Arapahoe Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Arapahoe Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

Deciding to end a marriage is a big decision. There may be children and property involved, making things a little more complicated. Some couples choose not to have a long, drawn-out divorce and want to move on with their lives quickly. For those couples, a collaborative divorce can be a way to come to an agreement without conflict. If this sounds like a good option for you, you need an Arapahoe collaborative divorce attorney who can guide you.

Choose Kinnett & Cordes

Kinnett & Cordes is skilled in family law matters, including collaborative divorce. We have over 15 years of experience, which allows us to help you navigate this emotional time. Using a comprehensive approach, we can handle your case from beginning to end.

When it comes to any divorce, you need someone working on your behalf, with your interests as a priority. We can provide legal advice and offer support throughout the divorce process.

Divorce in Arapahoe County, Colorado

According to the U.S Census, Colorado was ranked 13th nationwide for divorces in 2022, with a divorce rate of 8.5. In 2024, 3,747 divorces were filed in the 18th Judicial District, which includes Arapahoe County.

For married couples to get a divorce in Colorado, there are certain requirements, including residency requirements for the couple and their children. There is also a required waiting period before the divorce can be finalized.

What Is a Collaborative Divorce?

In a collaborative divorce, both parties hire lawyers to discuss each element of the divorce to avoid litigation in court. You and your spouse, along with your attorneys, must sign a participation agreement to commit to the process and agree not to go to court. The agreement details the expectations for the process and specific rules that must be adhered to.

The following matters can be addressed during a collaborative divorce:

• Division of property, assets, and debts that were acquired during the marriage
• Spousal support
• Child support
• Child custody and visitation

Some of the terms of your divorce may already be included in a marital agreement, which is signed before or during your marriage. An attorney can review a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement and determine how it can impact your collaborative divorce.

Once all elements of the divorce are agreed upon, a settlement agreement is drafted and signed by each party. This agreement is legally binding and must be approved by a judge before a final divorce decree can be issued.

Collaborative divorce laws in Colorado are highlighted in the Uniform Collaborative Law Act of 2010. This act allows couples to work together to come to an agreement about the terms of their divorce.

Even though you can negotiate and file for divorce on your own, it’s in your interests to hire a collaborative divorce attorney who knows how to effectively and efficiently mediate divorce discussions. Engaging in negotiations alone or incorrectly filing paperwork can be a costly mistake.

The divorce process in Colorado can be confusing and involves several steps. You may end up with a less-than-favorable outcome if you don’t have legal counsel to guide you through a collaborative divorce.

Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce in Arapahoe County

There are many benefits of a collaborative divorce, especially if both parties can agree and have a line of open communication. Benefits include the following:

• Less time. With collaborative divorce, there is less time spent in court fighting about every aspect of the divorce. It takes as long as the couple needs to negotiate an agreement. The meetings to openly discuss the divorce can last a few hours. Since each side comes together to share and compromise, the process is shorter than going to court.
• Less expensive. Collaborative divorce is more cost-effective because attorneys spend less time litigating the case. If litigation is involved, hours can be spent in the Arapahoe County Courthouse in Littleton trying to come to a fair agreement. Going to trial costs more than scheduling a few meetings to discuss the elements of the divorce and agree on terms.
• A better co-parenting relationship. Because both parents are approaching a collaborative divorce with open communication, the discussions about minor children can be more effective. Each parent wants the most appropriate arrangement for their children, which translates over the long term. Approaching the child-related issues with collaboration in mind lasts long after the divorce is finalized.
• Collaborative divorces are private in Colorado. In cases seen before a judge, which happens when there’s divorce litigation, every detail becomes public record. If you have a collaborative divorce, it stays between you, your spouse, and the attorneys involved.
• Less stress. In a collaborative divorce, each party can feel heard and in control during the process. There aren’t any arguments in open court or slander from either side. You and your spouse come together to work through each area of your divorce so that your family can move forward.

Is a Collaborative Divorce Right for You?

Although there are several benefits to a collaborative divorce, it may not be the right option for everyone. Your relationship and the aspects of your divorce may be more complex and need more than negotiations and mediation.

There’s the possibility that communication between spouses has broken down and can’t be mended. Maybe one spouse wants the divorce while the other doesn’t.

You may not want to spend time in discussion with your spouse due to other factors, like abuse or infidelity. These past behaviors can affect how you feel about them and the divorce, causing additional challenges. If this is the case, consult with a skilled attorney at our firm who can guide you on the most appropriate path for your divorce.

Hire a Collaborative Divorce Attorney in Arapahoe County

Our team at Kinnett & Cordes has the experience and knowledge to assist you through the emotional rollercoaster of divorce. We cultivate communication between all parties involved, making sure the process is fair with an acceptable outcome.

Our goal is to provide a smooth transition for your family. Changes in relationships can be difficult, but having someone on your side can make all the difference. Reach out to our team today for a consultation to discuss your collaborative divorce.