Divorce Attorney in Fountain
Compassionate Representation For Your Colorado Divorce
Divorce changes almost every part of life. If you live in or around Fountain and are facing the end of a marriage, you may be worried about your children, your home, and how you will manage financially when the process is over. You might be trying to make decisions while juggling work, parenting, and in some cases military duties, all while feeling exhausted.
At Aviso Law, we help people in the Fountain area move through Colorado divorce with clear information, practical guidance, and steady support. Our team understands that you are not just dealing with legal forms. You are making choices that affect your future and your family’s daily life.
We bring significant experience to this work. Our attorneys have handled more than a thousand cases, our success rate is over 90 percent, and we draw on a combined 50 plus years in practice. From our Colorado Springs office, we regularly represent clients whose divorce cases are heard at the El Paso County District Court in Colorado Springs, including many who live in Fountain.
The outcome of your divorce will impact your finances and family life for years to come. Reach out to a Fountain divorce lawyer who knows how to fight for what you deserve. Call us today at (719) 356-5552 or reach out online to take advantage of our free consultation and start building your strategy.
Understanding Divorce Laws in Colorado
Colorado operates as a "no-fault" state under C.R.S. § 14-10-106. This means that to obtain a decree, neither party needs to prove misconduct or wrongdoing. Instead, the court only requires a finding that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." While this simplifies the grounds for filing, it does not lessen the complexity of the issues that follow, such as property division and the allocation of parental responsibilities.
As your Fountain divorce lawyer, we help you navigate the essential legal requirements:
- Residency Requirements: At least one spouse must have been a legal resident of Colorado for 91 days before filing the petition.
- The 91-Day Waiting Period: Even in the most amicable circumstances, Colorado law mandates a minimum waiting period of 91 days from the date of service or joint filing before a judge can sign the final decree.
- Jurisdiction Over Children: If you have minor children, they must typically have resided in Colorado for at least 182 days (6 months) for the court to have the authority to make custody and parenting time decisions.
Key Issues We Help You Resolve In Divorce
A divorce is essentially the legal unwinding of a domestic partnership. To finalize the dissolution, the court must issue orders on several critical matters. Our proven track record ensures that we approach each element with the scrutiny it deserves:
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR)
In Colorado, "custody" is divided into parenting time (physical schedule) and decision-making authority (legal rights). The court’s primary focus is the "best interests of the child." We work to develop parenting plans that provide stability for your children while protecting your relationship with them.
Equitable Distribution of Marital Property
Colorado is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided fairly—though not always 50/50. Our firm’s elite military and trial experience is particularly valuable when valuing complex assets, such as business interests, real estate, and military benefits.
Spousal Maintenance and Child Support
Maintenance (alimony) is intended to provide support for a spouse who may be at a financial disadvantage following the split. Child support is calculated using a specific state formula that considers both parents' gross incomes and the number of overnights each parent has with the children.
Military Divorce: Specialized Advocacy for Fountain Families
Fountain is home to a significant number of service members and their families. A military divorce involves a layer of federal law that standard civilian attorneys may not fully grasp. At Aviso Law LLC, our elite military and trial experience sets us apart. We understand the nuances of the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Key military-specific issues we handle include:
- Pension Division: Calculating the divisible portion of a military pension according to the "frozen benefit" rules.
- TRICARE and Base Privileges: Advising on the 20-20-20 and 20-20-15 rules that determine if a former spouse retains healthcare and commissary access.
- Deployment and Parenting Time: Crafting flexible parenting plans that account for training cycles, TDYs, and PCS moves.
- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): Ensuring that future interests are legally preserved in the final court orders.
The Legal Process for Divorce in Fountain
Navigating the court system in El Paso County follows a specific procedural path. We ensure you are prepared for every milestone.
- Initial Filing: We file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and ensure proper service on the other party, or coordinate a joint filing for a more collaborative start.
- Initial Status Conference (ISC): This usually occurs within 42 days of filing. It is an administrative meeting with the court to identify contested issues and set a schedule for the case.
