Why Selling Your Engagement Ring Might Be A Good Idea After Divorce

Divorce can be full of challenges. Both emotionally and financially, this can be a stressful time and you will likely be looking for ways to overcome these difficulties. One of the most practical steps you can take is to sell the engagement ring. Why?

Financial benefits of selling your engagement ring

With the costs associated with divorce and juggling finances alone instead of as a couple, it can be important to generate additional income. Selling your engagement ring can help you quickly raise money to put towards any legal costs or simply adjust to your new life. Taking the pressure off of your financial situation can bring a lot of relief and reduce stress.
Your engagement ring may be one of the most expensive items that you own, but it is also the most disposable in the sense that it no longer adds value to your day-to-day life. Unlike a house or a car, it is highly unlikely that you will be inconvenienced by no longer owning your engagement ring. The bottom line is that selling the ring is a practical financial decision.

Emotional benefits of selling your engagement ring

What have you done with your engagement ring? Hidden it in a drawer to gather dust? Are you aware of where it is but avoiding looking at it? Or are you still wearing it because you don’t know what else to do with it at this point? Whenever you feel ready to deal with the ring, selling it can be a great way to move on emotionally.
The ring now symbolizes your previous relationship and is a constant reminder of something that you are likely looking to move on from. Letting go of something steeped in emotional baggage and history can be cathartic and allows you to symbolically put your past behind you. So why not trade it in to buy new jewelry or sell it and put the money towards your divorce costs, a vacation or simply treat yourself? It is time for new beginnings and holding on to your past may hold you back from starting over.

How to sell your engagement ring quickly and safely

When to sell the ring is an entirely personal decision. You will want to make sure that you are comfortable with the idea of selling your engagement ring, but also comfortable with who you are selling to. There are a variety of ways you can sell your engagement ring, but in order to sell safely and quickly for the best price, working with a reputable and established diamond buyer is your best bet. WP Diamonds can help you sell discreetly in as little as 24 hours, online or via appointment. Get a price quote for your engagement ring today to start the selling process. You can also trade it in for a new piece of jewelry that represents this new phase in your life.

5 Things To Know About Child Support Garnishments

  1. Child support garnishments can be sent to an employer to attach wages. For wage attachment, Child support garnishments go to the front of the line above all other garnishments except IRS liens.
  2. Wages can be garnished up to 65% of “disposable income.” That’s after-tax income. So the employer first reduces wages by taxes and then by child support.
  3. An employer can deduct an additional $5 per paycheck as an administrative fee. This does not reduce child support but further reduces the employees pay.
  4. Child support garnishments can be taken from Workers’ Compensation benefits and can garnish workers’ compensation settlements.
  5. A private attorney can pursue past due child support on a percentage fee basis.

7 Things to Know About Compromising Photos

If you are or have been in a relationship for an extended period, you may have sent some less-than-appropriate photographs to your significant other. While this is not illegal (unless you’re sending them to someone who is underage), sharing these photos on social media and through text messages to friends, family, and co-workers is. Below, you will find our list of seven things you need to know about compromising photos from your ex.

1. It’s a crime to share them

This means posting, emailing, texting, snapping, or  sending them in any way. In Colorado, it is a misdemeanor to distribute or post compromising photos with the intent to harass them. The prosecutor must show the photos were posted with the “intent to harass and inflict severe emotional distress” and that the photos were posted without consent and the posting actually inflicted severe emotional distress.   That sounds like a great burden for the prosecutor, but juries and judges may have very little tolerance for this.

2. It’s a Crime If You Post the Photos For Money or “Pecuniary Gain”

In this case, the prosecutor just has to show the photos were private and that they were posted for money. There is not any need to show harassment or emotional distress. Posting your ex-s photos for money is a misdemeanor.

3. It’s  a Civil Cause of Action

In other words, you can be sued for posting the photos. The law provides the victim can sue for the greater of $10,000 or actual damages plus attorney’s fees.  The court can also order that the photos be removed.

