COLORADO DIVORCE LAWS & REGULATIONS UPDATE 2023
A DECADE OF CHANGE: AN UPDATED OVERVIEW OF COLORADO’S DIVORCE LAWS AND REGULATIONS TIMELINE (2013-2023)
In the last decade, Colorado’s divorce laws have experienced substantial revisions, reflecting the state’s dedication to modernizing the legal framework surrounding divorce while ensuring fairness, clarity, and the welfare of all parties involved. From property distribution to child custody, these changes emphasize Colorado’s commitment to addressing the needs of modern families and promoting equitable resolutions. This article presents an overview of the key updates in Colorado’s divorce laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023, presented in bullet points:
2013 – No-Fault Divorce Embrace:
– Adoption of “no-fault” divorce, allowing couples to terminate their marriage without the need for specific reasons or accusations.
2014 – Child Custody Focus on Best Interests:
– Introduction of comprehensive child custody guidelines, prioritizing the best interests of the child.
– Encouragement of shared parenting plans to foster ongoing relationships with both parents.
2015 – Property Division Equitability:
– Enhancement of rules guiding equitable division of marital property, promoting a fair distribution of assets.
– Factors like contributions, length of marriage, and individual needs are considered.
2016 – Alimony Guidelines Introduction:
– Establishment of alimony guidelines to ensure consistent and transparent spousal support awards.
– Duration of marriage, financial circumstances, and earning capacity are taken into account.
2017 – Digital Documentation Acceptance:
– Adoption of provisions allowing digital documentation and electronic signatures in divorce proceedings.
2018 – Parenting Plan Emphasis:
– Introduction of comprehensive parenting plans outlining custody, visitation, and support arrangements.
– Ensuring a structured and nurturing environment for the child’s well-being.
2019 – Streamlined Divorce Process:
– Implementation of measures to expedite the divorce process, reducing unnecessary delays and administrative hurdles.
2020 – Child Support Guidelines Refinement:
– Regular review and refinement of child support guidelines to reflect changing economic realities and ensure sufficient support.
2021 – Domestic Violence Protections Strengthening:
– Reinforcement of provisions safeguarding victims of domestic violence during divorce proceedings.
– Measures aimed at ensuring safety and preventing further harm.
2022 – Online Filing and Resources Access:
– Introduction of online divorce filing options for enhanced accessibility and convenience.
– Enhancement of online resources to assist divorcing couples through the process.
2022 – Mediation and Collaboration Promotion:
– Encouragement of divorce mediation and collaboration to reduce adversarial litigation and encourage cooperation.
2023 – Spousal Support Guidelines Review:
– Consideration of updates to spousal support guidelines to ensure fairness and adequacy in award determination.
2023 – Military Divorce Considerations:
– Introduction of measures addressing the unique challenges of military divorces, including deployment and benefits.
2023 – Complex Financial Divorces Focus:
– Exploration of specialized guidelines for high-asset or complex financial divorces, addressing intricate financial arrangements.
Colorado’s divorce laws have evolved over the past decade to reflect the state’s commitment to modernizing its legal framework while prioritizing fairness and the well-being of all parties involved. These changes underscore Colorado’s proactive approach to addressing the complexities of divorce in contemporary society. As the state continues to adapt its laws, it remains essential for stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to engage in informed discussions that uphold the principles of justice and equity, supporting families through the challenging process of divorce.
Residency and Filing Needs
When it comes to divorce in Colorado, requirements for proceeding are absolutely necessary. For starters, there are two terms to remember: ‘Petitioner’ and ‘Respondent.’ The ‘Petitioner’ is the spouse intending to file the petition; whereas the ‘Respondent’ answers the petition.
Only one requirement in Colorado exists for a petition of divorce to proceed.
• Either party must have been a resident of the state for 90 days preceding the commencement of the divorce proceeding; and the proceeding may take place in either the Petitioner’s or Respondent’s county.
Reasons for Divorce in Colorado
There are two categories of divorce in Colorado that the state considers:
• No-Fault Divorce
• Fault Divorce
However, in the state of Colorado, only one justifiable reason for divorce exists, regardless of “No-Fault” or “Fault”: and that is the stipulation that the marriage has to be “irretrievably broken.” The court determines through evidence of the complaint as to whether or not the marriage can be dissolved based on these grounds.
The Definition of “Legal Separation” Versus “Divorce”
“Legal separation” is different from “divorce,” in that both parties will separate – in other words, live apart and independently – but retain the marriage.
Typically, the reasons for this would be insurance purposes, and sometimes even tax purposes. Often legal separations go right into divorce proceedings, because typically a ‘legal separation’ already includes irreconcilable differences of some kind between a husband and wife.
The Primary Documents For a Divorce in Colorado
Ten or twenty documents may be included in the proceeding, not limiting these:
• Domestic Relations Case Information Sheet
• UCCJEA Information Sheet
• Summons for Dissolution of Marriage
• Notice to Set Non-Contested Hearing
• Marital Settlement Agreement
• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• And Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce in Colorado : Property Distribution
Divorce in Colorado typically follows what’s normally called an “equitable distribution” model of property distribution, which simply means the equal division of property between both parties, not with the requirement that each division be monetarily equal. In other words, just because one party ends up with assets that add up to maybe $20,000 worth of value and the other party only ends up with maybe $300 doesn’t mean it’s not a ‘fair’ agreement. The property itself, whatever it may be, regardless of value, is simply divided equally.
Of course, both Petitioner and Respondent may agree on distribution. If not, the decision falls on the court.
The wife may also receive her former or maiden name back upon decree of dissolution of marriage.
Divorce in Colorado : On the Subject of Spousal Support
There are several factors influencing the need for alimony, and each case can vary in terms of whether or not it’s needed.
It may include these factors:
• Necessary Time for Education and Employment of Either Party Requiring Support
• Establishment of a Standard of Living During the Marriage
• The Duration of the Marriage
• Age and Physical and Emotional Condition of the Party Requiring Support
• The Ability of Spouse Providing Support to Adequately Support the Other
Divorce in Colorado : Dealing With Child Custody
When dealing with child custody, parents need to know that there are four kinds:
• Joint Physical Custody
• Sole Physical Custody
• Joint Legal Custody
• Sole Legal Custody
“Joint Physical Custody” basically means both parents share the physical responsibilities of tending to the needs of the child(ren). This includes clothing, food, transportation. The child(ren) then carry both addresses, one from the mother, and the other from the father.
“Sole Physical Custody” is different. Only one parent retains those physical rights while the other then upholds what is called “Visitation Rights,” a schedule of time agreed on to allow the non-custodial parent parenting time typically outside of the custodial parent’s home.
“Joint Legal Custody” ‘Legal’ custody is different than ‘physical’ specifically on the fact that the aspect of parenting is more of a long-term concept. The kind of schooling, the kind of doctor, the kind of life the child(ren) will lead: that all revolves around legal custody. Both parents share it when it’s “joint” custody.
“Sole Legal Custody” is obviously when only one parent retains those rights. The other parent, however, does not.
Divorce in Colorado : How to Determine Child Support If Necessary
For the state of Colorado, the method of child support handled revolves around the Income Shares Model, and always the non-custodial parent is the one responsible for it. Income Shares basically means a combination of W2’s to determine the correct amount of child support.
However, both parents can come to a financial agreement if they choose to. But in the event that an agreement isn’t possible, the court may step in and enforce the Income Shares Model for a child support order.
