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.

Scottie Pippen and Larsa Pippen Not Divorcing After All?

Retired NBA legend Scottie Pippen filed for divorce from wife Larsa Pippen of Real Housewives of Miami about three months ago. The two were married for 20 years before the announcement, which came a few days after Fort Lauderdale police responded to disturbances at their residence twice.

What caused the split? Some sources suggested infidelity on one or both party’s parts was the cause. Some sources say Scottie’s open flirtation with an actress led to Larsa acting out, while others say that Larsa’s relationship with rapper Future was far too cozy.

Larsa recently posted a Snapchat photo of a stunning 14-carat ring, a Valentine’s Day gift (from who, she would not say), sparking rumors that the two were reconciling. Now, sources close to the two have said that both missed deadlines for their divorce process and that the two are working out their problems.

Is It Worth It To Try To Make My Failing Marriage Work?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether a couple should bite the bullet and file for divorce, or if they should try to work it out. Consider the following if you are unsure:

  1. Have you sought marriage counseling? Communication can be difficult, especially when two spouses don’t see eye to eye. A counselor can help.
  2. Have you and your spouse isolated the real problems each of you has with your marriage?
  3. How well do the two of you listen to one another?
  4. Are you two able to compromise and find time to enjoy together?
  5. When you fight, is it more productive or destructive?
  6. Are you and your spouse able to let grudges go?
  7. Are you working toward the same goal?
  8. Are you willing to work out the issues?

Answering these questions won’t give you your answer, but it will help you make a more informed decision.

If you have any questions regarding an upcoming divorce and require legal assistance, our Denver divorce lawyers are ready to help.

Cuba Gooding, Jr. Files For Divorce After 20 Years Of Marriage

The latest celebrity marriage casualty of 2017: Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Sara Kapfer, former high school sweethearts who separated in 2014, 20 years after their marriage. Gooding finally responded to Kapfer’s 2014 separation documents with a formal divorce petition in mid-January.

The two have three children, of which one is still a minor. Gooding has requested joint legal and physical custody of the couple’s 10-year-old daughter. Gooding has expressed a willingness to pay spousal support to Kapfer, but wants his earnings since the 2014 separation to remain his own. This would include the earnings he received for his role as O.J. Simpson in the acclaimed FX miniseries The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

How Is Spousal Support Calculated In Colorado?

In Colorado, spouses have the opportunity to request spousal maintenance (also called spousal support or alimony) in divorce. Maintenance can only be awarded to a spouse if the court finds that the spouse lacks sufficient property to meet reasonable needs AND is either unable to support his or herself financially through appropriate employment (or, alternatively, that the spouse has childcare needs that make it impossible to seek employment.

Once this has been determined, the amount and duration of maintenance will be decided. This is based on a few factors:

  • How long the couple was married
  • The age, physical and mental health of both parties
  • The couple’s standard of living during marriage
  • Each party’s separate earning capacity
  • How the couple’s marital assets were divided

Are you getting divorced and thinking about asking for spousal support? Our firm has released a free app on both the Android and iOS stores that can help you figure out how much you could receive as maintenance, which you can download here.

Gavin Speaks Out – The Hardest Part Of Divorce With Gwen Stefani

The notoriously private Gavin Rossdale, now coaching singers on “The Voice UK,” recently opened up about his feelings on his divorce from No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani. Rossdale said the divorce “was completely opposite to what I wanted,” expressing regret and saying that divorce is “one of the hardest, most painful things to go through.”

The divorce was highly publicized. In August 2015, the couple split up after a long stint of 13 years of marriage and 20 years as a couple. They presented the divorce as amicable, although rumors were abound regarding infidelity as the reason for the split. They said that despite no longer being married, they would continue to be partners in parenthood for their three children, Kingston, Zuma and Apollo.

Dealing With Divorce Regret

A study from the UK shows that slightly over half of divorcees regret splitting with their exes for some reason or another. Another 40 percent said that they would consider giving their failed marriage another shot. How do people cope with second thoughts about their divorces?

  1. Don’t be impulsive. Divorce is a uniquely stressful time and it makes sense to have second thoughts within a few weeks (or days ”“ or hours) of a split. Give yourself ample time to process your thoughts and the life changes inherent to divorce.
  2. As you start to see other people, don’t judge those people based on your ex. Any new partner is going to have their own problems, so placing the good parts of your ex on a pedestal for comparison to your new partner is only going to cause strife.
  3. Realize that reconciliation with your ex is probably better in theory than in practice. Studies show that “cyclical couples” often suffer from low communication and relationship satisfaction. Remember ”“ there was a reason you got divorced.

