What to Expect During Divorce Proceedings
April 27, 2018
Choosing to file for divorce can be unnerving and complicated. An experienced divorce lawyer can assist you in navigating the process, giving you time and energy to focus on your family.
At Kinnaird & Kinnaird, our Colorado divorce lawyer team has years of experience in divorce law – and a track record of success. We are prepared to collect essential information, build your case, and meet deadlines. More important, we’ll keep your best interests at heart.
While all divorce proceedings differ, there are some major steps that remain the same, including:
Step 1:
Divorce Petition
The first step in any divorce process is filing a petition. In most cases, one spouse files the petition and delivers a copy to the other spouse. However, even when the decision is mutual, one of them will have to choose to file a petition with the court.
Step 2:
Temporary Orders
Once the petition has been filed, temporary orders will be given regarding financial support and custody. For example, if you and your spouse have separated, you may need financial support to pay the mortgage or place your children in daycare.
The process of granting a temporary order generally takes a few days and will remain in place until a final decision is rendered at a full court hearing. You will need to file a request for a temporary order as soon as possible, usually with the assistance of an experienced divorce lawyer.
Step 3:
Response
Next, the spouse who receives notice of the divorce petition will have an opportunity to respond – either to dispute the grounds under which the divorce is sought or to express disagreement with property division or custody.
Step 4:
Discovery
This process is quite complex and has a series of steps. First, attorneys for both parties will request items from the other party. Next, a list of questions will be sent to the opposing side. Then, a written list of facts will be sent. The other party must admit or deny each listed fact. Finally, attorneys may request bank statements, statements of income, or other documentation that may benefit their client.
Step 5:
Negotiation
If the parties fail to agree on issues such as property division, spousal support, and custody, they may try to negotiate their differences through attorneys or personal contact. The court may decide to schedule conferences in which both parties will attempt to move toward a resolution of the disputed issues.
Step 6:
Trial
If no negotiation is reached, a trial is scheduled. Going to trial, however, is more expensive for both parties and offers less predictable results. For this reason, working with an experienced lawyer during the negotiation process is essential to a swift resolution.
Contact an Experienced Colorado Divorce Lawyer for Representation
If you’ve chosen to file for divorce, contact an experienced Colorado divorce lawyer at Kinnaird Law. Our team has years of background in divorce law – and is prepared to focus on building your case while you focus on your health and emotional well-being. Call to learn more.