice, and unwavering support.

Whether you’re negotiating a peaceful divorce or fighting for custody of your children, having a family law attorney near you who is experienced, caring, and tenacious makes all the difference.

Get the Help You Deserve from a Family Law Attorney Near You

If you’re facing a family law issue in Colorado, don’t face it alone. Let Divorce Matters® be your legal partner and your advocate. Our team is here to protect your rights, support your goals, and help you move forward with confidence.

Schedule a confidential consultation today and speak with a family law attorney near you who understands what you’re going through and knows how to help. Your future is too important to leave to chance. Let Divorce Matters® help you take the next step with clarity and strength.

Searching for Family Law Attorney Near You ?

Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.
BOOK A CONSULTATION

Legal Services

A Partner for Legal Services Colorado Families Can Trust

Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.

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Text | 720-386-9164
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When families face legal challenges – whether it’s divorce, custody, or conflict over property – there’s one thing everyone needs: a trusted advocate who truly understands what’s at stake. At Divorce Matters®, we provide the kind of thoughtful representation that helps clients navigate these difficult life transitions with strength and clarity. As a Colorado-based law firm dedicated exclusively to family law, our mission is simple: to deliver the highest level of legal services Colorado families can count on, no matter how complex the case.

For more than a decade, we’ve helped thousands of people across the state protect their families, their finances, and their future. From straightforward divorces to emotionally charged custody battles, our attorneys bring strategic insight, courtroom experience, and a client-first approach to every case. And because we focus solely on family law, our entire team has the legal knowledge and practical experience needed to guide you through every twist and turn.

Legal Services Colorado Families Need –
Delivered with Compassion and Skill

Legal Services Colorado Families Need – Delivered with Compassion and Skill

At Divorce Matters®, we know that family law issues are rarely just about paperwork and statutes – they’re about people. That’s why we take time to understand your situation and goals, then develop personalized strategies to meet them.

Whether your divorce is amicable or contested, our team is ready to advocate for your interests and work toward a resolution that minimizes stress while protecting what matters most. In some cases, divorce is about more than the relationship – it’s about children, assets, homeownership, and financial independence. That’s where the depth of our legal services comes into play. We don’t just “handle” your divorce – we help you manage every detail, from division of property and spousal maintenance to parenting plans and post-decree modifications.

Divorce Matters legal team

Focused Help for Parents and Families

Many families come to us seeking help with child custody arrangements. These cases can be deeply emotional, especially when parents disagree on what’s best for their children. Our attorneys bring a balanced, child-centered approach to custody and parenting time cases. We work hard to develop agreements that support stability and the child’s well-being while ensuring that your rights as parents are upheld. For those facing disputes or changes after the initial order, we also assist with modifications to parenting plans and enforcement when necessary.

Child support and spousal support are other areas of service we provide. Colorado law has guidelines in place, but every case is unique – and ensuring those guidelines are applied correctly is critical. We work with you to calculate appropriate support, address underemployment or imbalanced financial situations, and represent your best interests whether you are paying or receiving support.

In addition to divorce and custody, our firm can create and enforce prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. These contracts offer clarity and protection for couples entering or already in marriage, particularly those with substantial assets or children from prior relationships. Rather than being a sign of mistrust, these agreements can be an act of mutual respect and preparedness – and we ensure they’re drafted properly to stand up in court if it ever goes to that point.

Our services in also include protection in urgent situations. When domestic violence or abuse is involved, the safety of you and your children comes first. We act quickly to help clients obtain civil protection orders and navigate the legal steps necessary to secure immediate and long-term safety. Overall, Divorce Matters® provides the necessary legal services Colorado families need to help with their current situation and their future.

Serving Communities Across Colorado

Divorce Matters® has offices throughout the state, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins. This allows us to provide localized representation with insight into regional court systems, judges, and procedures. When you work with one of our attorneys, you’re working with someone who not only understands family law, but understands Colorado’s family law. Even more importantly, our attorneys live and work in the communities they serve. That means when you’re looking for reliable legal services, Colorado is more than just our jurisdiction – it’s our home.

