Divorce Do’s and Don’ts
Facing a divorce can be a frustrating and emotional process. When children are involved, the situation can become even more complicated. No one wants the process of divorcing to drag on for months or years, however, issues such as child custody, spousal support, and shared parenting plans require time and patience.
If you have entered the divorce process, sometimes feelings such as unresolved anger can take over. However, it’s important to maintain ethical behavior and take reasonable steps to work things out with your partner in an amicable manner. Divorce is never easy, but there are ways to make it easier.
Colorado Springs, CO Divorce Attorney
At Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC, our family law attorneys in Colorado know that obtaining a divorce can affect many areas of your life. The process can be intense, but that doesn’t mean a favorable outcome can’t be achieved. If you are contemplating a divorce, Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC can discuss the best way to approach the many upcoming changes that accompany the end of a marriage.
The sooner you contact Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC, the sooner we can resolve your family law matter. If you reside in Colorado Springs, CO, call (719) 328-1616 to schedule a confidential consultation today. Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC also represents clients in and around the surrounding counties of El Paso, Pueblo, Teller, Douglas, Denver, Elbert, Fremont, Pueblo, Lincoln, and Arapahoe County.
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The Do’s of Divorce
As stated previously, a divorce is a complicated process. Balancing emotions, children and navigating family law issues can be daunting. While no two divorces are the same, there are common pitfalls to avoid. Our attorneys at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC believe that being equipped with knowledge can help you navigate the course of a divorce.
Here are some important do’s in obtaining a divorce:
- Retain a knowledgeable family law attorney – A skilled family law attorney in Colorado can help you understand the current laws and your rights. They can also stand up for you and help you obtain a strong outcome for your case.
- Be honest – Although it may be difficult, it’s important to be upfront from the beginning of the divorce process. There are a plethora of issues that may arise between a divorcing couple and the family law attorney on your case should have complete facts regarding finances, marital issues, and child support needs. Having clear information can help them represent you more effectively.
- Have a support system – Your health and well-being are important. Surrounding yourself with friends and family can make the divorce process less dreary.
- Cooperate as much as possible with your ex-spouse – Do not see your ex-spouse as an enemy. Work together to achieve a favorable outcome for both sides without hurting each other. Compromising often results in easier and quicker results in divorce cases.
- Show respect to your ex-spouse in front of the children – It’s important to refrain from making downgrading comments about your ex-spouse in front of your children. As a parent, you should do whatever it takes to protect your kids and keep their best interests in mind.
- Pay child support/spousal on time – Not only will you avoid legal ramifications, but remember you are supporting your children financially and this is a great responsibility.
The Don’ts of Divorce
While the rules of divorce are never black and white, certain measures can be prevented to minimize the stress that surrounds divorce. Some important don’ts to take into consideration are:
- Don’t refuse counseling or therapy – This is an emotional time, not only for you but for your entire family. Counseling and therapy can be effective ways to address your emotional and mental health needs. A professional can show you how to talk to your children and remain calm in court.
- Don’t put your children in the middle – Children can also suffer emotionally during and after the divorce process. Therefore, it’s important to support them fully and refrain from using a child as a confidante with whom to share resentment or hurt. Do not force your children to pick sides.
- Don’t violate visitation rights – Visitation, like child support, is a critical matter in a child custody agreement. However, it can be difficult to allow your former spouse to spend time with your child after having sustained multiple negative experiences with them in the past. Despite past disagreements, it’s very important to comply with the visitation rights Colorado courts put in place for both parents.
- Do not hide your assets – In a divorce, one spouse often will try to conceal assets from the other spouse to prevent them from being subject to division. If you attempt to hide or devalue assets, this decision can result in serious legal consequences such as jail time and fines.
- Utilize social media – Social media should not be used as a tool to post negative things about your ex-partner. Remember that anything put on social media sites can be utilized as evidence in your case.
- Move out of state with your children – Moving out of state without your kids before your custody arrangement is modified or established isn’t advisable. The court may believe this decision does not align with the children’s best interests in mind.
Additional Resources
Colorado Family Law Forms – Click the link to view important family law forms in a .pdf format. Access the website to see forms for divorce, child support modifications, custody cases, child custody determination, and more.
Colorado Judicial Branch: Divorce – Access the Colorado Judicial Branch website to view frequently asked questions regarding the divorce process. Answers are given to questions such as “how do I restore my name?” and “how do I get a divorce if I have children with my spouse?”
Divorce Do’s and Don’ts | Colorado Springs Family Law Attorney
Attempting to understand Colorado’s statutes and court proceedings regarding divorce can be overwhelming. Thankfully, our attorneys at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC are experienced in handling many areas of family law and can guide you every step of the way. We can work hard to represent your interests and protect your rights.
Divorce has an emotional side and a legal one. If you have any further questions about the divorce process, contact Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC at (719) 328-1616 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Our main office serves the greater Colorado Springs area, but our secondary office accepts clients in the Denver area.
Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC also assists clients in areas such as El Paso County, Denver County, and Arapahoe County.