Denver Contested Divorce Lawyer

Contested divorces in Colorado follow specific legal requirements that must be met for the court to proceed with the case. Understanding these requirements is crucial for anyone contemplating or currently involved in a contested divorce. Here are key aspects to consider:

• Residency Requirements: To file for a contested divorce in Colorado, either spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least 91 days before filing the petition.
• Grounds for Divorce: Colorado is considered a no-fault divorce state, meaning that no one will need to prove fault or wrongdoing to seek a divorce. The only grounds for divorce recognized by the court are that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
• Filing the Petition: The process begins with one spouse filing a petition for divorce, officially initiating the legal proceedings. The other party must then be served with the divorce papers.
• Response and Counterclaim: Upon receiving the petition, the respondent has a specific timeframe to respond. In contested divorces, it's not uncommon for the respondent to file a counterclaim outlining their desired terms for the divorce.
• Discovery: This phase involves gathering information relevant to the divorce case, including financial documents, witness testimonies, and any other evidence that may support the claims of either party.
• Negotiation and Mediation: Before heading to court, the parties involved often attempt to negotiate a settlement or participate in mediation. This can be a crucial step in reaching an agreement without the need for a lengthy and costly trial.
• Court Proceedings: If an agreement cannot be reached through negotiation or mediation, the case proceeds to court. Each party presents their case, and the judge ultimately makes decisions on matters such as property division, child custody, and alimony.