Denver Divorce Law Blog

Did your ex intentionally waste money before your divorce?

On behalf of Daniel Zarnowski of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Tuesday, June 12, 2018.

Divorce is stressful, and that can bring out the worst in some people. Otherwise kind and rational humans can start acting terribly toward someone they once loved deeply. Sometimes, that can mean dramatic fights and tense conversations. Other times, it could look like an attempt to punish the other spouse. Financial punishment is actually a very common way that people act out in a divorce.

If you believe that your spouse has intentionally given away assets, sold them for less than they were worth or incurred substantial debt to punish you, that could impact your divorce. When one spouse intentionally wastes marital assets right before or after filing for divorce, the courts may consider that dissipation and adjust the division of assets accordingly.

Plan for your finances after your marriage ends

On behalf of Daniel Zarnowski of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Tuesday, June 12, 2018.

One of the difficult aspects of going through a divorce is h to handling the financial changes that come with transitioning from joint finances to single finances. This challenge might be a bit difficult, but it doesn't have to be impossible.

There are some ways that you can plan to make things a bit easier afteryour marriage ends. These won't be a magic solution to every problem, but these tips can set you up for success in the future. Here are a few suggestion to consider:

If you're ready for more parenting time, consider a modification

On behalf of Daniel Zarnowski of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Monday, June 4, 2018.

There's a common but inaccurate belief that custody terms are set in stone and permanent when you divorce. When the courts issue an order allocating parental responsibilities, including parenting time, decision-making authority and child support, those orders are meant to help provide for the best interests of the children. It's natural to assume that those terms are final and permanent.

In reality, the conditions of your parenting plan can change at any time if you or your ex request a modification from the courts. The Colorado courts understand that life situations change, so you do have the opportunity to request a review of your parenting plan and allocated parental responsibilities at any time after the finalization of your divorce.

What remains separate property in a high asset Colorado divorce?

On behalf of Daniel Zarnowski of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Friday, June 1, 2018.

Property division is one of the great unknowns in a pending divorce. Unless you have a prenuptial agreement that the courts uphold, you with either need to agree on terms with your spouse or let the courts decide how to split up your possessions. That can leave you with little control over the outcome of your divorce.

Understanding how the courts handle asset division can help you prepare for the various potential outcomes to your divorce. Once you understand how assets get divided, you can focus on ensuring that your personal property remains separate and protected during the divorce.

How Colorado enforces child custody and support orders

On behalf of Daniel Zarnowski of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.

For many people, the finalization of a divorce decree is a sign that they can start rebuilding their lives. Once the court has determined how to divide your assets and allocate parental responsibilities, you may hope to simply leave your marriage behind you. However, just because a court issues an order in your Colorado divorce doesn't inherently mean that your spouse will comply.

Some people simply refuse to uphold the terms of their divorce. In some cases, that could mean refusing to pay child support. That can leave the parent with primary custody in a financially difficult position. Other times, it could mean flouting the times and rules in a parenting plan, creating a chaotic exchange of custody and leaving the other parent unable to depend on shared custody.

Taking the lead and being aggressive in divorce

On behalf of Daniel Zarnowski of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Monday, May 14, 2018.

Collaborating during divorce is something many people suggest you should do, but the reality is that not every person is served best by collaborating during a divorce.

When you collaborate, you end up giving up something to negotiate. When you feel wronged by your spouse or don't want to give up what you've earned, it's time to fight, not give in to your spouse's requests.

How to legally establish paternity in Colorado

On behalf of Daniel Zarnowski of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC on Monday, May 7, 2018.

Becoming a parent is a thrilling, if demanding, experience. The love of a child is invaluable, while the desire to provide for your kids could help you become a better person. Being a parent requires devoting your time, mental and physical energy, and financial resources toward the care of another human. It can be incredibly rewarding. It can also be quite difficult if you are not married to the mother of your child.

If you want to play a role in the life of your child, the first thing you need to do is establish paternity. That means proving to the courts that you are the father of the child. Once you establish yourself as the parent, you will have parental rights to visitation, as well as a legal responsibility to provide for your child via child support.

Successful co-parenting possible with the right approach

On behalf of Daniel Zarnowski of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC posted in blog on Tuesday, April 24, 2018.

Are you going through the divorce process? Do you have concerns about your future relationship with your child(ren)? Are you concerned that co-parenting is going to be a challenge you're not ready to take on?

Co-parenting is possible, but only if you take the right approach. In other words, you shouldn't assume this is going to be easy, or that everything will always work out as expected, even if you have a parenting agreement in place.

What can you do when you're not getting enough child support?

On behalf of Daniel Zarnowski of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC posted in blog on Friday, April 13, 2018.

The purpose of child support is to ensure that the basic needs of children are met. Both parents have an obligation to provide support to their children under Colorado law. Some parents provide this support by feeding, sheltering and providing direct care to the children while living with them. Other parents may provide support financially to ensure the payment of bills related to basic life expenses and educational, or health needs.

Colorado does its best to ensure that the amount of child support ordered is fair for everyone involved, especially the child. There is a formula that typically determines the appropriate amount of support. It looks at the number of children, the income of the parents and expenses related to daycare and health insurance.

Know when to seek compromise and when to stand firm in divorce

On behalf of Daniel Zarnowski of Law Office of Alexandra White, PC posted in blog on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

When you're facing a contentious divorce, it's only natural to develop strong emotions about your former spouse and the dissolution of your marriage. You may find yourself wanting to "win" in your divorce by securing certain assets or terms. While this is a common attitude during divorce, it isn't always the most beneficial, especially if you share children with your ex.

As with many difficult processes in life, divorce can challenge your sense of identity and security. With proper support and careful consideration, however, it can become the beginning of something better. Making the right decisions in your divorce isn't always easy, but it is possible with the right kinds of help.