The Divorce Matters® Difference

Our main office in the Denver Tech Center.

The Divorce Matters® Difference

What makes Divorce Matters® stand out among other firms is our communicative approach. We take the time to explain your options, set realistic expectations, and keep you informed at every step. You’ll never be left in the dark about where your case stands or what to expect next. We believe legal expertise is only part of what clients deserve. They also deserve compassion, responsiveness, and integrity.

As the legal landscape shifts and family structures evolve, we stay ahead of the curve. We continuously adapt our strategies, update procedures, and always keep your best interests at the front of everything we do. From high-conflict divorces to collaborative solutions, we’re prepared to fight when necessary and negotiate when it serves your goals.

Get the Legal Support You Deserve

When you’re facing a family law matter, you need more than legal answers – you need an advocate. At Divorce Matters®, our team of attorneys delivers the comprehensive legal services Colorado families need to move forward from this chapter of life with confidence.

Whether you’re considering a divorce, negotiating custody, seeking protection, or modifying a prior agreement, we’re here to help. Let us show you what it means to work with a firm that’s fully dedicated to your future.

Contact Divorce Matters® today to schedule a consultation with one of our family law attorneys. With local offices, flexible options, and a reputation built on trust and results, we are the firm more Coloradans turn to when family law matters most.

Divorce Matters® – Legal Services
Colorado Families Can Trust.

Property Division

In Colorado, marital property is divided through equitable distribution, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like each spouse’s contribution, economic circumstances, and the value of separate property when determining the division.

Collaborative Law Divorce

Conventional divorce with the specter of litigation and lengthy court time can create significant unease in couples who wish to divorce in a respectful, dignified way. Collaborative law divorce (or no-court divorce) can be a viable alternative to traditional divorce proceedings.

Divorce Appeal

Here we cover the process of appealing a ruling in a family law case, as well as some of the issues that are unique to family law.

Common Law Marriage in Colorado

Colorado allows parties to enter into a common law marriage. Contrary to popular belief, there is no time requirement for a common law marriage. Therefore, you do not have to live together for any specific period of time before you can have a common law marriage in Colorado. However, just merely living together will not result in a common law marriage either.

Colorado Prenuptial Agreement

While there are a million things to plan when a couple decides to marry, often the most difficult to discuss with your future partner is the possible need for a Colorado prenuptial agreement. While this subject is not the most romantic or exciting part of wedding planning, a couple contemplating marriage in Colorado may need to consider entering into a prenuptial agreement, or a contract before marriage.

Navigating the court system without the assistance of a divorce attorney can be difficult regardless of how complex or combative your case is. It is important for self-represented parties (called pro se) to seek alternative forms of representation.

Contempt of Court Colorado

After having gone through a divorce or once you have some orders from the court, you may at some point find yourself on either end of a contempt of court Colorado action if one of the parties is not complying with the orders.

Military Divorce in Colorado

Divorce is never an easy process, but when either you or your spouse are in the military it can be even more complicated as there is more to consider than in a traditional divorce. We understand the sacrifices military families make every day and we want to be sure they don’t have to make any when it comes to legal representation. Here at Divorce Matters we aim to reduce and even eliminate many of the obstacles that can stand in the way of a successful outcome for our clients.

Alimony in Colorado (Spousal Maintenance)

Neither spouse has an automatic right to alimony, also known as spousal maintenance in Colorado. The court will award maintenance only if the spouse seeking maintenance cannot meet their reasonable needs and, in addition, is either unable to support themselves through employment or should not be required to seek employment because of childcare responsibilities

Colorado Child Custody Laws

Divorce cases involving children almost always require difficult, and even painful, negotiations over child custody. The same can be said of non-married parents who decide to separate, which raises the sensitive question of how custody will be allocated.