- Financial Disclosures: Both parties must exchange Sworn Financial Statements and supporting documents (like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements). We meticulously review these to ensure full transparency.
- Mediation: Colorado courts typically require mediation before a final hearing. This is a private session where a neutral third party helps both sides reach an agreement.
- Permanent Orders Hearing: If mediation does not resolve all issues, your case proceeds to trial. This is where a Fountain divorce lawyer presents evidence and testimony to the judge, who will then make a final ruling on all outstanding matters.
Why Families Choose Our Divorce Lawyers Near Fountain
When you search for a divorce lawyer Fountain, you are not just looking for someone who knows the family law. You want a team that understands what is at stake for you and knows how to navigate both negotiations and the courtroom. We have structured our firm to meet those needs for local families.
Our firm is led by a former prosecutor. That background gives our team a strong sense of how judges evaluate evidence, how hearings tend to unfold, and what preparation is needed when settlement talks break down. For clients, this means we are comfortable taking a case into a courtroom when that becomes necessary, and we work carefully to build a file that can stand up to scrutiny.
Several of our attorneys have military service records. For many people living in Fountain, military life is part of everyday reality. We are familiar with deployments, changing duty stations, and the nuances of military pay and benefits. That understanding helps us address questions about parenting plans around duty schedules, the treatment of military retirement, and the impact of allowances on support calculations.
Clients also come to us because of how we work with them. We draw on more than 50 years of combined experience, and since opening our doors in 2015 we have handled over 1000 cases with a success rate that is over 90 percent. We pair that experience with an approach that blends empathy in our meetings with assertiveness when we negotiate or appear in court. Our goal is to provide realistic guidance, not empty promises, and to tailor strategies to each family’s circumstances.
What To Do If You Are Considering Divorce In The Fountain Area
If you are considering divorce in the Fountain area, it is normal to feel uncertain about when and how to act. While every situation is different, taking a few practical steps early can help you feel more prepared and in control, whether you decide to file for divorce or are responding to papers from your spouse.
Steps to consider include:
- Gather key financial information, such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, mortgage or lease documents, and retirement or investment account statements. Take note of what property is held individually or jointly.
- Think through your priorities, including parenting time arrangements, children’s schedules, work or military obligations, and your short-term and long-term financial needs.
- Avoid signing agreements or making major financial decisions without legal advice, as informal arrangements can create unintended problems later.
- Schedule a free initial phone consultation to discuss your situation, learn how the divorce process typically works in the Fountain area, and get answers to your immediate questions.
Talk With Our Team About Your Divorce Options
You do not have to navigate divorce alone or make important decisions without clear information. Whether you are just starting to think about ending your marriage or have already been served with papers in Fountain, our team at Aviso Law can help you understand your rights and your options.
To talk with our attorneys about your divorce and the path forward, call (719) 356-5552 or reach out online today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Why Choose Aviso Law?
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Clients First
Every attorney will tell you they put their clients first. That is true for Aviso Law but it’s how we go about it that sets up apart. We understand the difference between being prepared and aggressive in courtrooms, while being understanding and pragmatic in client meetings. We believe in being realistic as well as easy to work with through all the phases of your case, both in and out of court; this saves you money and time while still receiving the service you deserve with the goal of achieving desired results.
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Proven Success
To us, success isn’t measured by the years we’ve spent behind a desk but by the careers we’ve built, the contacts we’ve made, and the thousands of clients we’ve served to protect jobs, families, education, and reputations. We developed our careers in Colorado’s military and civil courts, successfully defending clients from all walks of life. We come highly rated by our clients and have received professional recognition for our work.
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Breaking the Mold
We’re not your typical law firm. We don’t wear fancy suits (unless we have to in court) and we don’t hide behind big imposing desks. Reflective on our military roots, we strive to serve. We understand the legal process can be threatening and worrisome, which is why we work with our clients to get results. We aim to be respectful, diligent, and cost-effective while practicing the highest standards of legal representation.