Denver Family Lawyer
Divorce & Family Law
The attorneys at Jones Law Firm, PC are well-versed in all areas of family law. We are committed to serving our Denver clients with excellent representation. We understand the stresses of any litigation concerning family matters and we go the extra mile to help make the way as smooth as possible. Our clients want the best for their family and themselves, and a lawyer at our firm will work to get the best outcome we can. The Denver family law attorney at our firm looks at each unique case at hand and evaluate it to develop an individualized strategy. We listen to our clients and do not prescribe any cookie-cutter solutions.
Areas of Practice:
Divorce
Divorce proceedings can be a complicated and highly emotional process. Negotiations must be made about child custody, the division of assets, and alimony, and without qualified legal guidance, it might become overwhelming.
Divorce Process
Divorce is often one of the most challenging experiences that a person will ever face, but you can improve your chances of success by taking the time now to learn about the basics of the process. Find out what to expect and understand your options for pursuing a faster, smoother and less stressful divorce.
Alimony
Depending on several factors, alimony—also referred to as "spousal maintenance"—may be awarded after a divorce. The length of the marriage, the financial resources of both parties, and the standard of living during the marriage, are just some of the considerations.
Child Custody
When deciding on the matters of child custody, the court will allocate custody and visitation rights depending on the best interests of the child/children. There are several ways in which custody can be divided or awarded, however.
Child Support
The amount of child support that must be paid is decided upon the circumstances of the marriage and the expenses of the child/children. The gross incomes of both parents will be factored into the decision as well as the number of children that were born during the marriage.
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is a way for two parties to handle their divorce negotiations outside of court—with the help of respective legal representation. It is a more efficient process that gives both spouses more control over the settlements that are being made, as long as both people are willing to compromise.
Colorado Civil Unions
With the signing of the Colorado Civil Union Act, it is now possible for same-sex couples to gain legal recognition of their partnerships and to enjoy most of the same rights and responsibilities associated with marriage. It is also possible to file for a formal dissolution of the union, which gives you the right to claim rights of shared property and child custody, among other things.
Common Law Marriage
Common law marriage holds the same essential guidelines as a traditional form of marriage would, as a couple must openly consider themselves spouses. Common law marriage allows a couple to file joint tax returns, to share a household, etc. This means that they are subject to the same divorce proceedings, as well.
Contempt of Court
The finalized negotiations of a divorce proceeding are enforceable by law—child support, child custody, alimony, etc. This means that if a former spouse fails to uphold their part of the agreement, that they can be held in contempt of court.
Contested Divorce
When both parties are unable to agree on one or terms of the divorce, then you must file for a contested divorce with the court. When the spouses are unable to agree on all of the conditions of the agreement, the matter is taken to trial where a judge is permitted to make the final ruling.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse may refer to any emotional, psychological, or physical abuse that is inflicted on another member of a household. Instances of domestic abuse can be considered in divorce proceedings when deciding matters like child custody.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
State law makes it possible for an individual to petition the court for a civil protective order against a spouse or other partner who has engaged in domestic violence. An attorney from our firm can help you apply for such an order, or may be able to help you dispute a restraining order which has been issued against you.
FAQ
Having to go through the long and complicated process of a divorce is enough to leave someone confused. This is why the assistance of an experienced attorney can play an elemental role in the outcome.
Fathers' Rights
Up until the 1970's, joint-custody did not exist. Now, however, fathers may still find themselves fighting for their rights as a parent to obtain custody or equal visitation rights. Gender can no longer be recognized as a way of deciding child custody.
Flat Fee Divorce
It is no secret that the process of a divorce can be both emotionally and financially draining. This is why our firm offers a flat fee divorce rate to anyone who qualifies. It allows our clients to manage a pre-arranged financial agreement so that they are not consequently faced with unexpected legal fees.
Grandparents' Rights
Grandparents have the right to petition for custody of their grandchildren in special circumstances. If they have been providing physical care for the child for at least 6 months of more or if the child's parent has deceased, they may be able to gain custody.
Legal Separation
Legal separation is usually the first step in the divorce process—meaning that a couple can choose to first legally separate before deciding whether or not they want to proceed with a divorce. As this separation is recognized under the law, the court will issue certain orders for the couple to follow—child custody, division of assets, etc.
Mediation
Mediation is a way for a couple to settle any negotiations in a faster, more effective way. It allows for the spouses to meet under the supervision of a mediator, who would help them to resolve the matters of their divorce.
Military Divorce
Military divorce is often more complicated in that it is subject to both the state and federal laws that apply to a couple. This means that matters of military benefits must be divided between the spouses, as well the standard division of assets.
Modifications of Court Orders
Modifying a court order would require petitioning the existing divorce order or separation agreement. This may be done if someone wishes to change the pre-existing child custody or visitation schedule, for example.
Parental Alienation
Parental alienation develops when a former spouse uses their relationship with a child to manipulate the way they see the other parent. This is often done in order to gain favorable divorce settlements, or if the couple has not left on amicable terms, it may be done out of anger or spite.
Paternity Cases
Paternity can be questioned in the instance that a father is being asked for child support but is unsure of whether or not they are actually the biological father. It can also be questioned if a parent wishes to establish the legal rights of the father.
Property Division - Marital Property
Marital property is any property that has been acquired during the marriage or before a divorce or legal separation was established. This means that any marital property is subject to division during divorce proceedings, regardless of whose name it is under.
Relocation
After a divorce, child custody arrangements often prevent either parent from relocating further than a certain distance. In the case that one wishes to relocate, however, the custody arrangement must be modified.
Restraining Orders
Restraining orders are often a necessary precaution to take in the instance of domestic abuse or domestic violence. This is a court order that sets up certain boundaries between two people so that further abuse or harm cannot be inflicted.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce is one that is handled outside of court. This means that negotiations are made by the couple without the intervention of the court, and although the ability for most couples to compromise on all divorce matters is often rare, if it can be done, it is a much more efficient way to handle the divorce.
Visitation
When child custody is being decided, the court will set up visitation rights with the best interest of the child in mind. It will be decided whether or not joint custody or sole custody will be awarded, and consequently what type of visitation schedule would be allotted.
For assertive legal advocacy with your famly matter, contact a Denver family lawyer today for your initial case evaluation!