How You Can Prepare for Divorce
Divorce can be a complicated process with a lot of moving parts. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t panic – with ample preparation and the support of an experienced attorney, you can position yourself to effectively protect your rights and pursue positive resolutions for matters most important to you.
At The Harris Law Firm, we have over 250 years of combined experience helping clients navigate the divorce process in Colorado. From initial meetings that help you understand your situation and available options to insightful guidance on completing necessary paperwork, gathering the documents you’ll need, and negotiating fair outcomes, we offer comprehensive support every step of the way. In addition we also offer unbundled legal services through our LawYourWay℠ program.
Have questions about your divorce journey? Request an initial consultation by contacting us. The Harris Law Firm serves clients across Colorado from offices in Denver, Boulder, Englewood and Colorado Springs.
Divorce Checklist
Divorce can seem confusing when you’re just getting started. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for the journey ahead.
1.Know your rights. The more you know and understand Colorado divorce law, the better prepared you’ll be to meet deadlines, submit required documents, and advocate for the outcomes you want to achieve.
2.Consult an attorney. Working with an attorney means having a knowledgeable advocate on your side. Contrary to what many think, having legal representation doesn’t mean you need to engage in costly litigation. In fact, a skilled lawyer can help you explore options for a cost-efficient process or even provide unbundled legal services if you want to represent yourself. In either scenario, you’ll have access to a professional who knows the law.
3.Prepare your legal filings. All the documents you need for a simple, non-contested proceeding are available for free from the State Judicial Website. These documents are crafted in a user-friendly way and instructions on how and when to file them are available for purchase for a nominal fee from most district court clerks’ offices. You should file your case in the county in which you (and if applicable, your children) or your spouse resides. If you and your spouse are separated and reside in different counties, consult with an attorney to discuss if one county may be a better choice over the other to initiate your divorce proceedings.
4.Prepare your finances. Divorce is an unwinding of one financial household into two, which means there’s a lot to address when it comes to finances. Before filing for divorce, gather all information about your financial situation, including the assets, accounts, and debts that are subject to division. Learn how equitable distribution works in Colorado, and consult professionals to prepare for tax issues that may arise during and after your divorce.
5.Be proactive. Know your deadlines and try to stay ahead of the curve. First, prepare all of your mandatory financial disclosures as required under Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure 16.2. Some of these documents may need to be requested and can take time to obtain, so the sooner you start working on gathering these documents, the better. Follow the procedure for getting hearing dates and respond quickly to all reasonable inquiries and offers from the other side or the court. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the general stages of divorce so you can be prepared ahead of time.
6.Read Orders and Notices from the court. Don’t toss documents you receive from the court. Make sure you read them carefully as they’re important and contain information about requirements and deadlines in your case. This includes the Case Management Order that outlines important deadlines and rules.
7.Be prepared for hearings. Make sure you know the subject of the hearings you’ll attend and whether you will be required to submit evidence to the judge. Have all your documents ready and prepare your statements and legal arguments for the judge in advance. Preparing for a hearing can be stressful but knowing what to expect can help you feel calm and confident.
Need Help Filing for Divorce? View Our Divorce Prep Resources.
Being thoroughly prepared for the journey ahead can help you navigate this stressful situation with your sanity intact. An experienced attorney can also provide the support you need to address matters most important to you, explain key laws and procedures, and position you for a positive resolution.
If you’re still unsure of how to file for divorce, take some time to browse the resources we’ve prepared below. Our articles cover important questions about pre-divorce planning and key issues in the process, and can bring clarity to these complex proceedings.
Of course, our team at The Harris Law Firm is available to answer any questions you may have about filing for divorce in Colorado or to discuss how we can help. Contact us to request a consultation.