Colorado Child Support Laws

Proper representation is critical for any parent when going through a child custody case. While parents are allowed to create their own child support agreements, any agreement that deviates too far from the Colorado child support laws & guidelines will likely not receive court approval. This is just one reason why having an attorney with expertise in child support cases is critical.

Post Divorce Modification

When a couple in Colorado gets divorced, the marital settlement agreement they sign isn’t set in stone for life. A change in circumstances can justify revisiting the agreement and seeking what is called a post-divorce modification or post-decree modification. Family law courts in Colorado recognize that marital settlement agreements need to be modified, either because of changing circumstances or the discovery of information that wasn’t disclosed during divorce proceedings.

Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Alternative dispute resolution, or ADR, refers to any means of settling a dispute outside the confines of a courtroom. In the context of divorce, two alternative dispute resolution methods can be highly effective at helping couples resolve their differences in a relatively fast and affordable manner. Those two methods are as follows:

Colorado Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic violence happens to people in all classes, statuses, and ranks in life, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, education, profession, or socioeconomic status.

Searching for Legal Services Colorado?

Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.
BOOK A CONSULTATION

Unbundled Legal Services

Are You in Need of Unbundled Legal Services in Colorado?

Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.

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Overview

Divorce Matters® Unbundled Legal Services

Navigating a divorce can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you need flexible and affordable legal assistance, our unbundled legal services can provide the support you need without the commitment of full representation. Contact Divorce Matters® today to learn how our team can help you navigate your divorce with the right level of legal guidance for your situation.

What are Unbundled Legal Services?

Unbundled representation is a way for you and your attorney to choose, a la carte, what legal services you need. As the client, you can mix and match the specific tasks your attorney is hired to complete for you. For example, you can hire your attorney to consult with you during your case and get advice on an as-needed basis. Your attorney can also coach you on how to represent yourself pro se and can help with preparing your case. Outside of consultation purposes, you can also hire your attorney for document review and drafting, to handle all communication with counsel and parties, or to file pleadings into your case on your behalf. If you have never worked with an attorney before, unbundled legal services are an excellent way to test it out.

Examples of Unbundled Legal Services:

  • Document drafting and review
  • Consultation and coaching
  • Assistance with mandatory financial disclosures and discovery responses
  • Communication with parties, counsel, court, and experts
  • Review of settlement offers
  • File pleadings into the case

Searching for the Best Divorce Lawyer in Colorado?

Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.
BOOK A CONSULTATION

Full Scope vs. Limited Scope

Full-Scope Representation is what typically comes to mind when discussing the traditional attorney-client relationship. The attorney is handling all aspects of your case and appears in court to advocate on your behalf. Understandably, this option may not be affordable to some, and there are more cost-effective ways to retain an attorney.

Limited Scope Representation or unbundled legal services are, as the name suggests, limited in the sense that the attorney will only be appearing to handle a very specific issue or part of your case. This keeps the costs lower than a traditional retainer and limits the attorney’s liability in your case. These services will be clearly defined so that you know exactly what the attorney will be helping with. For example, if a spouse in the middle of a divorce case is suddenly served with a contempt citation and is required to attend a hearing, an attorney can enter on a limited basis to assist you with only the contempt hearing portion of your case, and allow you to handle the divorce proceedings on your own. The legal fees for Limited Scope Representation are usually much lower than complete, Full Scope Representation. However, if at any time you wish to retain your attorney to handle the entire case, that transition can easily be made.

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Bringing a Human Approach to Legal Services

Douglas A. Thomas - Founding Partner

Get In Touch

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Text | 720-549-2010

Douglas A. Thomas

Founding Partner

As founder of Divorce Matters®, my team of attorneys works with families in Colorado to help them achieve optimal outcomes in the highly emotional, individual, and sensitive area of family law, particularly divorce, child custody, and child support.

Professional and Community Associations

• Colorado Bar Association
• Arapahoe County Bar Association
• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
• Defense Research Institute ”“ Member

Public & Speaking Engagements

Mr. Thomas has been a frequent speaker at the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association and numerous Continuing Legal Education seminars.