Denver divorce attorneys providing exceptional client experiences for clients throughout Colorado.

“Ain’t Your Business”- T.I. Not Willing to Talk About Divorce from Tiny

Last week, we wrote about Brad and Angelina’s public statement that they would be continuing their divorce proceedings in private. It’s not uncommon for people in the public eye to shield themselves during a troubling time like divorce, and it looks like another celebrity is doing just that.

T.I., the Grammy Award-winning Atlanta rapper, recently split from his wife of six years after what seemed to be a cordial and family-filled Christmas holiday.

During an interview on Yung Joc’s morning radio show on Atlanta’s Streetz 94.5, Joc brought up the divorce and said he didn’t want to see the couple split up. T.I. was noticeably defensive, telling Joc that the divorce “ain’t your business.” While it probably did not shock him to be questioned about the divorce, it is understandable that he would be bothered by having his dirty laundry aired in such a public way.

Should I Keep My Divorce To Myself?

Divorce is a highly personal and often distressing process. It is easy to become overwhelmed with emotion and uncertainty, and because of that, it is usually healthy to speak to someone about your divorce. Of course, you probably don’t want to go on a radio show and solicit advice from a DJ (although that might work for some people), but having a support system consisting of friends and family can go a long way in addressing your fears and feelings. It’s best to start small, with a best friend or a sibling that you trust, and as you begin to get a better grip on what’s coming in the future, cast a wider net. You’d be surprised how much people are willing to do for friends and family.

Don’t take it from us ”“ ask our former clients what their experience with Divorce Matters was like.

Playing For Keeps: Dennis & Kimberly Quaid Dispute Over Support Payments

Dennis Quaid and Kimberly Quaid are playing for keeps in a dispute regarding child support and spousal support for Kimberly and the kids. Kimberly filed for divorce last June and never got a temporary spousal or child support order. Dennis has been paying spousal and child support voluntarily for Kimberly’s and their twins’ living expenses, but a dispute has arisen. Kimberly doesn’t think Dennis is paying enough. Dennis thinks he is paying too much.

So, the issue will be thrown to the courts. It will be up to a judge to decide who is right ”“ and whoever is wrong will have to cut a check for the difference to the other. It’s a bit like Vegas ”“ high risk, high reward.

How Child Support & Spousal Maintenance Are Calculated In Colorado

In Colorado, determining child support payments is based on defined calculations. The state first looks at a parent’s gross monthly income prior to taxes and deductions, and then takes into consideration the amount of overnights each parent spends with the children. Usually, it is the parent who has less custody time with the child who pays child support, unless one party has significantly higher income.

As for spousal maintenance (also called spousal support or alimony), no spouse has an automatic right to this support. Whether someone will receive spousal maintenance will be determined by the courts based on whether that person lacks sufficient property to meet reasonable needs and is either unable to work or has child care responsibilities. Support is calculated based on the length of marriage, the health (mental and physical) of both parties, the standard of living the couple enjoyed, each party’s earning capacity and how marital property is divided.

If you’re curious to see what your Colorado support payments would look like, check out our spousal support and child support calculator app, available for free on iOS and Android devices.

Brad & Angelina Make First Joint Statement Since Divorce Announcement

After a rather quiet holiday with an amicable Christmas for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the couple has released their first joint statement regarding the status of their divorce.

The estranged spouses have signed agreements to seal the records of their divorce to protect the privacy of their six children. Additionally, the two will be using a private judge throughout the course of the divorce.

One month ago, Pitt took efforts to have a judge seal all divorce-related documents through an emergency hearing, but he was denied. Jolie’s camp fired back at him for the attempt, claiming that he was trying to protect himself, not the children. It seems that they were able to come to an agreement and move forward with the sealing of the documents.

This joint move may come as a shock after the period of contention the couple shared these last few months. Pitt and Jolie have a temporary custody arrangement where Pitt is allowed supervised visits with the children until a time comes that their dispute resolves. Pitt wants joint custody ”“ Jolie wants physical custody.

Determining Child Custody In Colorado Divorces

Courts in Colorado determine parenting time plans based on the best interests of the child. The child’s best interests are determined by looking at a variety of factors, including:

  • The preference of the child if they are of a mature age to express their wishes
  • The child’s educational needs and acclimation to his or her community
  • The physical and mental health of all involved parties
  • The proximity of the parents’ homes
  • The capability of each parent to put the needs of the child above their own and the ability to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other party

How the courts will decide on custody for Brangelina and the kids, we do not know, but we will be keeping an eye on the story.

