Same-Sex Divorce A Fresh, Modern Approach to Law

Same-Sex Divorce Attorney in Denver

A Dedicated Same-Sex Divorce Practice Backed by 17 Years of Colorado Family Law

Same-sex divorce in Colorado raises legal questions that don’t come up in every case. When did the marriage legally begin? How does Colorado treat property accumulated before marriage recognition? What happens to parental rights when a second-parent adoption was never completed? At Law Office of Alexandra White, PC, founding attorney Alex White leads a dedicated same-sex divorce practice that addresses these questions directly, from the first consultation through resolution.

Denver-area same-sex divorce filings go through Denver District Court under Colorado’s standard family law procedures. The process follows the same framework as any divorce in the state, but the underlying facts often require analysis specific to same-sex relationships.

If you’re considering divorce and want to understand your options before committing to anything, call our Denver office at (303) 647-4245 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Our Approach to Same-Sex Divorce Cases

We build a legal strategy around each client’s specific situation rather than applying a generic template. That means understanding the full timeline of your relationship, identifying every asset and obligation that could be at issue, and thinking through the long-term consequences of any agreement before it’s signed.

Divorce is disruptive enough on its own. We handle the legal details throughout your case so you can stay focused on your well-being and your family. Our goal is to minimize conflict where possible and pursue durable outcomes that can hold up after the case closes, not just ones that look good on paper at the time.

How Colorado Determines When a Same-Sex Marriage Legally Began

The legal start date of a marriage affects how courts approach property division and spousal maintenance. For same-sex couples in Colorado, that date isn’t always straightforward.

Recognition Milestones That Affect Your Start Date

Colorado has recognized same-sex marriage since October 2014, and the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges extended that recognition nationwide. Colorado also recognized civil unions beginning in May 2013 under the Civil Union Act, though civil unions are legally distinct from marriage. If you were married in another state before Colorado’s recognition, Colorado generally treats that marriage as valid from the date it was performed there.

Common-Law Marriage & Earlier Start Dates

Colorado also recognizes common-law marriage, and Colorado Supreme Court decisions have held that common-law marriage principles can apply to same-sex relationships that predated formal marriage availability. That can establish a legal marriage date earlier than either 2013 or 2014. Each of these scenarios produces a different legal starting point, and the difference can matter significantly when tracing assets and calculating maintenance.

Colorado requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for 91 days before filing, and the same 91-day period applies before a divorce can be finalized.

Property Division & Spousal Maintenance in Same-Sex Divorces

Colorado divides marital property under an equitable distribution standard, meaning courts allocate assets fairly based on each spouse’s financial circumstances and contributions, not necessarily in equal shares. Property acquired before the legal marriage date is generally treated as separate property and stays with the spouse who brought it in.

The complication for many same-sex couples is that relationships often began long before a legal marriage was possible. A home purchased together in 2009, a retirement account funded jointly for years, a business built before 2013: courts may need to examine how these assets were held, titled, and funded relative to the eventual legal marriage date. Untangling commingled assets requires detailed financial tracing.

Retirement accounts often require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), a court order that directs a retirement plan administrator to distribute a portion of one spouse’s benefits directly to the other. QDROs carry specific technical requirements and must be drafted carefully to help avoid triggering tax penalties. Colorado courts weigh spousal maintenance based on factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage, all of which can look different depending on how the marriage’s legal start date is established.

Parental Responsibilities & Legal Parentage

Colorado presumes both spouses in a same-sex marriage are legal parents of a child born during the marriage. But that presumption doesn’t cover every situation. A non-biological or non-adoptive parent who never completed a second-parent adoption may need to formally establish legal parentage before parental responsibilities can be allocated in the divorce.

Colorado uses the term “allocation of parental responsibilities” rather than custody, covering both parenting time and decision-making authority over matters like education and healthcare. Courts decide these questions based on the child’s best interests.

Denver-area courts generally require mediation for parental responsibilities disputes before scheduling a contested hearing. Working through these issues with an attorney before mediation gives you a clearer picture of what outcomes may be realistic and what positions are worth holding firm on.

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Why Choose Us

Versatile Representation Style
We're here to convey your story while protecting and fighting for your best interests.
Big Firm Experience, Boutique Firm Attention
We're here to guide you through every step of the legal process with a plan personalized to your specific needs promptly.
Cost-Effective Solutions
We have 2 LLPs (Licensed Legal Professionals) on our team who offer services at a lower cost increasing access to legal services. LLPs provide a more economical option for handling various legal matters.

Alex White: 17 Years of Colorado Family Law

Alex White has practiced Colorado family law for her entire 17-year career. She graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in the top 11 percent of her class and went on to build her family law practice as a partner at The Harris Law Firm and a shareholder at Gutterman Griffiths PC before founding Law Office of Alexandra White, PC.

