When it comes to going through a divorce, you may be wondering if you need a legal administrator or a divorce lawyer. Both of these professionals can help you through the process, but they have different roles. In this article, we will discuss the differences between these two professionals and when you might need each one. But first, let's start with a brief overview of the divorce process and common grounds for divorce in Colorado.
What Is A Divorce?
A divorce is a legal process that allows couples to end their marriage. To get a divorce, you must first file a petition with the court. Once the petition is filed, the court will grant a divorce if it finds that there are grounds for doing so.
What Are The Common Grounds For Divorce In Colorado?
There are two categories of grounds for divorce in Colorado: "no-fault" and "fault."
No-Fault - A no-fault divorce can be granted if either party states that the marriage is irretrievably broken. This means that there are irreconcilable differences between the spouses and that they are unable to work out their differences.
Fault - A fault divorce can be granted if one party can prove that the other party was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. The grounds for a fault divorce in Colorado include:
- Desertion - One spouse abandons the other for a continuous period of at least six months.
- Incarceration - One spouse is incarcerated for a felony conviction for at least eighteen months.
- Intolerable Cruelty - One spouse commits acts of physical or mental cruelty against the other.
- Mental Illness - One spouse is suffering from a mental illness or incapacity that makes it impossible to continue the marriage.
What Are The Residency Requirements For Filing For A Divorce In Colorado?
To file for a divorce in Colorado, one of the spouses must have been a resident of the state for at least ninety days before filing. If the couple has minor children, then one of the spouses must have been a resident of Colorado for at least six months before filing.
What Does A Legal Administrator Do?
A legal administrator is a professional who helps to manage the administrative side of a law office. This can include tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and managing client files. A legal administrator may also be responsible for preparing documents and correspondence, handling billing and payments, and maintaining the office calendar.
What Does A Divorce Lawyer Do?
A divorce lawyer is a professional who represents clients in divorce proceedings. This can include drafting and filing divorce petitions, handling discovery and evidence, and representing clients in court. A divorce lawyer may also be responsible for negotiating settlements on behalf of their clients.
How Can A Legal Administrator Help You?
If you are going through a divorce, you may need to hire a legal administrator if you want help with the administrative tasks associated with your case. This can include tasks such as preparing documents, scheduling appointments, and handling client intakes. Note that a legal administrator cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court.
How Can A Divorce Lawyer Help You?
If you are going through a divorce, you may need a divorce lawyer if you have complex financial issues to resolve. A divorce lawyer can help you negotiate a fair division of your assets and debts. They can also help you with child custody and support issues, as well as alimony. They would be able to represent you in court, if necessary, and give you advice on how to proceed with your divorce.
Divorce attorneys are experienced in handling all aspects of a divorce, from the initial filing to the final settlement. If you are going through a divorce, you should consider hiring a lawyer to help you with the process.
Choosing A Professional
When choosing a professional to help you with your divorce, it is important to choose someone with who you feel comfortable and who you feel confident can represent your best interests. As Colorado is a no-fault state, it is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of your divorce. A divorce lawyer can help you understand the process and what to expect.
Be sure to take care of yourself emotionally and physically during this time. Seek support from family and friends, if you are having difficulty dealing with the stress of the situation. If you need help deciding whether you need a legal administrator or a divorce lawyer, contact the Johnson Law Group LLC. They can help you assess your situation and decide which professional would be best suited to help you with your divorce.
What Are The Steps Of A Divorce In Denver?
If you are considering getting a divorce in Denver, it is important to be familiar with the process. The first step is to file a petition for divorce with the court. Once your spouse has been served with the petition, they will have twenty days to respond. If they do not respond, you can proceed with the divorce without their input.
The next step is to attend a preliminary hearing, which is typically held within forty-five days of the filing of the petition. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether temporary orders are necessary. These orders can address issues such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and the use of the family home.
The next step is to attend a settlement conference, which is typically held within ninety days of the filing of the petition. At the settlement conference, you and your spouse will meet with a mediator to try to reach an agreement on the terms of your divorce. If you are unable to reach an agreement, the case will proceed to trial.
Finally, the last step is to attend a final hearing, which is typically held within six months of the filing of the petition. At the final hearing, the judge will decide on the outstanding issues in your case and issue a divorce decree.
It is important to note that this is a general overview of the divorce process in Denver. You should consult with a divorce lawyer to ensure that you are taking all the necessary steps and to understand how the process works in more detail.
What To Expect From Your Initial Consultation With A Divorce Lawyer
If you are considering getting a divorce, you may be wondering what to expect from your initial consultation with a divorce lawyer. Here are some things you can expect:
- You will likely be asked to provide basic information about your marriage, such as how long you have been married and whether you have any children.
- You will be asked about your financial situation, including information on your income, assets, and debts.
- You will be asked about your reasons for wanting a divorce. You will be asked about your goals for the divorce, such as how you want to divide your assets and debts, and what you want the outcome of child custody and support to be.
- You will be asked about your expectations for the divorce process. You will be given information on the divorce process and what to expect going forward.
This is just a general overview of what to expect from your initial consultation with a divorce lawyer. Every lawyer is different, and your consultation may be different depending on the lawyer you choose to work with.
Contact A Divorce Attorney In Denver
If you are going through a divorce, the experienced family law attorneys at Johnson Law Group LLC can help. They are knowledgeable in all areas of Colorado family law and can help you understand your options.
Johnson Law Group LLC has been servicing the Denver community for over 15 years. They understand the divorce process and can help you navigate it successfully. They will also help you get the best possible outcome for your case. Contact Johnson Law Group LLC today to schedule a consultation.
