Family Law, Divorce, Custody and Child Support Attorneys in Denver, Colorado

Divorce (No Kids) in Denver

Low Conflict

Low conflict divorce cases where the parties have no minor children are generally the most straight forward and the least costly. However, in our experience, some of these “low conflict” divorce cases can become “high conflict” later on, as a party starts to deal with the realities of Colorado law.

Sometimes one party just doesn’t want to get divorced, or maybe they don’t participate, or maybe the other party doesn’t get a lawyer.  All of these circumstances may operate to increase the costs. Occasionally, debts and assets appear that the other spouse was unaware of, as well.

If one party doesn’t want to get divorced, they may certainly slow the process down, thus making it more expensive.  They may also decide to create a conflict where one doesn’t really exist.

Parties without lawyers can be very difficult for your lawyer to deal with.  The courts require certain things be done together.  Courts also require both parties provide it with a variety of documents.  Since your case may hinge on the other spouse getting their part done, it’s often better they have the direction of a lawyer.

Also, despite the straightforward nature of these divorce cases, many of the costs are the same. For example, filing fees, service of process fees, attorney fees for mandatory appearances, paralegal time preparing the Sworn Financial Statement, are all unavoidable costs.

Retainer – $3,000

(16 votes, average: 2.81 out of 5)

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Divorce (With Kids) in Denver

Average Conflict

When families with kids get divorced, not only is the potential of conflict greater – after all, there’s nothing more important to a parent than their children – there is also an additional level of paperwork required. Lawyers must negotiate and prepare:

• Parenting Plans
• Child Support Worksheets
• Support Orders

Also, there is a certain level of hand-holding that goes into a divorce with kids. Good, well-meaning parents often simply don’t know how to handle a split up where kids are transferred back and forth and decision making is shared. We’ve seen the best parents make common mistakes believing what they’re doing is correct, only to turn out to be, well, less than optimal.

A good lawyer helps guide a parent in preparing a solid parenting plan which is age, and circumstance, appropriate. This advice is money well spent and distinguishes the experienced lawyer from the rest.

Retainer – $3,000 – $5,000

(8 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)

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Divorce (with Kids), Maintenance, in Denver

High Conflict

No matter the amount of the retainer, these cases are highly likely to exceed it. The simple fact is, the cost of these divorce cases is open-ended, with the sole limiting factor being the depth of a party’s pocket.

With no limitation on what a party can spend, there is likewise no limitation on what a party will fight over. People have filed contempt citations because the other parent sent their son to picture day with the wrong color shoes. Other spouses will fight over light bulbs (true story).

High conflict comes with a high price. There’s just no avoiding it. Whether the conflict is because the issues are complicated, the parties are complicated, or the court complicates matters, this is where the art of compromise is invaluable.

Fees and costs can act as a limiting factor on your choice of conflicts. In other words, parties pick their fights based on how much money they can spend.

Retainer – $5,000 and up

(10 votes, average: 3.70 out of 5)

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