Denver Divorce Law Blog

Is your prenuptial agreement as strong as you think it is?

On behalf of Krista Beauchamp of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Last modified on Wednesday, December 4, 2019.

If you have a prenuptial agreement, you may not need to deal with some of the most frustrating aspects of a divorce, provided that your agreement holds up in court. The act of creating a prenuptial agreement does not protect spouses from surprises in the divorce process, and there are plenty of unexpected obstacles that may pop up before reaching an official divorce decree.

Each prenuptial agreement is different, just as each marriage is different, and if one or both spouses find fault in the agreement, they may choose to challenge it in court. Likewise, even if both spouses agree to the terms of a prenuptial agreement, courts may not approve the agreement's terms if they are illegal or unconscionable.

There are ways that you can avoid a toxic divorce

On behalf of Krista Beauchamp of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Friday, November 22, 2019
Last modified on Friday, November 22, 2019.

The divorce process can be an extremely toxic journey. It's common to deal with multiple disputes that relate to both the reason why you decided to get divorced, and to the specific issues relating to the divorce, such as asset division and child custody. If you let these disputes affect you and decide to fight them at every point in your journey, you will likely become very stressed and unable to focus on what your priorities should be; for example maintaining your own mental health and raising your children.

However, it doesn't have to be this way. It is possible to move forward through a divorce without tolerating toxic behavior, but you should be strategic in your approach in order to achieve this. The following are some ways that you can decrease toxicity in your divorce and move forward in a positive way.

How a big-picture focus can save you money and time in divorce

On behalf of Krista Beauchamp of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Last modified on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

In some ways, a divorce is like the end of the world for the people in the family. The future you all expected and planned for suddenly dissolves in front of your very eyes, and you will all need to adjust to a new reality, which may include new relationships and new homes. Whether you filed for divorce or responded to a filing by your spouse, strong emotions are common.

You may feel like every aspect of your life has begun to unravel. You may also find yourself unhealthfully focused on finding a way to punish your ex for the end of your marriage or to win in the divorce. While the little, petty victories people often seek can offer them short-term comfort from the pains of the end of a relationship, many of the things people focus on in the early stages of divorce really don't benefit them or their overall strategy.

How can you secure visitation as an unmarried Colorado father?

On behalf of Krista Beauchamp of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Last modified on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.

Being a father is one of the most meaningful experiences, and many people assume that it comes with marriage. However, that isn't always the case. You don't have to have a good relationship with the mother of your child to care profoundly for the child.

Unfortunately, if your relationship with the mother ended on bad terms or if there was never a formal relationship, you may not feel like you have a place in your child's life. The mother of the child could even take steps to try to keep you from establishing a positive relationship with your kid.

What steps make a Colorado marital separation legal or official?

On behalf of Krista Beauchamp of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Thursday, October 31, 2019
Last modified on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

Divorce is not the only solution to a marriage where change is necessary. One option many people in Colorado who are unhappy with their marriage tend to overlook is legal separation instead of a formal divorce or dissolution of their marriage. Some people consider a legal separation a stepping stone to divorce, which it can be, but it can also be a solution in and of itself.

Couples can choose to legally separate and effectively live their lives independent of one another without completing an actual divorce. However, much like divorce, there are legal requirements and rules in place that must be met for a legal separation to comply with Colorado law. Learning a little bit more about those requirements can help you decide if a legal separation is the right choice for your marriage.

Gray divorces are on the rise while other divorce rates drop

On behalf of Krista Beauchamp of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Friday, October 25, 2019
Last modified on Friday, October 25, 2019.

The number of Americans seeking divorces has dropped in recent years. In fact, a recently published statistical analysis shows that overall divorce rates are down to their lowest point in the last four decades for most demographics in the United States. This drop could be due, in part, to lower marriage rates among the younger generations, as well as a commitment to avoid broken homes among children of divorced parents.

Whatever the cause, the decrease in divorce rates is not universal. There is one demographic in which divorce rates did not decline, and that group is American adults over the age of 55. When older adults divorce, people commonly refer to it has a gray divorce. Gray divorces are now more common than they were just a few years ago.

Do you need a divorce after a common law marriage in Colorado?

On behalf of Krista Beauchamp of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Last modified on Tuesday, October 22, 2019.

For most people, their marriage begins after an engagement and a wedding ceremony, however small it may be. Whether the couple goes to the justice of the peace or has a large church wedding, the legal consequences of that marriage are the same. There will be a combination of witnesses and official paperwork to help validate the marriage.

Not everyone has a large wedding to mark the beginning of their marriage. In fact, there are some situations in which a couple never officially or formally choses to get married but still winds up legally bound to one another. When a couple becomes married by default due to the length and nature of their cohabitation and relationship, they have a common-law marriage.

What steps must you take if you want to move after your divorce?

On behalf of Elissa Joan Roberts of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Friday, October 11, 2019
Last modified on Friday, October 11, 2019.

Your Colorado divorce can be a fresh start for you and for your kids. Sometimes, making the most of this opportunity will require drastic changes beyond the mere end of your marriage.

Many people find that they will also move to a new home or even change jobs in the immediate aftermath of their divorce. Others may feel compelled to move somewhere closer to their families to get support while they rebuild their life.

A new law in Colorado prevents children under 16 from marrying

On behalf of Krista Beauchamp of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Last modified on Wednesday, October 2, 2019.

Child marriages still happen in Colorado, despite many people believing they are against the law. Children under the age of 18 can legally marry in Colorado provided that they obtain the permission of their parents or, in certain cases, the approval of a judge. The age of the individuals, as well as their reasons for marrying, can factor into their ability to do so.

Young adults who are either 16 or 17 can get married either with the approval of both of their parents or the approval of a judge. Until recently, children under the age of 16 could also get married provided that they had both the permission of their parents and the approval of a judge.

Suicide rates among teens in Colorado have risen sharply

By Alexandra White of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC posted in Family Law on Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Last modified on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

As a parent, you want to give your child the best possible opportunities in life. Unfortunately, some of the decisions that you make out of necessity for your own health and well-being could have a damaging effect on your child's psychological health. Certain family situations can increase the risk of teen stress and depression, including parental divorce.

Researchers have found a concerning trend of higher rates of teenage suicide across the United States in general, but in Colorado specifically. Out of the entire country, the increase in suicide rate was the sharpest in Colorado between 2016 and 2019.