Denver Family Lawyer

Top-Notch Denver Family Lawyer for Divorce, Custody, and More

At Baker Law Group, we understand that family law issues can be emotionally taxing and legally complex. Whether you are facing a divorce, a custody battle, or navigating the intricacies of child support, our experienced team of Denver family lawyers is here to provide compassionate, personalized, and legally sound representation. We are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome while safeguarding your rights and the well-being of your family.

Family law in Colorado encompasses many legal matters that impact families and their relationships. The laws are designed to protect the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved, particularly in sensitive situations such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, and more. At Baker Law Group, we are well-versed in Colorado’s family laws and court procedures, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and legal accuracy.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Family Law in Denver
• Types of Cases Heard in Denver Family Courts
• How to File for Divorce in Denver
• Navigation Child Custody and Visitation
• How is Alimony Determined
• Modification of Family Law Orders
• What is Included in Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
• How to Obtain Protective Orders
• Why Choose Baker Law Group
• Contact Us

Understanding Family Law in Denver, Colorado

Family law encompasses various legal matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance (alimony), adoption, and more. These issues can significantly impact your life and the lives of your loved ones. At Baker Law Group, we take a client-centered approach to each case, tailoring our strategies to meet every client’s unique needs and goals.

Whether you’re dealing with a contentious divorce, a custody battle, or seeking to modify an existing support order, having a skilled Denver family lawyer by your side is essential to achieving a favorable outcome.

What Types of Cases are Heard in Denver Family Court

Denver has no designated family court, but most cases are heard in juvenile or district courts. Family law encompasses a variety of case types, and Baker Law Group is prepared to handle all of these and others. The most common types of family law cases are: 

• Divorce and Legal Separation 
• High Asset Divorce
• Child Custody
• Child Support 
• Spousal Maintenance/ Alimony
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
• Domestic Violence and Protective Orders
• Modification of Existing Orders
• Asset Division
• Guardianship

How to File for Divorce in Denver

Divorce can be a complex and emotional process. In Colorado, divorce is legally known as a “dissolution of marriage” and follows a no-fault system. This means that neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing—only that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

1. Meet Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Colorado, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least 91 days. If children are involved, they must have lived in Colorado for at least 182 days for the court to make custody decisions.

2. Prepare and File Divorce Forms

The process begins by completing and submitting the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (JDF 1101) and the Case Information Sheet (JDF 1000). These forms must be filed with the Denver County District Court, along with the required filing fee.

3. Serve Your Spouse

After filing, the petitioning spouse must notify the other party by serving them with divorce papers. The receiving spouse has 21 days to respond if they live in Colorado or 35 days if they live out of state. A waiver of service may be used if both parties agree.

4. Disclose Financial Information

Both spouses must exchange full financial disclosures, including details of their assets, debts, income, and expenses. These disclosures help the court determine property division, spousal maintenance, and child support.

5. Negotiate Divorce Terms

Colorado follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Spousal maintenance (alimony) may be awarded based on the length of the marriage and each spouse’s financial situation. Child custody decisions prioritize the child’s best interests, considering factors such as parental relationships and stability. Child support is determined using a formula that accounts for both parents’ incomes and the time each spends with the child.

6. Attend Court Hearings (If Necessary)

If both spouses agree on all terms, a judge may approve the divorce without a hearing after the 91-day waiting period. However, if disputes remain over assets, custody, or support, the court will schedule a hearing to resolve these issues.

7. Finalize the Divorce

Once all terms are settled, the judge will issue a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage, officially ending the marriage. This final decree outlines the division of property, custody arrangements, and any financial obligations.

Get Legal Support

At Baker Law Group, our Denver divorce lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through the divorce process, focusing on protecting your rights and achieving a resolution that serves your family’s best interests.

Child Custody and Visitation in Denver

Child custody disputes are often the most contentious aspect of family law cases. Colorado law prioritizes the child’s best interests when determining custody arrangements, known as parental responsibilities. The court will evaluate various factors to create a parenting plan that includes decision-making responsibilities and parenting time.

• Decision-Making Responsibilities: This refers to the authority to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious training.
• Parenting Time (Visitation): Parenting time refers to the schedule of when the child will be with each parent. Colorado courts encourage arrangements that allow the child to have meaningful relationships with both parents, provided it is in the child’s best interests.

Baker Law Group’s Denver family lawyers are committed to helping parents develop parenting plans that foster cooperation and are in the children’s interests. We work diligently to resolve custody disputes amicably but are prepared to advocate fiercely in court if necessary.

How is Alimony Determined in Denver, Colorado

Spousal maintenance, or alimony, is a common issue in divorce cases. The purpose of spousal maintenance is to provide financial support to a spouse who may be at a financial disadvantage following the dissolution of the marriage. Colorado courts consider several factors when awarding spousal maintenance, including:

• The financial resources of both parties
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The duration of the marriage
• The age and health of both parties
• The ability of the recipient spouse to gain employment

The team of Denver alimony lawyers at Baker Law Group strives to ensure that spousal maintenance is calculated fairly and accurately, taking into account all relevant factors. Whether you are seeking maintenance or contesting an award, our experienced attorneys will provide the representation you need.

Modification of Family Law Orders in Denver, Colorado

Circumstances can change after a family law order has been issued, necessitating a modification. Common modifications include changes to child custody, child support, or spousal maintenance. Colorado law allows for modifications when there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, relocation, or changes in the child’s needs.

Baker Law Group assists clients in filing for or contesting modifications to existing family law orders. We understand that life is dynamic, and we are here to help you navigate these changes while protecting your legal rights.

What is Included in Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements in Denver

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are valuable tools for protecting your assets and setting expectations in a marriage. A prenuptial agreement is created before marriage, while a postnuptial agreement is created after marriage. These agreements can address various issues, including:

• Division of property
• Spousal maintenance
• Debt allocation
• Inheritance rights

At Baker Law Group, we provide comprehensive legal services to help couples create clear, enforceable prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. We will protect your interests and provide peace of mind as you enter or continue your marriage.

How to Obtain Protective Orders in Denver, Colorado

Family law cases can sometimes involve issues of domestic violence. Colorado law offers protective orders (also known as restraining orders) to individuals who are victims of domestic abuse. These orders are designed to protect individuals from further harm by legally restricting the abuser’s contact with the victim.

• Emergency Protective Orders (EPO): Issued immediately to provide short-term protection.
• Temporary Protective Orders (TPO): These are granted after a formal petition and protect a full court hearing.
• Permanent Protective Orders: Issued after a court hearing, offering long-term protection

Baker Law Group is committed to helping clients obtain the protection they need through protective orders. Our Denver domestic violence attorneys also provide defense services for those who have been wrongly accused and need to contest a protective order.

Why Choose Baker Law Group for Your Family Law Needs?

At Baker Law Group, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services to individuals and families in Denver. Our team of family law attorneys understands the emotional toll that family legal issues can take, and we approach every case with empathy and professionalism. We believe in open communication, transparent legal advice, and aggressive representation when necessary.

Our firm is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. With a deep understanding of Colorado family law and years of experience representing clients in Denver, Baker Law Group is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of family law.

Contact The Top Denver Family Lawyer

If you are facing a family law issue in Denver, Baker Law Group is here to help. Our team of dedicated family lawyers understands the emotional and legal complexities of family law cases, and we are committed to providing you with the highest level of legal representation. Whether you need assistance with divorce, child custody, spousal maintenance, or any other family law matter, you can trust us to advocate for your rights and work toward a resolution in your best interest.