Bar Admissions

• Colorado
• U.S. District Court, Colorado

Education

• J.D., University of Denver, 1993
• B.A., New Mexico Highlands University, magna cum laude, 1989

Emily Ahnell - Partner and Managing Attorney

Get In Touch

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Text | 720-549-2010

Emily F. Ahnell

Partner and Managing Attorney

I began my practice after noticing a need for unbundled legal services. In addition to family law, I also defend employers and insurance carriers before administrative agencies and in civil litigation matters in Court.

I began my family law practice after noticing a need in the community for unbundled legal services. In addition to family law, I also defend employers and insurance carriers before administrative agencies and in civil litigation matters in Federal and State Courts.

Professional and Community Associations

• Colorado Bar Association
• Denver Bar Association
• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
• Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer

Public & Speaking Engagements

Denver University Law Review, Staff Editor 2001-2002, General Editor 2002-2003

Bar Admissions

• Colorado
• U.S. District Court, Colorado

Education

• J.D., University of Denver, 2003
•B.A., University of Alabama, 1998 (Member of the Women’s Soccer Team)

Justin J. Oliver - Attorney

Get In Touch

PH | 970-568-5202
Text | 720-549-2010

Justin J. Oliver

Lead Attorney

As an attorney, I care about my clients and alleviating the problems they bring to me and ensure they receive nothing less than top-notch from when we first meet to the conclusion of their legal matter. From representing clients in divorces, custody disputes, protection order hearings, child and spousal support conflicts, parentage issues, and many other issues surrounding and concerning families here in Colorado, myself and the Divorce Matters® team are here for you.

I care about my clients and alleviating the problems they bring to me and ensure they receive nothing less than top-notch from when we first meet to the conclusion of their legal matter.

Professional and Community Associations

• Member, Colorado Bar Association
• Member, Larimer County Bar Association

Bar Admissions

• Colorado

Education

•J.D., Drake University Law School, 2014
• B.A., Sociology, Western State Colorado University, 2011

What Types of Law Does Divorce Matters Practice?

Just from our name, it’s easy to tell that we excel in divorce law, but what other kinds of cases can Divorce Matters handle? We are a law firm specializing in family law. Family law covers a wide variety of different cases including:

Adoption

Estate Planning

Divisions of Marital Property

An important part of the divorce process in Colorado is figuring out how to divide marital property. The procedure generally involves two steps. First, it must be determined what marital property is. Second, the marital property must be divided equitably

Spousal Maintenance

In Colorado, neither spouse has an automatic right to maintenance. The court may award maintenance only if it finds that the spouse seeking maintenance lacks sufficient property to meet their reasonable needs and, in addition, is either unable to support themselves through appropriate employment or should not be required to seek employment because of child care responsibilities. Divorce Matters has lots of experience in Spousal Maintenance negotiations and our attorneys are the perfect choice to help you!

Child Custody

When children are involved, the divorce process doesn’t end once the final paperwork is filed. With children come often contentious and painful negotiations about and modification of parental rights, parenting time, and custody. Our team has deep experience dealing with child custody and parental rights issues and we believe it is our duty and an imperative to help couples address custody and rights issues in ways that reduce the impact of divorce and protect children in the process.

Child Support

In Colorado, child support is based on strict guidelines dictated by state laws and statutes. The issue of child support is separate and distinct from the issue of parenting time, and child support payments may not be conditioned upon parenting time. Due to these strict laws, it is important to have guidance from an expert attorney throughout the process.

Post Decree Modifications

Have your circumstances changed since your divorce? Have you lost your job? Has your ex-spouse received a salary increase? Did your ex-spouse fail to disclose financial matters during the dissolution of marriage? Once your divorce is finalized, fortunately, not everything in your original separation agreement or parenting plan is set in stone. Courts recognize that circumstances change, and, sometimes, spouses hide income or assets during the divorce process. Depending on the exact circumstances of your case, you may have a variety of options post-decree. In the following sections, we explore your options in modifying maintenance, child support, parenting time, custody, and decision-making, as well as how you can reopen your property division.

