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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Will divorce impact your plans for your golden years?

Laura E. Shapiro -

Man sitting on a lake dock

Many Colorado residents facing the prospect of a divorce wonder what will happen to their retirement.

The end of your marriage will certainly trigger significant changes in most areas of your life, but that does not mean that you have to give up on your dreams for your golden years.

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Denver divorce attorneys share 3 social media secrets

Laura E. Shapiro -

Phone showing social media icons

If it sometimes seems to you like everyone is on social media, it may be because nearly everyone is.

As of 2017, 89% of U.S. internet users were on Facebook. Thirty-two percent were on Facebook's next biggest competitor, Instagram.

And from checking in at our favorite restaurants to status updates and posting pictures, people spend a lot of time on their accounts -76% of Facebook users login at least once per day.

But if you're considering or going through a divorce, now is a good time to take a step back from the screen.

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Should I hire a private judge for my divorce?

Laura E. Shapiro -

judges gavel

There's a unique trend appearing among the jet set for handling divorces quickly and with less publicity than going the traditional route:

private judges

But is this something you can take advantage of as an ordinary person without Hollywood connections?

Yes, Colorado does allow privately hired judges to hear and rule on a variety of cases, including divorce. The important question you may be asking, however, is: will it work for me?

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The protection of divorce without actually getting divorced

Laura E. Shapiro -

White padlock on blue circular background

There are many reasons why you and your spouse may not wish to move forward with a divorce at this time.

From the many tax benefits of remaining married to religious concerns, a legal separation may be the most beneficial option for you at this time.

Like other Colorado couples who make this choice, you would be wise to seek a formal separation agreement, not just a verbal agreement.

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Staying in Business Together While Getting a Divorce

Laura E. Shapiro -

A man and woman shaking hands

You married your business partner, but after years of disagreements, you are now considering divorce.

At the same time, the company you run together is making enough money to support each of you in life beyond marriage.

You don't want to give up your career or your business. How can you get past all the arguing, bitter resentment and emotional damage and still work side by side? In the right circumstances, and with agreements in writing, it can be done.

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Getting divorced? Time to brush up on financial knowledge

Laura E. Shapiro -

Woman counting coins

Whether you are in a stable marriage or are looking at a possible divorce, the fact is life can throw you a curve ball in an instant and leave you on uncertain ground.

This is especially true for the spouse who has stayed at home to care for the kids while the "bread-winner" handled all the financial matters, from weekly paycheck deposits to balancing the checkbook.

If you no longer have the in-house accountant watching the books, would you know how to care for the family funds?

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Important Guidance for Couples Navigating High-Asset Divorce

Laura E. Shapiro -

A pile of maps

While there are many different reasons that a couple might wind up getting divorced, even the most amicable of divorces can become complicated if there is high net-worth involved.

There might be multiple properties to allocate, a family business that must be divided, and investment portfolios that must be addressed.

This process becomes even more complicated if there are children involved.

As a result, couples with significant assets should keep a few legal tips in mind to ensure that they minimize the cost of the divorce process and obtain a fair divorce settlement.

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How parents of children with disabilities can handle divorce

Laura E. Shapiro -

Father with child on his shoulders

As parents, we do so much for our kids. If you are a parent of a child with a disability or special needs, you understand that often the willingness to do something for your child turns into a necessity.

Sometimes parents are willing to make a broken marriage work for the sake of their children, but if your marriage is beyond reconciliation, you may be thinking about divorce.

If you are a parent of a child with a disability and are thinking about divorce, consideration for your child's needs will be at the forefront of issues to resolve before your divorce is finalized.

Specific arrangements for long-term care, education and financial support need to be made for your child beyond the age of 18.

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Gimmick wedding dates more likely to divorce

Laura E. Shapiro -

Heart ballon floating into the sky

Did you know that marriages occurring on Valentine's Day or special number days like 12/13/14, etc. are more likely to fail than a wedding on any other random date?

Economists from the University of Melbourne published a report which indicates their study found weddings on date fads are five times more likely to crumble.

Couples who married on Valentine's Day were 11 percent more likely to divorce by the time they reached the five-year mark.

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