Find the Best Divorce Lawyers in Denver, CO

How to choose a divorce attorney in Denver

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 3.2 Colorado residents out of 1,000 divorce each year — a rate that has been steadily decreasing. Divorce is still prominent, however, and usually requires qualified legal guidance. Family separation is a trying situation that takes substantial resources and time.

Choosing a divorce attorney to represent you is one of the most crucial choices you make during the legal process. Affordability is important, but you should also consider experience and whether the attorney has expertise in issues likely to arise in your case, including child custody or division of property.

Filing for divorce in Denver

Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, so the spouse filing for divorce does not need to prove grounds other than the marriage is irretrievably broken. If the other spouse does not agree, the court may choose to hear about the marriage situation from both parties. It’s possible the court may order counseling and have the couple return later.

Uncontested divorces, which are cases when the spouses agree on the divorce settlement, are generally straightforward. These cases do not require the court to decide any aspects of the divorce, which simplifies the process.

When the spouses cannot agree on the terms of the divorce, there are multiple options they can use to finalize the settlement.

• In collaborative divorces, both parties hire attorneys and enter a formal agreement to negotiate in good faith to resolve disputed issues out of court. If the couple cannot agree on a divorce settlement and choose to move to litigation, the legal teams remove themselves from the case and the divorcing parties must hire new attorneys.
• Mediation uses a neutral third party to help the two sides communicate. A mediator may propose compromises to disputed issues, but either party can reject the proposed solution.
• A litigated divorce is when both sides present their argument before a judge in court. The judge makes binding decisions on the final divorce settlement. Litigation is the most time-consuming and expensive option to determine a divorce settlement.

The cost of a divorce attorney in Denver

The average hourly rate for a divorce lawyer in Denver is $270, though rates vary based on the attorney’s experience. The average cost for a divorce in Denver is $14,500, with $11,400 of that coming from attorneys’ fees. Specific issues may complicate a divorce, increasing the total cost.

Average cost of divorce in Denver

Once hired, most attorneys in Denver ask for a retainer, which is an upfront payment from which the lawyer draws hourly costs and other fees.

Consulting with divorce lawyers in Denver

Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case and the services they provide. Some questions to ask during your initial consultation include:

• What is your experience dealing with issues in my divorce? If you plan on going through a collaborative divorce or mediation process, you don’t need a lawyer who specializes in litigation.
• What is your legal philosophy? Some lawyers are out to win a case no matter what, while others may want to negotiate and find mutual agreements. Ensure your lawyer employs a philosophy you agree with.
• How frequently will we meet? If you want to be hands-off and deal with the attorney and legal system infrequently, share this with the attorney and learn what they’re expecting. Since lawyers often charge by the hour, you don’t want to have different expectations.
• Will other people on your legal team assist in this case? Often attorneys have legal aides or paralegals. Others may work with a large team at their firm and have shared responsibilities.

Use your consultation to see if the attorney’s personality is the right fit for you. Compatibility can mean the difference between an amicable divorce or a highly-driven emotional battle. Be sure the lawyer understands how you wish to proceed and is focused on your needs and long-term goals, not just winning and losing.