Mediation and Arbitration

Mediation and arbitration are perfect options for anyone going through a divorce. Both options allow the partners to take more control in the divorce, as well as keep the process out of court. Not only does Divorce Matters represent clients through mediation and arbitration, but we also have a mediator on staff!

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence happens to people in all classes, statuses, and ranks in life, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, education, profession, or socioeconomic status. The unfortunate reality is that one in four women in the U.S. will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, resulting in an estimated 1.3 million women becoming victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.

Contempt of Court

After having gone through a divorce or once you have some orders from the court, you may at some point find yourself on either end of a contempt of court action if one of the parties is not complying with the orders. If you find yourself on either end of a contempt action, Divorce Matters is here to help!

Unbundled Legal Services

Unbundled legal services are the perfect solution for anyone not ready to jump into full-scale representation. With unbundled services, you can hire an attorney at their hourly rate to help you with specific aspects of your legal troubles, like filing paperwork or gathering documents!

Common-Law Marriage

The state of Colorado allows couples to enter into common law marriage. However, the parameters of common law marriage can be hazy and difficult to understand, just like common law divorce

Appeals

If your case falls under family law, we can help with your appeal!

Prenuptial Agreements

While there are a million things to plan when a couple decides to marry, often the most difficult to discuss with your future partner is the possible need for a prenuptial agreement. While this subject is not the most romantic or exciting part of wedding planning, a couple contemplating marriage in Colorado may need to consider entering into a prenuptial agreement, or a contract before marriage.

Military Divorce

To thank our Military service members, we even offer 10% off of legal fees! This discount is offered to all active and retired service members, veterans, and military spouses.

Thomas Legal Firm

While Divorce Matters only deals in family law, we do have a sister law firm that offers other services. Thomas Law Firm deals with Criminal matters as well as Civil Law matters, including general litigation, civil rights, workers’ compensation, and business defense litigation.

How Much Will A Divorce Cost Me?

Contrary to popular belief, divorce does not always have to be expensive. One of the biggest influencing factors in the cost of a divorce is the complexity of your specific case. These complexities come in a few different forms, and each essentially affects how much time needs to be spent on a particular case and therefore how expensive that case will be. Some of these things will be within your control, and others won’t – this is why it is important to reach out and schedule an initial consultation with an attorney. In your initial consultation, our attorneys can go over your specific set of circumstances with you, and they will be able to give you an idea of what your specific case might cost and how to manage those costs.

 

What will affect the cost of my divorce?

 

As mentioned, there are several main determining factors that will affect the total cost of your divorce. Some of these include:

  1. The amount of assets involved
  2. Whether or not you have children
  3. How contentious (think conflict) your case is

These factors all increase the complexity of your case and therefore increase the total cost.

How you can keep the cost down?

 

There are a few ways you can help keep the cost down in your case. The most popular way is to utilize our unbundled legal services, which involves having an attorney help with one specific aspect of your case, such as drafting and reviewing documents for you, offering coaching or legal advice, or communicating with other parties, opposing counsel, and the courts. However, this option is not always a good fit, especially if your case has any of the factors listed above that tend to increase costs. Another way to keep costs down is to work on coming to an amicable agreement with your ex through mediation or arbitration. This will save time and money on going to court and is often easier on your emotional well-being in the end as well.

 

Every case is different, so it important to speak with an attorney to get a better idea of how much your specific situation will cost and what your options might be. Contact Divorce Matters today to set up an initial consultation with one of our many experienced attorneys who can help put you and your family on the path to a successful future after divorce.

I’m Not Sure I Can Afford An Attorney To Represent Me, Are There Any Other Options?

We understand cost can be a major concern for people when it comes to getting a divorce and hiring an attorney. At Divorce Matters we offer unbundled legal services or limited-scope representation, a type of service that may be able to keep costs down if it is the right fit for your specific case.

