The Benefits of Working with an Attorney for Your Divorce
Though you do not technically need a lawyer to file for divorce in Colorado, we always recommend that people secure legal representation if they plan to divorce. While some people worry about the cost associated with an attorney, forgoing legal representation can potentially cost you much more. Indeed, there are many benefits to working with an attorney during your divorce.
Some of the benefits of working with a divorce lawyer include:
- Protecting your interests during property and debt division.
- Representing you in negotiations with your spouse's attorney.
- Providing legal guidance during mediation.
- Representing you in court should your case require litigation.
- Helping you with any issues, including uncovering hidden assets and dealing with dissipation or misappropriation of marital assets.
However, if you plan to proceed without the help of a divorce lawyer, it is highly recommended that you only do this in cases where you have an uncontested divorce and do not share minor children with your spouse. An uncontested divorce is one in which you and your spouse agree on all aspects of your divorce settlement.
For information on how to file for divorce without an attorney, review these flow charts from the Colorado Judicial Branch:
At the Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C., we know how overwhelming the divorce process can be, and our goal is to help our clients through their divorces as smoothly as possible. Below we review three types of divorce that we recommend you consult with an attorney on.
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce is one in which the divorcing parties disagree on one, some, or all aspects of their divorce settlement. Commonly disputed issues include property division, spousal support, child custody, etc. In these cases, the divorce process is more complicated than that of an uncontested divorce. To resolve a contested divorce, you must attend court hearings and litigate the contested matters. Dealing with a contested divorce can take significantly longer than an uncontested one, and you should have legal representation to ensure that your best interests are protected.
High-Conflict Divorce
High-conflict divorces are closely related to contested divorces, as high-conflict divorces are generally contested as well. In these situations, couples struggle to communicate, let alone compromise or agree on their divorce settlement. These cases can be emotionally draining and sometimes are marked by vindictive or retaliatory behavior from one spouse.
These cases are also more likely to have occurrences of the following problems:
- Hidden assets
- Dissipation of marital assets
- Misappropriation of assets
- Bullying and harassment
Going through a high-conflict divorce is extremely difficult. Having an attorney to support you through the process can be invaluable. Not only are they there to look out for your best interests, but having someone in your corner can help you feel more confident when going to court.
High-Asset Divorce
A high-asset divorce is generally defined as one in which the spouses have a combined net worth of one million dollars or more. Similar to a contested divorce, these cases can often be more complicated, even if you and your spouse generally agree on your divorce settlement. Couples with a high net worth often have more complex financial situations, making property division, in particular, a challenge.
Types of property often associated with high-net-worth cases include:
- Investment and brokerage accounts
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Business holdings and partnerships
- Real estate holdings, including vacation homes and investment properties
- Artwork, antiques, and jewelry
- Other unique assets, such as wine collections, designer items, and more
In these cases, having an attorney can be incredibly helpful. Your legal team can help you access the resources you need to resolve a high-asset divorce smoothly, such as financial advisors and forensic accountants, ensuring that all matters are handled with care.
Review our blog to learn more about unique assets.
What To Do Once You've Decided to Divorce
Whether you're just considering divorce or have already started the process, it's always a good idea to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer. At the Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C., we are here to help no matter what stage of the process you are in. Contact us online to schedule a consultation today.