4. The Laws That Protect Compromising Photos of You are Called “Revenge Porn” Laws

That notion was that people were posting the “porn” to seek revenge on their ex.  The photos though don’t have to be pornographic, but they do have to reveal “private parts.”

5. The Photographer Loses Any Commercial Copyright

Typically, the copyright belongs to the photographer not the subject of the photo, but under the revenge porn laws, the photographer loses any right to those photos.

6. It May Not Protect Celebrities in Colorado

Both the criminal and civil laws do not apply to newsworthy events. So, if you photographed your ex naked while publically protesting fur coats, you can sell that photo and post away.  The news worth exception seems to go farther and covers “public figures” and persons of “fame ”¦ that shape events.”  Sorry Black Chyna and Paris Hilton, you may not be covered in Colorado.

7. Cheaters Are Covered

Yeah, there’s no exception for cheating. So, if you caught your ex cheating and have photographic proof. I wouldn’t post that either. There no moral clause in this statute and all compromising photo are covered.

Contact a Denver Divorce Attorney Today

It is important to remember that these kinds of things apply to all situations and not just after you break up or get divorced. Posting photos of someone (especially compromising ones) without their express permission is illegal. If you’ve experienced “revenge porn” or anything similar, contact an experienced Denver family law attorney to help you determine the next steps you should take!

How Much Is My Engagement Ring Worth?

Selling the engagement ring can be a great way to move on from divorce, not only emotionally but also financially. It allows you to let go of the past and raise money that can be put towards financing your divorce or simply treating yourself. But where to sell it and how much is your engagement ring worth?

How engagement rings are priced

While an engagement ring buyer will also factor in for the cost of the metal and any side stones, the bulk of the value of your engagement ring is going to come from the largest stone on the ring. And the value of a years with no guarantee of sale. And the value of a diamond is dependent on 4 main factors, called the 4 C’s:

  • Carat weight: the weight of the diamond measured in carats
  • Color grade: white diamonds color grades range from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow)
  • Clarity grade: this refers to any flaws or blemishes in the diamond and ranges from IF-I3
  • Cut grade: how well cut and proportioned the stone is. This is only applicable to round diamonds.

This information is typically available on any diamond certificate (GIA, IGI EGL etc.) or paperwork (jewelers or insurance appraisal).

How much will I get for my engagement ring?

Typically you can expect to receive 20%-45% of what was paid at retail. Due to high markups at the retail level, diamonds do not increase in value over time.

However, it is important to note that smaller, local jewelers tend to have lower markups than larger retail jewelry stores. And the lower the markup, the more you will receive when it comes to selling your ring. Additionally, designer jewelry holds its value well, especially if you still have the original box and papers that it came with at the time of purpose.

Where to sell an engagement ring for the best price

While you can sell your engagement ring to a local jeweler on consignment or pawnbroker, you will likely undersell the piece. Pawnbrokers are not diamond specialists and consignment can take months or even years with no guarantee of sale.

Online diamond buyers are a great option for getting the best price and quick payment. There are however a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to selling diamonds and jewelry online:

  • Do make sure to work with an A+ BBB rated diamond buyer
  • Do work with a company that has a credible number of online reviews from previous customers
  • Do work with a company that guarantees quick payment
  • Do your research and find a company with GIA trained gemologists
  • Do not work with a company that will charge you for their service

How to sell an engagement ring

Online diamond buyer WP Diamonds specializes in buying engagement rings for cash but also offers an upgrade program should you wish to upgrade your ring to something new. Their process is discreet, quick and free of charge. The 4-step process outlined below can take as little as 48 hours:

  1. Fill out the online form with the information on your engagement ring.
  2. A representative will be in touch shortly with a price quote.
  3. Schedule an appointment or send in your ring in for a final price (free shipping and insurance is provided).
  4. Receive a final price. Accept the offer and receive the full amount via wire or check. Refuse the offer and it is returned to you insured and free of charge.

Do You Need To Discuss Your Divorce In Your Workplace?

