Family Law Blog

Divorce Doesn’t Mean the End of Strong Parent-Child Relationships

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on July 25, 2011

The process of divorce is usually highly emotionally charged, and sorting out important issues like spousal support, child support, custody, and visitation can put a strain even on the strongest families. Once the dust has settled, however, many parents and children find that the bonds between them are strengthened, according to Huffington Post contributors Jonathan Weiler and Anne J. Menkens.

First, parents who find themselves as “single parents” sharing custody often discover that the shared-parenting arrangement has two benefits. First, it gives each parent a periodic break from parenting, so that each can rest and also pursue “grown-up” interests. When the parent and child are together, it makes each parent the primary caregiver, which can strengthen the bonds between parent and child and allow a parent who used to play “backup” learn what it’s like to be on the front lines.

Another fringe benefit: each parent can provide the type of care and relationship they are best at, without worrying that it means their child isn’t getting enough socialization, alone time, or other needs. Because the child now has two households, the parents can work together to provide the kind of well-rounded environment in which children can thrive.

Colorado law presumes that children are best off with both natural parents, since changes in parenting arrangements take time and care if children are to adjust. When a divorce is needed, however, parents can work together to create a relationship where each parent gets valuable time with the child and the child can enjoy spending time with and learning from each parent.

At Kaplan Law, LLC, we understand the value of parent-child relationships, and we work hard to help those going through a divorce get the support and child custody arrangement they and their children need to move forward. If you are considering a divorce, please don’t hesitate to call our divorce attorneys in Denver at 1-877-527-5260 for a free and confidential consultation.

Legal Separation May Provide Alternative to Divorce in Colorado

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on May 25, 2011

Colorado is one of several U.S. states that offer couples the option of legal separation as a possible alternative to divorce or annulment. In a separation, two spouses remain legally married to one another, but live separately. This arrangement can be helpful for spouses who can no longer live together but who wish to remain married so both can benefit from a health insurance policy, retirement plan, or other assets. Unlike a divorce, a legal separation has no waiting period.

To become legally separated in Colorado, spouses must file a petition in court. Just as in a divorce, the court is responsible for setting up division of assets, maintenance payments, child support, child custody, and visitation if the parties need them. Spouses may also agree to these arrangements or sort them out in mediation. Because these issues must be resolved, a legal separation can take as long to complete as a divorce.

Also, since the parties are still legally married, neither one can remarry without first obtaining a divorce. Once the legal separation is in place, however, either spouse can ask the court to convert it to a divorce, under the same terms as the separation, after six months have passed.

A legal separation is not right for everyone, but it can be the best choice for some couples. If you are considering divorce in Colorado, the experienced Denver divorce attorneys at Kaplan Law, LLC can help you decide if divorce or legal separation best fits your needs. Call Kaplan Law, LLC today at 1-877-527-5260 for a confidential consultation.

Divorce Insurance Policies Payout Couples Who Call it Quits

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on October 7, 2010

We often seek out insurance policies to safeguard our well being in the event of a disaster. Homeowners insurance can help ensure that we have the funding necessary to repair our house should a disaster strike unexpectedly. Life insurance can help ensure that are loved ones are properly taken care of financially in the event of an untimely passing. And now, according to a Columbus Dispatch online article, one insurance company is even offering insurance to couples who decide that divorce is the best option for their happiness.

Reportedly, Safeguard Guaranty Corp. is now offering insurance policies for as little as $15.99 per month per unit of $1,250 in coverage. However, the more important question raised is what this insurance policy represents. Granted, statistics do show that nearly half of all marriages these days end in divorce, but buying a policy in anticipation of a divorce could be construed as setting the marriage up for failure from the start. While pre-nuptial agreements could be viewed in the same vein as these insurance policies, it is important to remember that pre-nuptial agreements are mutually agreed upon contracts that protect individuals in the event of a divorce, and provide no payout should the marriage end. Pre-nuptial agreements therefore do not provide financial incentive for divorce, while an insurance policy taken out to supposedly safeguard against divorce could potentially be interpreted as providing such incentive, or could even be viewed as a means to make a little bit of extra cash if two people were willing to simply pay the premium and remain married for at least four years.

Regardless of the circumstances of your divorce, you may want to retain the assistance of an experienced Colorado divorce attorney. At Kaplan Law, LLC, our skilled Denver divorce attorneys are prepared to represent you in your divorce case, always keeping your best interests in mind. If you are thinking of filing for divorce in Colorado, don’t hesitate to contact the attorneys at Kaplan Law today for more information. Please call 1-877-527-5260.

Finance Concerns Linked to Divorce Rate According to Utah State Study

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on January 7, 2010

Reportedly, finances are a hot button topic that could be directly linked to divorce rates. While it has long been suspected that financial concerns and arguments are a major point of contention amongst divorcing couples, a new study may show that there is a definite link between monetary disagreement and tendency to end a marriage. According to an article on the New York Times website, a study conducted at Utah State University found that couples who found themselves disagreeing about money at least once a week were more than 30 times likely to seek a divorce than those couples who only disagreed about finances a few times total each month.

The study examined a control group of about 2,800 couples in 1987, and then reexamined the same group five years later in 1992. Initially, the couples were asked about how often they argued with one another over issues ranging from in-laws to spending time with one another, including the topic of finances. Of all the different topics of contention, arguments over money were deemed to be the best indication of whether or not a couple would eventually divorce.

Regardless of the reasons why a couple chooses to divorce, legal proceedings can be extensive and often quite complicated. The best action for such proceedings is to retain the services of an experienced family law attorney who will examine every detail of the case to ensure that division of assets, custody arrangements, and spousal or child support payments are decided upon while keeping the best interests of the client in mind.

The skilled lawyers at Kaplan Law, LLC have represented clients in a variety of divorce cases. Our Colorado divorce attorneys will work on your behalf to attain the best possible outcome in your case, and will ensure that your rights are not infringed upon in a court of law. We understand the complex nature of divorce cases, and are sympathetic towards the stress that can ensue as a result. If you are thinking of filing for divorce and would like helpful information, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at 1-877-527-5206.

Source:http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/money-fights-predict-divorce-rates/