How to Prepare for a Divorce: A Helpful Guide

Laura E. Shapiro -

Wedding cake cut in half

If you are thinking about getting a divorce, it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. During this tumultuous time, it is important to consider all your options.

Divorce is difficult for everyone involved. That is why taking the steps to prepare yourself for divorce will make the process smoother and hopefully less adversarial.

If you are wondering how to prepare for a divorce, we can help. Here are some important steps to take before getting a divorce.

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Divorce Mediation and Debt

Laura E. Shapiro -

Until debt tear us apart written on a brick wall

Colorado courts treat marital debt the same way they treat marital assets. They divide them between spouses in a way that is fair and equitable, but that might not be how you want to do it.

With divorce mediation, you do have a choice.

Divorce mediation and debt can go hand in hand so that you can keep more control over the outcome and more of your personal business stays out of the courtroom.

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The Impact of Divorce on Children & Experts to Consult

Laura E. Shapiro -

Sad boy looking at his feet

Most kids who experience the separation and divorce of their parents may struggle in the immediate aftermath, but the impact of divorce on children is generally modest unless there is a high level of parental conflict.

This also aligns with the time it takes most parents to get back on their feet and establish a workable co-parenting relationship with their former spouse, including polite, effective communication.

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What Does Equitable Distribution Mean in Colorado

Laura E. Shapiro -

People dividing marital property

Colorado is an “equitable division” state. Some states follow community property laws instead. In Colorado, there is no assumption that property is divided equally.  

Equitable distribution states do not assume all property obtained during the marriage is marital property. The result is that Colorado divides marital assets and debts in a way that is fair but not necessarily equal.

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Understanding the Divorce Mediation Process

Laura E. Shapiro -

Two people meeting with a mediator

It's no secret that divorce is one of the hardest things you and your family will ever go through. 

Even in the most amicable of circumstances, the changes within your family structure can be tough. It makes sense, then, that you'd want to make the divorce process as easy as possible.

But hashing things out in court can heighten tensions between you and your spouse.

On top of that, allowing a judge to make major decisions about finances and child custody means that no one leaves the marriage with what they want.

But what alternatives do you have?

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Do You Need a Property Appraiser for Your Divorce?

Laura E. Shapiro -

Home with white picket fence

A property appraiser can make a difference in your divorce. The marital home and any other real property may be components of the marital estate.

In many cases, the family home is the largest joint asset to deal with during a divorce. Knowing exactly how much it is worth is important.

A property appraisal can cost several hundred dollars, but it is worth it in the end to ensure fair division in negotiations, mediation, or court.

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How to Value a Restaurant for a Divorce

Laura E. Shapiro -

A fork on a green background

It can be difficult to divide a restaurant when you and your spouse are divorcing. Family-owned restaurants are often a labor of love as well as a business venture.

The first step in dividing a restaurant for a divorce is to determine its value. Below, we discuss how to value a restaurant after a divorce.

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How to Divide Motor Vehicles in a Divorce

Laura E. Shapiro -

Vintage Car Show

If you and your spouse have collected valuable cars throughout your marriage, it may be difficult to divide them in your divorce.

It is our experience that a property division lawyer can help couples with significant vehicle assets. Read on to learn more about how to divide motor vehicles in a divorce.

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Does Child Support Cover Medical Costs?

Laura E. Shapiro -

Before issuing a child support order, the judge presiding over your case will make sure that you and the other parent have your child’s current and future medical needs covered.

Your child’s medical costs are just one of many issues to consider when determining child support payments.

Private School Tuition After Divorce

Laura E. Shapiro -

Colorado statutes require parents to share the cost of education and childcare following a divorce.

However, many parents still have questions and concerns when it comes to how to pay for their children’s private school tuition after divorce.

Private School
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