Divorce is an already difficult situation, and when you are facing work on Monday it can seem even more daunting. What are you supposed to share with your co-workers and what should you keep to yourself? Should you share the news you are going through a divorce with your boss or human resources?
Eventually you will let human resources know about your divorce, mostly for practical reasons as you will need to update a lot of your benefits paperwork once the divorce is finalized. You may also want to share the news privately with your direct superior so that they understand what is going on when you have to take time off for things such as mediation or attorney meetings.
When it comes to speaking about it with your co-workers in general, you will want to exercise discretion. Are you a person who is very close to your co-workers? Some people will have developed close friendships with some of their co-workers independent of their professional relationship. If this is the case, feel free to share what you are comfortable sharing. However, do not feel obligated to share it with every one of your coworkers.

New School Year, New Routine

Bill Leeper and Shirley Jenkins - Home and Real Estate Divorce Specialists

It’s that time of year when school is right around the corner and your children are gearing up for the new year. This can be a particularly difficult time of year if you are going through or have been through divorce. Here are a few quick tips on how to keep everything running smoothly for your children as they adjust to their new schedules after a summer of freedom.

  • Try to tell your child’s guidance counselor and teachers what is going on. This will allow them to understand your child’s behavior if they begin to exhibit signs of mood changes and behavioral issues. No need to overshare here, just let them know what is happening.
  • Consistency is incredibly important, especially for younger children, so make sure that you stick to the custody plan in place. Communication will be key for smooth drop-offs and pick-ups so make sure you have a reliable means of communicating in a way that doesn’t cause misunderstandings.
  • Routine is healthy for children, it keeps their days structured and teaches them responsibility. Try to keep their evening routines as consistent as possible between households. Things such as bedtime, brushing their teeth, cleaning their room and regular dinners are all a part of their routine and consistency will help them feel like their days are structured and under control no matter which house they are staying at that day.

These are just a few quick tips to help you as the new school year approaches and your child’s schedule gears up to change. Don’t forget to tell your children to enjoy the last bit of summer while they can!

The Divorce Process, Part 2: Who Is Allowed To File For Divorce?

Miranda Bouchey - Attorney

Just because you are married and live in Colorado does not mean that you are automatically allowed to petition for divorce in the state. You must first make sure that you are following Colorado’s dissolution of marriage laws. To prevent your case from being dismissed, one thing you’ll have to make sure of is that you meet the residency requirements for divorcing in Colorado.

It is a common misconception that you must file for divorce in the state that you were married in. This is a myth; the majority of divorce cases are filed in the county in which the party petitioning for divorce lives. But it’s not enough to simply have an address in Colorado to file for a Colorado divorce. Here are the requirements, according to Colorado law:

  • The district court shall enter a decree of dissolution of marriage when: The court finds that one of the parties has been domiciled in this state for ninety days next preceding the commencement of the proceeding.
  • The dissolution of marriage may be filed in the county in which the petitioner or respondent resides. (Colorado Statutes – Article 10 – Sections: 14-10-106)

In more layman’s terms, for a divorce petition to be valid in the state, at least one spouse must have an established home in Colorado for at least 90 days. However, an established domicile does not necessarily mean a physical presence. The term “domicile” can be thought of more as a matter of intent than a matter of having a street number. This is because not all Colorado residents are present in Colorado at all times. If you work for the military, for example, and are stationed in San Diego but have had a Colorado address for longer than three months, often the courts will consider that sufficient intent to create domicile in Colorado. Other actions that indicate intent to create domicile include changing your mailing address to a Colorado address, maintaining voter registration in the state, registering your car in the state, etc., even if you are not currently present in the state.

Our Denver family lawyers seek to provide exceptional client experiences for clients throughout Colorado.

The Divorce Process, Part 1: Grounds For Divorce

Mark Smith

Do Colorado couples have to prove anything to get a divorce? There are two lines of thinking in the United States when it comes to divorce. All 50 states allow for “no-fault” divorce, which is divorce where neither party has to prove anything beyond that the marriage is irreparably broken.

There are 32 states that allow some form of “fault” divorce. In these divorces, one party can prove grounds for divorce such as cruelty, adultery, desertion or confinement in prison for a set number of years (it varies by state which forms of fault are accepted). For fault divorces, the goal is generally for the aggrieved party to seek a greater portion of marital property or support.