Alex has held an AV Preeminent peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 2010, the highest tier in that rating system, reflecting the assessment of her peers in the legal community. Our team also includes two Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals licensed by the Colorado Supreme Court. The full team meets regularly to review active cases, so your matter receives collective attention, not just a single set of eyes.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Denver Divorce Team

If you’re a same-sex couple in the Denver area considering divorce, we offer a free initial consultation so you can describe your situation, understand the legal questions involved, and decide whether our firm is the right fit before making any commitment. We can listen to what you’re facing and outline a realistic path forward.

Call Law Office of Alexandra White, PC at (303) 647-4245 to schedule your free consultation with our Denver same-sex divorce lawyers.

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Hear From Our Clients

"If you’re looking for a law office that treats you with respect and integrity, I highly recommend"
I had an outstanding experience with the Law Office of Alexandra White. From my very first phone call, I was met with genuine professionalism and kindness. Alex took the time to truly listen to my concerns, answered all my questions with patience, and never made me feel rushed. It was clear she genuinely cared about my situation, and her honesty and transparency gave me confidence in her guidance. The customer service was exceptional—friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive. If you’re looking for a law office that treats you with respect and integrity, I highly recommend her. Thank you Alex!

- Joshua
"She truly goes above and beyond to serve her clients!"
I had the pleasure of speaking with Alex White about my upcoming child support case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her level of professionalism, expertise, and availability. From the very first consultation, Alex made me feel heard and truly valued as a prospective client. She took the time to explain every detail of my case and potential pitfalls I should be looking out for. What sets Alex apart is her deep knowledge of family law and her ability to apply it strategically for the best possible outcomes. She knows the players in the courts and has a keen insight as to who to use, and how to apply a good strategy based on who we are dealing with. I always felt like I was in capable hands, and the results certainly reflect their commitment to excellence. Whether you're a prospective client or already working with Alex, I highly recommend her for anyone in need of a dedicated, professional, and knowledgeable attorney. She truly goes above and beyond to serve her clients!

- Richard S.
"Would always be my choice"
I found Alexandria White through a neighborhood referral page and this office did not disappoint. From the very first meet (consult) she was very realistic about cost (less than I anticipated), timeframe, and the process. Advice was helpful in every choice I had to make. She was professional yet personal. There were a couple times my ex and his attorney were slow on deadlines and they took care of getting us back on track in a tactful and firm way while maintaining a positive tone with opposing counsel. The entire staff was friendly, efficient and I would make the confident choice to hire them all over again if needed.

- Marie
"Hands down, was the best expierence I have had"
The Team at the Law Office of Alexandra White, hands down, was the best expierence I have had considering the circumstances. Having used other Attorneys in the past, the professionalism was FAR greater with Alex and her Team. The amount of communication, preperation and clairity provided every step of the way reassured me that they had my case handeled. On top of all that, we won walking out with confidence and pride!

- Brooke C.
"Hands down, was the best experience"
The Team at the Law Office of Alexandra White, hands down, was the best experience I have had considering the circumstances. Having used other Attorneys in the past, the professionalism was FAR greater with Alex and her Team. The amount of communication, preparation and clarity provided every step of the way reassured me that they had my case handled. On top of all that, we won walking out with confidence and pride!

- Brooke C.
"They will go above and beyond"
I couldn’t have made it throughout the divorce without the help of Kim Moreno, Tara Adkins, and Alexandra. They take the time to listen and understand what needs the client is facing. The communication between us was prompt and helpful. If you are going through this process I highly recommend the team here. They will go above and beyond to help you with your case. Thank you all for your help.

- Desiree M.
"I recommend Alex White to anyone who needs a divorce attorney in Centennial."
Thank you to Alex and her whole team. Very much appreciate the professionalism and expertise of everyone I've had contact with at the firm. I recommend Alex White to anyone who needs a divorce attorney in Centennial. Also very much appreciate working with

- Henry Caspersen
"Best divorce and family lawyers in the Centennial area."
Alexandra White and her team are the best divorce and family lawyers in the Centennial area. Lorie who answers the phone and does client intake is very kind and understanding and great to work with. Call them first, they do free consultations and I believe they can help you.

- Dan Bryant
"I highly recommend anyone seeking a Divorce Lawyer to reach out to Alex White and her team first"
Divorce is an emotional and difficult time in anyone’s life to have to go through and it shouldn’t be done alone. The moment I walked into the office Colleen made me feel welcome and made me feel like I was part of their family. Alex and her st

- Scott Howell
"If you want someone you can trust she’s the one you need"
Alexandra White was incredible in handling my child support custody order. I was so pleased from her work and the outcome that I came back to use her once again to resolve child support modification. If you want someone you can trust she’s the one yo

- Courtney Weis

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