Colorado Family Law Orders and Agreements Attorneys
Experienced Attorneys in Colorado Springs Help Clients to Understand The Different Types of Orders and Agreements in Family Law Cases
At Brighter Day℠ Law, we understand that family law cases can be emotionally challenging and complex. Our team of experienced family law attorneys is here to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights and interests are protected. We specialize in handling family law orders and agreements in Colorado and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
Marital Dissolution Agreements
Separation Agreements, which may include a Parenting Plan, are the result of the parties’ divorce settlement discussions, communicated through their respective family lawyers, before and during a Colorado divorce. Here is a non-exhaustive list of items that may be contained in such agreements, which can be presented to court to enter as an Order:
- Real Estate: How real property will be divided between the spouses.
- Personal Property: Division of the couples’ personal property, right down to who gets which car, what collectibles, which bedroom set, and so on.
- Retirement Plans: Division of retirement investments (which may require a qualified domestic relations order, or QDRO, to implement).
- Complex Assets: Business ownership transfers, valuations, and other complex financial arrangements.
- Debt Allocation: Assignment of marital debts on credit cards, automobile loans, home mortgages, and land contracts.
- Tax Liability: How a tax will be filed, any refund will be divided and/or who will pay taxes owed on marital income after the divorce is final.
- Spousal Maintenance: Support granted by the Court when one spouse needs financial support, and the other spouse can afford to pay it.
- Insurance: Maintaining disability insurance and life insurance on the obligor-spouse so that support payments do not lapse because of injury, illness, or death of the payor. One party might insure the marital home until it is sold or pay the other spouse’s automobile insurance policy for an express period.
- Attorneys’ Fees: Although the parties have their own divorce lawyers, they can agree to delegate or the court can assign responsibility for paying attorneys fees. The payment of other professional fees can be agreed to or allocated as well, such as those required for forensic evaluations.
- Insolvency Issues: Support and asset protection provisions in the event of obligor-spouse’s bankruptcy.
- Child Custody: Decision making authority, parenting time, designation of a primary residential parent, and related child-rearing concerns as stated in the permanent parenting plan.
- Children’s Health Insurance: How health insurance will be managed so the children remain covered.
- Child Support: Child support payment terms and any supplemental funds for an educational trust or other special situation.
Modification of Orders
Life changes can require modifications to existing court orders. Our family law attorneys can help you petition the court for modifications to child custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support orders. We will work diligently to ensure that the modified orders reflect your current situation and meet the best interests of your family.
Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a legal document that outlines how assets and debts will be divided in the event of a divorce. Our family law attorneys can assist you in drafting a prenuptial agreement that is customized to your specific needs and protects your financial interests.
Protection Orders
If you or your children have been threatened, harassed, or abused by a family member or intimate partner, a protection order may be necessary. Our family law attorneys can help you obtain a protection order or defend against false allegations of domestic violence.
Contact Our Family Law Attorneys in Colorado Springs
If you need legal assistance with family law orders and agreements in Colorado, contact Brighter Day℠ Law today. Our experienced family law attorneys are ready to help you navigate the legal system and achieve a favorable outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orders and Agreements in Family Law Cases in Colorado
Yes, a family court order is legally binding and enforceable. Violating a court order can result in legal consequences such as contempt charges, for which the Court may impose sanctions, fines, and even jail time.
No, a parent cannot simply keep a child away from the other in Colorado without a court order. Both parents have equal rights to make decisions and spend time with a child unless the court finds that it is not in the best interests of the child. However, in practical terms, if one parent is keeping a child from the other then a court order will often need to be put in place to enforce these rights.
In Colorado, there is no specific age at which a child can decide which parent to live with. The court will consider the child’s best interests, including their wishes, but the final decision will be made by the judge.
If the other parent is not complying with a child arrangement order, a motion to enforce the order and/or charge the offender with contempt can be filed with the court. The court can enforce the order by imposing fines, requiring make-up parenting time, or even changing custody arrangements where warranted.