 

What are Unbundled Legal Services?

 

We like to describe unbundled legal services as a la carte legal services. Instead of hiring an attorney for full-scope representation, you can hire them to handle specific parts of your case or give advice on an as-needed basis. Some examples of unbundled services include document drafting/review, consulting and coaching, or review of settlement offers. Some cases only need limited help from an attorney and in these cases unbundled legal service can be one way to keep costs down.

 

Difference between full-scope representation and Unbundled Legal Services

 

Full scope representation is probably what you think of when you think of hiring an attorney traditionally. With full representation your attorney will be there with you throughout the entire divorce process, handling all paperwork, court preparations, scheduling any court appearances and mediations, and representing you at every step. With unbundled services or limited scope representation, you are only hiring an attorney for a specific aspect of your case that you need help with.

 

How to decide which service is best for you

 

Every case is different which is why we offer both traditional full scope representation and unbundled legal services. If you only have a few questions about your case or you just need help drafting a document, then unbundled services might be the best option for you and can certainly help keep costs down. If your case is more complex and/or contested then it might be more beneficial for you to consider full representation.

 

In order to figure out which services fit your situation best, contact us today to speak with one of our many experienced attorneys.

How Do I Pick the Right Attorney For Me?

One of the first questions you might ask yourself when you are searching for an attorney is “how do I know which attorney I’ll work the best with?” or “who will align with me and get me the best results in my case?” This is a very important question to consider because if you and your attorney don’t align then you might not be satisfied with their service or your end result. We never want that to be the case. Here are a few criteria to consider when deciding what attorney to hire to make sure that you and your attorney will be the best fit together.

 

Personality –

One of the most important factors to consider when deciding on hiring an attorney is how their personality would work with yours. When you are going through a divorce, you will end up sharing some of the most important and private details of your life with your attorney. Finding someone who complements you and can be a good partner is a key component to a successful attorney-client relationship.

Situation –

Another very important factor to consider when finding the right attorney is your specific situation. Every attorney has their strengths and areas of family law they practice more than others. If your case is very complex, you might look for an attorney who has more experience handling complex cases. On the other hand, if your situation is a very emotional one, it might be best to find a more empathetic attorney that you feel you can talk to and connect with for support. Another example would be if there is a lot of contention between you and your ex; in this case, you might be looking for a more aggressive attorney that will fight for you in times that get tense. Every situation is different, therefore it is key to find an attorney that will represent you in the way you need to be represented to achieve the most successful result in the end.

Cost –

Lastly, one thing to always keep in mind is how much you can afford when hiring an attorney. Of course, this always depends on each individual case and what you need the attorney to help you with. One of the most important factors that can affect the cost of your case is how contentious the separation is. If you and your ex can agree on most things through mediation, this will keep costs down compared to a case that goes to court. Another factor is what services you need legal help with. In some cases, you may only need unbundled legal services, but other cases will require full representation.

 

Finding an attorney with the right mix of personality, experience, and cost to help you with your divorce case is an important step in the divorce process. At Divorce Matters, we understand the importance of this decision. We match our clients with our attorneys based on all of these considerations, to ensure we deliver the best possible legal representation to every client.

If you’d like to get to know more about our attorneys visit their profiles here.

What Are Unbundled Legal Services?

Navigating the court system without the assistance of a divorce attorney  can be difficult in normal circumstances. With the added uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important now more than ever for pro se parties to seek alternative forms of representation.

Appearing pro se simply means that you are appearing on your own behalf, without an attorney. Usually, there is legal aid available to pro se parties; however, the courts, along with the self-help centers inside, are closed for the foreseeable future. Some courts are now advising that parties without family law attorneys consider obtaining limited representation, or unbundled legal services.

