Family Law Blog

How to File a Petition for Paternity in Colorado

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on August 4, 2010

The Colorado State Judicial Branch website is an informative site that allows users to search court records, make court payments, and download important forms for a variety of legal issues, including those centering-around family law. It is very important that these forms are properly filled out, and that all available information that is requested per form is provided in its entirety. When filling out such paperwork, it may be a good idea to retain the services of an experienced Colorado family law attorney to ensure that all information is provided as requested.

When filing a petition for paternity, there are 12 sections that need to be filled out for completion. Much of the information is relatively self-explanatory, but it is still essential that the information is accurate. Information about the Petitioner and about the Respondent are each required, as is information (name, address, birthday) pertaining to any children whom the respondent is the biological parent of. Information about previous court proceedings regarding the child or children in question, as well as any knowledge of proceedings that could affect the current proceeding’s outcome, are all required by the Colorado court system. Even the names of all non-familial parties involved need to be revealed to the court via the petition.

Court proceedings of all kinds can be complicated, especially for someone who has had little or no experience dealing with such a situation in the past. At Kaplan Law, LLC, our experienced Denver paternity attorneys will help you every step of the way throughout your Colorado child paternity case. For more information, call us today at 1-877-527-5260

When Divorce Turns Into a War of Words

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on November 11, 2009

Divorce proceedings don’t always have to be characterized by negativity. However, for the divorcing couple highlighted in a story talked about on blogs.wsj.com, this notion was disregarded altogether. According to the story, both of the divorcing parties have accused the other of being financially dependent. Consequently, the husband in this case claims that he shouldn’t have to pay his wife spousal support, while the wife argues that her husband, though he is unemployed and claims to be bankrupt, is in fact spending thousands of dollars each and every month.

The husband in this case claims that he is in fact bankrupt, and that the money he has been spending has come from handouts from friends. He further claims that the monetary amounts his wife claims he is spending are greatly exaggerated. The husband’s main argument against having to pay his wife spousal support payments centers-around the fact that the wife supposedly has $200,000 hidden away in a safety deposit box and that she has numerous assets, including fur coats and jewelry reportedly worth over a million dollars, are more than enough to sustain her.

Undoubtedly, the presiding judge in this case will carefully examine all of the facts, and make a decision based on those facts. Regardless of what is said by either party, only the facts of this case will ultimately be considered. Though both the husband and wife have made public much incriminating evidence against the other, such evidence may not even be given that much weight in a court of law, particularly if said evidence is little more than he-said, she-said type gossip. Ultimately, the best path taken by each party involved includes retaining a skilled divorce attorney who will see to it that the client’s best interests are always kept in mind and not infringed upon in a court of law.

The experienced family law attorneys at Kaplan Law, LLC represent all types of divorce cases. If you are going through a divorce, you’ll need someone on your side who will fight for your best interests at all times. The divorce attorneys in Denver at Kaplan Law, LLC understand how complicated such situations can be, and work towards making divorce proceedings not only as equitable as possible, but also as stress free for everyone involved. Please call Kaplan Law, LLC today at 1-877-527-5206 for more information about divorce, alimony payments, and your legal options.

Source:http://blogs.wsj.com/bankruptcy/2009/10/13/bankruptcy-plus-divorce-equals-major-drama/

Alicia Key’s Boyfriend in Middle of Divorce

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on August 11, 2009

The website divorcecentral.com reported in an account that Swizz Beatz a.k.a. Kaseem Dean has admitted he is madly in love with Grammy winner musician, singer Alicia Keys although he would appreciate it if his separated wife Mashonda would refrain from involving her in their divorce. Swizz Beatz has gained fame for producing countless beats for hip-hop artists. The couple had been rumored for several months to be an item but both kept things private.

On Drake’s new remix of “Best I Ever Had” he appears to be referring to Keys with the following lyrics:
“Wake up in the morning and my baby cooked me breakfast, A’s naked wearing nothing on but a necklace …Yeah, she say she wanna treat me like a king; I get big gifts so the money ain’t a damn thing.”

According to Swizz, Keys threw him a party at the Guggenheim. A laughing Swizz said, “But we’re nowhere near ready for a baby or a ring. This whole song is not about Alicia. The part about her cooking breakfast for me naked – she never done that for me.”

Mashonda filed for a divorce in February and is pursuing interim support for their 2-year old son, Kasseem Jr. Mashonda contends that Swizz has cut his payments.

A friend of Moshanda said, “He’s been tightening the screws on her. It’s becoming intolerable. Meanwhile, she’s seen the charges for jewelry he’s bought Alicia in France.” All the while Mashonda’s Westchester mansion sat with a broken heater while reportedly “Swizz wouldn’t repair her heat.”

Divorce is a common reality in our society. Every day, hard-working couples as well as famous celebrities sometimes realize that divorce is their best option.

Divorces can be very ugly and messy for anyone close to the situation, especially when a child is involved. The compassionate and experienced Colorado divorce lawyers at the Marc Kaplan Law firm have assisted individuals during these difficult times. Please call 1-877-527-5260 for a free consultation.

Mel Gibson’s Wife Wants Divorce

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on August 6, 2009

The website tmz.com reported in an article on April 13, 2009 that actor Mel Gibson’s wife, Robyn, has filed divorce papers citing “irreconcilable differences” in what some would say is an ironic twist, she signed the papers a day before Good Friday. Robyn and Mel Gibson had been married for 28 years. According to sources there was no prenuptial agreement signed back in 1980 when they were married. At that time Mel Gibson had not accumulated his fortune estimated at $900 million in 2006. California community property law states that all earnings be divided 50/50 and that includes earnings.

Robyn and Mel have seven kids, although only one, Tom, age 10, is a minor. Court papers filed in L.A. County Superior Court ask that she keep joint physical and legal custody of Tom. Robyn is also requesting spousal support and attorney fees. Robyn marked the date of separation as “to be determined”. This can turn out to be very important, due to the fact that earnings for the most part stop being community property when the couple separates. Sources say the couple has been distancing themselves from each other for some time.

Robyn is represented by Laura Wasser, who has handled divorces for Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, and Stevie Wonder.

Robyn and Mel Gibson released the following statement: “Throughout our marriage and separation we have always strived to maintain the privacy and integrity of our family and will continue to do so.”

Marriage is a sacred union, and when two people get married they plan to spend the rest of their lives together. Unfortunately the reality is that many couples realize that a divorce is the best thing for all involved.

If you are considering a divorce consider Kaplan Law, a distinguished Colorado divorce law firm representing all types of family law cases in Colorado’s Front Range, as well as throughout the state. The experienced divorce attorneys in Colorado and support staff at Kaplan Law use all their resources to knowledge to promptly resolve your divorce. Please call 1-877-527-5260 for a consultation.