Denver divorce attorneys seeking to provide exceptional client experiences to divorcing couples in Colorado. Check out our testimonials from former clients.

Angelina Jolie Spends Holidays In Colorado With Kids As Custody Battle Continues

Amidst her custody battle with ex-husband Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie has made a holiday visit to Colorado. She, along with her six kids, arrived shortly after Christmas and celebrated New Year’s Eve with some toy shopping.

Pitt and Jolie’s custody battle has loomed large since November, when Jolie’s legal representatives claimed that a custody agreement had been reached allowing her to retain custody of all six children. Pitt’s camp argues that no formal, permanent custody agreement has yet been reached. Pitt filed for joint and physical custody of his children in November.

Pitt continues to have supervised visits with his children. He was able to visit the kids during Christmas and bring them gifts.

Who Gets The Kids? Colorado Custody Battles

In Colorado, decisions regarding child custody are determined based on the best interests of the child. This means that the judge will looks at many different factors to determine a parenting time arrangement, including:

  • The parents’ wishes
  • The child’s wishes
  • The relationships between child and each parent
  • The child’s opportunity to adapt to a new living or education situation
  • The physical and mental health of the parties involved (although disability cannot be used as a sole determining factor in child custody)
  • The capability of the parents to put the needs of the child above their own

Child custody arrangements do not have to be permanent. The courts understand that circumstances change. Perhaps one parent loses his or her job, or one has to move to another country for work. There are any number of things that can go wrong that make a custody arrangement unfair or unenforceable. In those situations, the parents can ask the court for a child custody modification, which will also be based on the best interests of the child.

Our Denver family lawyers are ready to assist you in matters of child custody.

Prince Divorce Update: Records To Be Made Public

We wrote last week about a development in the case of the late singer-songwriter Prince’s 2006 divorce from Manuela Testolini. Prince’s attorney claimed that the musician’s estate owed him nearly $600,000 due to a verbal agreement between him and Prince that no attorney fees would be owed until the finer details of the divorce were finalized. The attorney claims that these finer details were settled on April 1, 20 days before Prince’s untimely death.

More news appeared this week declaring that Prince’s divorce records would be unsealed on January 13, despite objections from Testolini that unsealing the records would open her up to harassment. The Minneapolis Star Tribune wants the records publicly released, but Testolini’s lawyers said that the release should not happen because the records are tied to a private settlement.

Certain details of the records will be redacted from the release, including things like financial information. Other than those few details, the judge says that the divorce records don’t contain anything else that would warrant censorship from the public eye.

Prince died at the age of 57. He was found unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park home and recording studio. The cause of death was eventually revealed to have been an overdose on the painkiller fentanyl. After his death, the United States Senate passed a resolution praising his achievements as a musician, composer, innovator and cultural icon.

Denver divorce lawyers helping couples throughout Colorado come to equitable agreements on the terms of their dissolution of marriage.

Johnny Depp Throwing More Shade ”“ Asks For Attorney Fees From Ex-Wife

The Johnny Depp/Amber Heard divorce continues to get spicier and spicier.

A few days before Christmas, Depp’s team of lawyers filed new documents with the court asking for Heard to pay up – $100,000 in attorney fees. Depp’s team says that Heard owes Depp the cash because she has continued to litigate the divorce which has been settled in an attempt to milk her 15 minutes of fame even longer. Harsh.

If Heard doesn’t pay up, Depp says he should be allowed to withhold the $100,000 from his settlement payments to Heard.

Heard’s attorneys fired back with some shade of their own, quipping that Depp had “rediscovered his comic touch with this laughable motion.” They claim that Depp’s latest action against Heard is just another thinly veiled attempt at not paying her what she is owed. Additionally, Heard’s attorneys claimed that Depp was not adhering to the terms of the divorce agreed upon by both parties. He has failed to comply with court-ordered mandates including property division, returning Heard’s belongings and transferring the title to a Range Rover into Heard’s name.

Recently, the couple made headlines after Depp donated part of Heard’s divorce settlement to charity, preempting Heard, who had made it publicly known that she intended to donate the money. Heard’s attorneys took offense to the donation, stating that by making the donation instead of giving the money to Heard, Depp was depriving Heard of tax benefits she would receive through her charitable giving.

Our Denver divorce lawyers seek to provide exceptional client experiences to divorcing couples in Colorado.