Limited-scope representation is when your lawyer handles only some parts of your case, as compared to a traditional relationship where the attorney handles all aspects of your case. Unbundled representation is a way for you to choose, a-la-carte, what legal services your attorney can provide you. You can mix-and-match the specific tasks your attorney is completing for you. If you need to simply consult with a divorce lawyer and get legal advice about your case on a as-needed basis, that can be the limited scope of your attorney’s representation. Your attorney can also coach you how to represent yourself pro se, and can help with preparing your case. An unbundled service can also provide document drafting and reviewing. Similarly, you can hire a lawyer to represent you on only certain issues in your case, such as an emergency motion or child support, while you do the rest.

Courts are encouraging parties to get as much legal assistance as they can during this pandemic, as your attorney can file documents electronically and will receive immediate case updates. If both parties in a case are represented, the Court may be able to enter final orders based on the filing of agreements and non-appearance affidavits. Otherwise, you may be left waiting until the Court resumes normal operating procedures.

Your divorce attorney can always enter a full-scope representation in your case if it is necessary, but if you were planning to file pro se and the courts have instructed you to obtain unbundled legal services to file during this time, call us to learn more at 720-542-6142 or fill out our contact form here.

Do I Need A Lawyer For An Uncontested Divorce?

Divorce by nature can be a contentious process. It is the end of a marriage, after all, and it is normal for negative emotions to fly. But not every divorce ends in anger and argument. In some cases, divorce can be done amicably, and it’s great if that happens. However, just because both parties are in agreement on how to move forward with a divorce does not mean that an attorney is completely unnecessary. In fact, if you don’t have an attorney, issues that arise during what was meant to be an uncontested divorce can easily turn the divorce sour.

The Problem With Divorce Pro Se

When you file for divorce without an attorney, we say you are representing yourself “pro se.” You can file the paperwork on your own and there are a ton of guides on the Internet on how to do it successfully. However, even if you are representing yourself in your divorce, you should still speak to an attorney. Why?

Because of the potential for costly mistakes. Family law is complicated. The more money and property you have, and any kids you have, amplify the need for an attorney. It is so easy to miss something teeny tiny and have that omission snowball into an expensive legal battle with your ex-spouse in the future.

Here’s an example: let’s say you and your spouse own investment property together. In your DIY divorce, the property slips your minds and you fail to address the issues of ownership of that property. Now, something goes wrong with the property, and you want to repair it, but your ex (who still owns the property too) decides the property should be sold. Neither party is in agreement; the argument escalates and escalates and suddenly, you’re on the opposite side of a courtroom paying oodles of legal fees trying to resolve the property issue. If you had spoken to an attorney before your pro se divorce, the property issue could have been resolved before the problem ever came up.

Our Denver divorce attorneys will work with you to ensure that no aspect of your divorce is ignored.

Representing Yourself In Divorce & The Pitfalls You May Face If You Do

Are you thinking about representing yourself in your Colorado divorce? Who better, right? You know your demands. You know what you have and what you want. An attorney would just be a time-and-money sink. If those thoughts ever occurred to you, you should know that it really is not that simple. Representing yourself in divorce ”“ especially when your spouse has hired an attorney ”“ can end very badly for you. Here are a few simple reasons why:

  1. Your spouse’s attorney knows much more about divorce law than you do, no matter how much Internet research you do or how many of our blogs you read. Despite this fact, you will be held to the same standard as an attorney ”“ no exceptions. This means that you are responsible for all of the confusing deadlines and standards of practice to follow, and there’s no easy guide to follow for those.
  2. Every court is different. Courtroom procedure in one county may be totally different from that of another county. Even if you are somewhat well-versed in the particulars of a divorce hearing, you may find yourself in hot water if you are not familiar with the court handling your case.
  3. It is very easy to miss something if you are trying to write your own divorce settlement agreement. Divorce settlements must be very particular by nature, and any errors or ambiguities can lead to more strife between you and your spouse, not to mention a prolonging of the procedures that can lead to future costs in time and money.

The bottom line is that, unless you are a divorce attorney yourself (and even then, a second opinion never hurts), you should go into a divorce with a trained ally on your side.