Colorado is strictly a no-fault state for divorce. This means that either spouse can petition for a divorce (also known as a dissolution of marriage) or a legal separation and only needs to show that there are irreconcilable differences between the spouses.

Because we are a no-fault state, the courts like to keep divorce cases clean, meaning they usually will not allow either spouse to present evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the other spouse. There are exceptions when the wrongdoing has the potential to affect other issues. For example, if there is any spousal or child abuse happening, the victim can present this evidence to be taken into account when the court makes decisions on parenting time (child custody).

Note that these rules only cover dissolution of marriage and legal separation, not annulments. Annulments are a separate legal process from divorce and will not be covered in this series on the divorce process in Colorado.

On Friday, we’ll discuss another issue of the divorce process ”“ who is actually allowed to file for divorce in Colorado?

Our Denver family law attorneys are willing to assist you no matter where in the divorce process you are.

Hot New Divorce Trend: Burning the Dress

The last few years have seen several social media-driven divorce trends. We’ve celebrated singlehood with divorce parties and we’ve shared divorce selfies on Twitter and Facebook. But a growing new trend may prove to be the hottest yet. Literally ”“ we’re talking about lighting wedding dresses on fire. Trash the dress ceremonies are nothing new, and we’re sure this trend isn’t the first time someone came up with the idea to burn the dress, but thanks to social media, we’re seeing it more and more.

Some claim that burning the dress is an important symbol of starting anew, like a phoenix reborn from ashes. Others say it’s an important catharsis that allows former brides to release pent up rage. Others use it as an excuse for photo shoots and marshmallow roasting. Whatever the reason, many brides are embracing the flame. The trend has even reached the music industry ”“ in Mariah Carey’s video for her new song “I Don’t,” Mariah tosses a $250,000 custom Valentino dress into a fire pit. The dress was the one she planned to wear for her wedding with James Packer, which Packer called off late last year due to Mariah’s lavish spending habits.

Should I Burn The Dress?

Lighting stuff on fire is fun, sure. But is there something more constructive that can be done with an old wedding dress?

After all, wedding dresses can be quite expensive. If you can’t stand the look of your dress hanging up in your closet, consider alternatives to total destruction. Donate your dress to someone less fortunate or have the fabric turned into something else.

Denver divorce attorneys ready and willing to assist you in matters of family law including custody disputes, division of property and pre/postnuptial agreements.

What’s Causing The Increase In Gray Divorce?

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The winter weather isn’t the only thing that’s gray in the country ”“ according to studies, divorce for people over 55 has been steadily increasing over the few decades. “Gray divorce,” as senior divorce is sometimes called, doubled among people aged 55 to 64 from 1990 to 2012. In that same time, the rate tripled for people 65 and older. What’s going on? Why are so many senior couples deciding to call it quits?

One theory says that gray divorce is on the rise because society no longer views divorce as the taboo subject it once was. It’s common to hear that 50 percent of marriages end in divorce (though the number has not been that high for a long time), so perhaps societal views have taken an “everyone’s doing it” tone that makes couples more willing to divorce.

Another possible reason: keeping it together for the kids. Some people decide to stay married until the children are out of the house, and by the time the children are out living on their own, the parents are approaching that age where gray divorce is a possibility.

Preparing For Gray Divorce

Couples who divorce young have an easier time rebuilding their finances than those who divorce as seniors. Seniors often don’t have very many working years left to recoup. Here are just a few tips to help soften the financial blow of gray divorce:

  1. Know the tax implications of your divorce settlement. Try to avoid tax penalties and look into a Qualified Domestic Relations Order to help protect your retirement funds from taxes if and when they are divided.
  2. Manage your savings. Look into your 401(k) or IRA and have realistic expectations of your budget moving forward.
  3.  If you were married for over 10 years, you are eligible for spousal benefits through the Social Security Administration. This can be especially helpful if one party in the marriage did not work as much as the other.

If you are seeking the services of a Colorado divorce attorney familiar with the nuances of senior divorce, our law firm can help.