Family Law Blog

First Divorce Recorded in America Shares Similarities with Modern Day

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on January 9, 2012

The first recorded divorce in American history was on January 5, 1643 and was granted by the Puritan court to Anne Clarke of the Massachusetts Bay Colony on the grounds that her husband, Denis Clarke, abandoned her and their two children to be with another woman, with whom he also had two children. In a signed affidavit, Denis Clark admitted to these allegations, as well as stated his refusal to return to his original wife. The court had no choice but to punish the absent and adulterous Denis Clarke and grant a divorce to Anne Clarke.

The Puritan courts were not known for looking kindly on divorce, but although the system may have been more severe then, this first recorded divorce was not unlike divorces today in terms of why it was granted, or in modern cases, filed. Infidelity and abandonment are not uncommon reasons for divorce today. Other common reasons for filing divorce in modern times include:

• Financial Issues;
• Physical, Psychological, or Emotional Abuse;
• Poor Communication;
• Child Rearing Disputes;
• Conflict Resolution Issues;
• Cultural or Religious Tension;
• Addiction;
• Personality Clashes; or
• Differences in Expectations and Goals.

The reasons why a married couple files for divorce varies; what works or doesn’t work is unique to each marriage. Unfortunately, what doesn’t work often creates irresolvable problems for which divorce is the only answer. If you are considering filing for divorce in Colorado, the experienced divorce attorneys in Denver at Kaplan Law, LLC, can help you understand your legal rights and options so that you may make an informed decision. Contact us today for a consultation at (303) 458-5500.

Colorado Legislature Considers Same-Sex Civil Union Bill

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on April 27, 2011

A bill in the Colorado Senate that would permit same-sex couples to enter into civil unions has been gaining support recently, according to an article in The Colorado Independent. The bill recently received five votes from Democrats in the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee, in addition to a vote from Republican State Senator Ellen Roberts.

Roberts, who practiced law in Colorado for two decades, has often fought for laws that affect children’s health and welfare, including laws relating to child support, child custody, and similar divorce and family law issues. She says that a civil union law would help protect Colorado’s children by giving them the same legal rights and protections that children with opposite-sex parents have in their relationships with their parents, particularly in cases of divorce, the death of parent, or when the children need medical care.

Among other things, the Colorado civil unions bill will require same-sex partners to support one another financially, to arrange for alimony or similar financial support if they separate, to work out child support arrangements, and to recognize each other’s rights to visitation with their children if the couple divorces. These rights and responsibilities will be identical to those that opposite-sex couples currently face when they divorce.

Divorce is an emotionally charged process, whether or not children are involved. Having an experienced Colorado divorce attorney on your side can help you make informed decisions that protect your rights and give you the support you need. If you live in Colorado and are considering divorce, please don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with the experienced divorce lawyers at Kaplan Law. Call 1-877-527-5260 today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Communication Styles Could Be an Early Indication of Imminent Divorce

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on January 27, 2010

A recent CBS.com article discussed an episode of The Early Show in which a well-known psychotherapist visited the program. The discussion focused on how communication styles and positive-to-negative interactions can contribute towards a divorce. More specifically, a total of five types of marriages were reportedly identified.

A “pursuer/distance marriage” carries with it a high risk of divorce. This type of marriage is characterized by problems being dismissed and not talked about. “Disengaged marriages” involve individuals who don’t need intimacy or lack mutual interests, and these marriage types are also prone to having a high risk of divorce. “Operatic marriages” are characterized by repetitive cycles of fighting and reconciling, also translating to high risk of divorce. “Cohesive individuated marriages” consist of shared responsibilities and marriage being viewed as a refuge, translating to a lower risk of divorce in the long run. Marriages labeled as “traditional” consist of genders roles being interpreted by couples as simply traditional, with instances of divorce in these cases being lowest.

The article goes on to mention that strong marriages have a positive-to-negative interaction ratio of at least 5-to-1, meaning that these couples have at least five positive experiences together for every one negative experience. As this ratio diminishes, it is speculated, the risk of divorce inevitably rises. Other factors mentioned in the news story included length of marriage, the age of marrying couples, and whether or not a child has become a part of the marriage.

Sometimes, filing for divorce in Colorado ultimately proves inevitable. In such cases, retaining the services of an experienced divorce attorney will prove to be your best option in protecting your interests and safe guarding your well-being. Regardless of your situation, the skilled Colorado divorce attorneys at Kaplan Law, LLC are prepared to assist you every step of the way. If you are thinking of filing for divorce and would like helpful information, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at 1-877-527-5260.

Source:http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/08/06/earlyshow/health/health_news/main517731.shtml