What we promise is genuine, individualized, and attentioned compassion.
At Bill Combs Law, LLC, Bill sought to redefine what “lawyering” meant upon his return to practice in 2009. Having returned to school in 2003 to obtain his Master of Landscape Architecture Degree and worked on various national projects, the collapse of our economy in 2008 led Bill back to what he does best. He’s developed a system of deliverables, within architecturally informed matrixes, of desired outcomes that resonate, and endure as you embrace the opportunities placed before you. He will put a suit on when you go to court.
Colorado is a “no-fault” divorce/Dissolution Of Marriage State, and all determinations are made “without regard to fault.” You must have been a resident for at least ninety days preceding the filing of a Petition For Dissolution of Marriage, and at least ninety days must have elapsed following the filing, until the Court is able to issue a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. During the time between the filing of the Petition, and issuance of a Decree you will be required to participate in alternative dispute resolution, or mediation, to resolve all issues by agreement.
A Legal Separation addresses the same issues, in the same manner as a divorce/Dissolution of Marriage proceeding. The only “real” difference is the decree is issued as a Decree of Legal Separation. Six months after the decree is issued, either party may ask the Court to convert it to a Decree of Dissolution.
A Petition For Allocation of Parental Responsibilities is filed where unmarried parties have, and share responsibility for children they have together. There is no property division aspect to this proceeding, but rather a determination of decision-making responsibility, parenting time, and child support.
If you have minor children, what used to be known as “custody,” but now is referred to as “decision-making responsibility” will be decided. Parents do not have “custody,” implying possession or ownership, but rather have an obligation to make “responsible” decisions for their children. This will either be joint, or sole depending on each individual set of circumstances, and includes medical, educational, religious, and extra-curricular activity decisions for the children.
You can divorce your spouse, but your children are forever, and in any proceeding involving children, Bill pays particular attention to this aspect of your case.
Just like decision making responsibility, what used to be known as “visitation,” is now referred to as “parenting time.” Children do not “visit” with their parents until adulthood, but rather when they are younger enjoy time with both of their parents, or parenting time. Schedules can vary depending on the individual circumstances of each individual set of circumstances. Regular, i.e., during the school year, holiday, and summer parenting time schedules will all be addressed. While there are a limited number of circumstances where parenting time may be limited, restricted or supervised, it is important to recognize that a meaningful relationship with both parents, despite their impending divorce is the optimal outcome for your children.
Depending on the parenting time schedule, each parties’ income, or ability to earn income, day care, after school care, extraordinary expenses, among other factors, a child support Order will be entered directing one parent to contribute to the support of their children while in the other parent’s care. There are guidelines which direct, and suggest the correct amount of support.
Just like child support, depending on the length of the marriage, both parties’ income, the reasonable needs of the party seeking spousal support, and the party required to pay support ability to pay, among other factors, a spousal support Order, may be entered. There are guidelines which direct, and suggest both the amount, and the term, or length of such an Order.
Colorado is an “equitable” property division state as opposed to a true “community” property division state. To divide a marital estate, one begins by assessing either the marital or separate nature of property that was acquired during the marriage, and then accurately establishing its value. There are many ways to do this, and in some cases, appraisals, business, and retirement account valuations are necessary. After accurate, and reliable valuations are obtained, an equitable division will occur.
The same process is followed for debt division.
No one can foresee everything. And truth be told, you probably never envisioned yourself seeking legal help to dissolve your marriage, or protect your children. But you are, and if circumstances change in ways that dictate a change in either your Separation Agreement, Parenting Plan, or financial orders, Colorado allows for modification of those provisions.
Each situation is unique, and we’ll discuss all options available, including hourly, or flat fees. All flat fees
include unfettered access,
You shouldn’t get billed for , “I haven’t heard. I don’t know.”
At Bill Combs Law, LLC we believe ours is a unique system and process of resolving legal problems. By focusing on the human needs of our clients we are able to remove much of the “win at all cost” philosophy which permeates our legal culture. What clients need and deserve is competence, understanding and vision.
