Family law matters are often quite complex requiring the assistance of an experienced attorney. If you or someone you know in Steamboat Springs or the surrounding areas are involved in a family law matter or have questions regarding a family law matter, schedule a consultation with Stahly Mehrtens LLC. Our legal team is here to help ensure that you understand how the Colorado Revised Statutes impact your family law matter.
What Is Family Law?
Family law is a practice area that covers several multiple aspects impacting families. Divorce is only one aspect found in this practice area. Others include:
- Child custody, legally referred to as the allocation of parental time and responsibilities, regardless of whether the parents were married
- Emergency child custody
- Child support matters
- Grandparent visitation
- Spousal maintenance and support
- Guardianship
- Adoption
- Domestic violence and protection orders
Often, a family law matter may include more than one of the above. For example, a divorce matter may include child custody and child support. It may also include the need for a protection order. As another example, an emergency child custody matter may be filed by a parent, grandparent, or another person depending on the circumstances. It may eventually turn into a guardianship matter. Since family law matters can and often are complex, it’s essential to receive legal guidance from an attorney.
Modifying Existing Family Law Orders In Colorado
At the end of a family law matter, an order is issued. When substantive changes occur, there may be a reason to file for a modification. A family law attorney may be able to assist you with modifying orders for:
- Parenting time or responsibilities
- Child support
- Spousal maintenance or support
- Marital asset distribution
- Issues or provisions that weren’t resolved during the previous matter
- Addressing asset distribution that wasn’t equitable
- Protection orders
- Guardianship orders
- Emergency child custody orders
Colorado Divorce and Marital Assets
Divorce is one of the most common family law concerns in Steamboat Springs which leads to one of the most commonly asked questions: what about marital assets? Marital assets are not treated as community property. Colorado Revised Statutes state that first assets must be split into either separate or marital assets. The marital assets are split in a way that is considered fair and equitable. This does not mean that the split will be 50/50.
The parties do have the option to attend mediation or to work together to come to an agreement regarding the assets. If the parties are able to come to an agreement, the court will review it. If the court determines that it is fair and equitable, they will sign the settlement agreement into an order.
Contact a Steamboat Springs Family Law Attorney Today
Family law matters can be complicated. You don’t need to face them alone. The Steamboat Springs family law team of Stahly Mehrtens LLC can assist you regardless of whether you need assistance with a divorce, child custody matter, or other family law matter. Schedule your consultation now.