A GUIDE TO DIVORCE © DISCLAIMER These materials have been prepared for informational purposes only...

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A GUIDE TO DIVORCEA GUIDE TO DIVORCE©©

DISCLAIMER

These materials have been prepared for informational purposes onlyand are not legal advice. This information is not intended to create,and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Internet subscribers and online readers should not act upon thisinformation without seeking professional counsel.

Kelly|Garnsey|Hubbell + Lass LLC

CONTENTS

Introduction

Getting Started

Temporary Restraining Order

Temporary Orders

Children & Divorce

Parenting

Child Support

Property & Debts

Spousal Maintenance

Separation Agreements/ Permanent Orders

Mediation

Settlement

Contested Hearings

Your Lawyer’s Role

Things You Can Do

Forms

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INTRODUCTION

Divorce is

an Economic Process

And

An Emotional Transition

Financial Affidavit

GETTING STARTED

PetitionPetition

erRespondent

Summons

Waiver & Acceptance of Service

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Must be Colorado resident at least 90 days prior to filing

Response

– filing fee $99

– filing fee $45

Filing Fees Current as of 12/02

TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER

Automatic Injunction takes effect as soon as:

Respondent accepts service or is served Both parties restrained from

transferring

encumbering

concealingdisposing of marital property w/o consent

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TEMPORARY ORDERS

Court determines Temporary Orders

90 days must pass before decree granted

Temporary Orders govern while case pendingParties Agree on Temporary Orders

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OR

CHILDREN & DIVORCE

Parenting Seminar

Affect on Children

Adversarial?

Cooperative?

Temporary Restraining Order

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PARENTING

Decision Making Responsibility

Decision Making Responsibility

Who makes major decisions?Medical

CareEducation

Spiritual Upbringing

Continued on next page

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General Welfare

Parenting Time

PARENTING

Continued

Allocation Based on Child’s Best Interests

Parenting Time

Schedule of when the children will

reside with OR spend time with

the other parent

Specific Schedule Usually Spelled Out

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CHILD SUPPORTChild Support Guidelines

• Gross Income

• Number of Children• Amount of Time Spent With Each Parent• Support of Children & Spouses From Other Marriages

• Day Care Costs

• Extraordinary Expenses

• Maintenance

• Medical Insurance

Private School and Therapy

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PROPERTY AND DEBTSEquitable Distribution Principle

Separate Property

Owned Prior to Marriage

Received by Gift or Inheritance

Appreciation is marital

Marital Property

Acquired During the Marriage

Title Does Not Determine Divorce Division

SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE

(Alimony)

• Sufficient Property to Provide For Needs?

• Able to Support Him/Herself Through Employment?• Reasonable Expectations During Marriage?• Financial Resources?

•Time Needed to Find Employment? Continued on next page

Maintenance will be considered if theproperty division leaves a spouse unable to support him/herself

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SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE

Continued

• Standard of Living During Marriage?• Length of Marriage?

• Age, Physical & Emotional Condition?• Ability of Other Spouse to Pay?

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SEPARATION AGREEMENTS

PERMANENT ORDERSSeparation Agreement

Both Resolve All Issues In the Divorce

Parties Reach Agreement

Permanent Orders HearingParties Do Not Reach Agreement

Generally Don’t Appear in Court

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OR

Appear in Court

MEDIATION

Agreement Put in Writing & Presented to Court

Mediator Doesn’t Represent Either Party

Impartial Third Party Facilitator

Assists Parties in Negotiating an Agreement

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SETTLEMENTVast Majority of Issues Settle Outside Court

- Both Parties Have Attorneys

Settlement is Generally Preferable-

Expensive

- Educating the Judge- Litigation Exacerbates Situation

No Need for Court Appearance if:

- No Children

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CONTESTED HEARINGS

Only Unresolved Issues Go To Trial

No Jury

Both Parties Put on EvidenceTestimony of Parties or Other

WitnessesJudge Evaluates the Evidence

Issues a Ruling or Order

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YOUR LAWYER’S ROLE

• Should be Sensitive to Client’s Emotions

• Fair Advocate

• Knowledge of the Law

• Ability to Negotiate Effectively

• Finds Out What Client Wants And Why

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THINGS YOU CAN DO

• Gather Financial Information

• Prepare Financial Affidavit

• List & Attempt to Value Property

• Consider Counseling

• Take Care of Yourself

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FORMS

Purchase forms from Clerk’s OfficeDivorce With Children

Instructions & Forms

Clerks cannot fill out forms NORGive you legal advice

Colorado Judicial Branchhttp://www.courts.state.co.us

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Pro se – you have no attorney

PowerPoint Presentation

Designed by

Carol J. Ulibarri, Paralegal

303-296-9412

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