Valuing a Veterinary Practice for a Divorce

Laura E. Shapiro -

Veterinarian giving a dog a shot

When you established your veterinary practice, chances are you did not anticipate that your business would be on the property division list for your divorce.

Your veterinary practice is marital property (i.e., property and assets either spouse acquired during the marriage) under Colorado law, unless you started your practice before you were married or excluded it in a premarital agreement

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Can I Modify a Child Support Order in Colorado?

Laura E. Shapiro -

You can modify a child support order in Colorado if you experienced a "substantial and continuing" change in your circumstances since the order was first established or since the last modification of the order.

Keep in mind that, per Colorado law, the change must increase or decrease the child support order's dollar amount by at least 10 percent or more.

Pregnant Woman holding her belly
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How Is Spousal Support Calculated?

Laura E. Shapiro -

One plus one equals three written on chalk board

Colorado courts calculate spousal support using statutory guidelines.

Based on how long the couple has been married, the income of each spouse, and other specific factors, the Court will decide how much the higher-earning spouse may have to pay.

Under state law, the Court calculates spousal support using a formula. Under this formula, the amount of spousal support equals:

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What Is the Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce?

Laura E. Shapiro -

Question Mark on a blackboard

There is one significant difference between legal separation and divorce in Colorado: A divorce legally dissolves a marriage, but a legal separation does not.

Couples who divorce are free to remarry.

Couples who are legally separated are still married to each other, even though they are living independently and have gone their separate ways. Legally separated couples cannot marry anyone else until they have divorced.

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How Do I File for Legal Separation?

Laura E. Shapiro -

Man and Woman Facing Each Other

You can file for legal separation at the district court in the county where you and your spouse live, or where your spouse lives.

Under state law, you must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before you can file a petition for your separation.

Before you file the paperwork, you might want to...

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Why should I consider using a private judge for my divorce case?

Laura E. Shapiro -

Judge's Gavel

In getting ready to go through the divorce process, you may find yourself lost and confused. There are several ways to approach the dissolution of your marriage, but it can be difficult to know which way is best for you and your family.

For some divorcing couples in Colorado, going to court may be the only way for both sides to achieve a final settlement, but there are some drawbacks to going this route

unless you decide to hire a private judge.

Who can hire a private judge? Why would I want to? What are my other options?

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5 Important Property Division Considerations in Gray Divorce

Laura E. Shapiro -

Old man with white beard s

A "gray divorce" carries added stress for couples over 50 who must divide the property they accumulated together over the years before they go their separate ways.

If you are over 50 years old and contemplating a divorce, make sure you receive an equitable portion of the marital property, which includes all assets and income earned throughout your marriage.

At Shapiro Family Law, our property division lawyers have seen several common issues among our clients. Here are the top five important property division considerations in a gray divorce.

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Grandparents’ Rights in Colorado

Laura E. Shapiro -

According to the last Census figures, more than 35,000 Colorado grandparents are raising their grandchildren. About 40% of those grandparents have cared for their grandchildren for more than five years.

So yes, grandparents can get custody of grandchildren if certain requirements are met.

How Do I File for Child Custody?

Laura E. Shapiro -

You can file for child custody during a divorce or a legal separation. If you are a parent but not married to the child's other parent, you can still file a petition for custody.

In fact, if a child has been in your care for six months or longer, in the last six months, you are able to file whether or not you are a parent.

What Does Child Support Cover?

Laura E. Shapiro -

In Colorado, child support covers expenses related to a child's food, clothing, housing, public school education, and health insurance.

While these are basic expenses, there are more specific costs associated with each category.

For example...

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