Fort Collins Family Law Attorney

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Getting a Divorce in Colorado

Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, which means spouses can file for divorce without any concrete reason that triggered it (e.g., adultery, misconduct). The “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage, or the fact that there is no chance for the couples to get along and reconcile, is enough to petition for divorce.

The main requirement for divorce is the residency requirement. To file in Colorado, either spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least 90 days prior to filing a petition. These rules for divorce apply to all marriages, including same-sex couples. 

One of the most complex parts of a divorce case is settling the marital disputes. If you are in the process of a divorce, expect to negotiate or litigate decisions on the following:

Parenting Coordinator Decision Makers

Another family law tool that you may utilize to resolve unyielding disputes, particularly those pertaining to your children, is a parenting coordinator/decision maker (PCDM). Parenting coordination and decision making aim to resolve child-related disputes between parents. The “parenting coordinator” is a neutral third party who helps disputing parents reach an agreement on the care of their children. Some issues that may be negotiated with the assistance of a parenting coordinator are parenting time and child support.

The “decision maker” is an individual who has the authority to make legally binding decisions to resolve disputes between the parents. These decisions may address the implementation of child-related orders, such as:

  • disputed parental decisions (e.g., co-parenting plans);
  • how much parenting time each is allowed;
  • whether one parent should pay child support.

Before making final decisions, the decision maker facilitates negotiation between the parents as they sit in the discussion, so they also play the role of the parenting coordinator (hence PCDM).

When the parents cannot reach their own agreement under the supervision of the decision maker, though, the decision maker may make a final, binding decision to be filed with the court that typically lasts a minimum of 2 years. 

If you are currently dealing with a family law issue in Fort Collins, CO, reach out to Shufflebarger Law Office, P.C. for legal support. We genuinely want to help you and your family resolve your disputes as efficiently as possible. From divorce to child custody to mediation, let us handle your legal issues today.

Schedule an initial consultation online to get started.

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