Divorce A Fresh, Modern Approach to Law

Centennial Divorce Attorney

Guiding You Through the Divorce Process

Divorce is the legal process by which a marriage is formally dissolved. It involves terminating the marital rights and obligations between the spouses, typically requiring court approval. Divorce proceedings address various aspects of the marital relationship, including finances, property, and, if applicable, child custody and support. The goal is to equitably resolve the issues that arise when ending the marriage, ensuring that both parties can move forward independently.

Divorce is a legally complex and highly personal process that can last months or years. Continuing disputes over assets and money only serve to prolong a resolution and, ironically, deplete financial resources. Regardless of the length of the proceedings or tone of the divorce, the best interests of the children should remain a priority.

At the Law Office of Alexandra White, PC, we can help you understand your options and guide you through the divorce process.

Our Centennial attorneys provide guidance through all aspects of divorce, including:

Property division: Involves the division of assets and debts acquired during the marriage. States generally follow either community property (equal division) or equitable distribution (fair but not necessarily equal division) principles.
Spousal support/alimony: One spouse may be required to provide financial support to the other after divorce, either temporarily or permanently, depending on factors like the length of the marriage, earning capacity, and the recipient spouse's need.
Marital agreements: These include prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, which are contracts entered into before or during marriage outlining the division of assets, debts, and spousal support in the event of divorce.
Post-decree divorce modifications: After a divorce is finalized, circumstances may change, necessitating modifications to existing court orders regarding child custody, support, or spousal support.
Common law marriage: Couples who live together and present themselves as married may be considered legally married without a formal ceremony. Divorce for common law marriages involves the same legal processes as traditional marriages.
Domestic violence: In cases involving abuse, additional legal protections such as restraining orders or protective orders may be necessary during the divorce process to safeguard the victim.
Multi-state & international divorce: Divorce may be complicated when spouses reside in different states or countries. Jurisdictional issues can arise, especially regarding property division, spousal support, and child custody.
Divorce mediation: A method where both parties work with a neutral third-party mediator to resolve issues and reach a settlement without going to court. Mediation can be less adversarial and more cost-effective than traditional litigation.
Child custody & visitation: Deciding where the children will live and the arrangements for visitation or parenting time. The court often prioritizes the best interests of the child, which includes the stability of their environment and relationships with both parents.
Child support: Financial payments from one parent to the other to ensure the child’s needs are met. Support is typically calculated based on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the custody arrangement.

Whether a marital dissolution is resolved through mediation or trial, the financial toll on parents may be calculable, but the emotional trauma on children placed in the middle of heated decisions cannot.

Filing for Divorce in Arapahoe County

In a divorce, each spouse takes on a unique role. The party that files for divorce is the "petitioner," while the other party is the "respondent."

To file for divorce in Colorado, you and/or your spouse must meet the following requirements:

At least one party must have been a resident of Colorado for 91 days or more before filing for divorce;
Whichever party receives a summon must be under the jurisdiction of Colorado;
If you share children, they must have made Colorado their primary residence for at least 181 days;
The court must wait at least 91 days after the respondent receives their summons to finalize the divorce.

The petitioner must file various forms with the court to initiate the divorce process. These forms include:

A petition detailing the circumstances of your divorce, why you wish to dissolve your marriage, your proposed terms for divorce-related processes such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support, and information about your finances and circumstances such as tax returns, mortgage and income statements, pension plan information, benefits statements, etc.
A summons for the respondent notifying them of the divorce;
Various other forms depending on the circumstances of your case and whether you share children, wish to pay for or receive alimony or child support, etc.

After filing these forms, a third party such as a sheriff or process server must serve the respondent with a notice informing them of the divorce. The respondent then has the opportunity to respond to the petitioner by filing a response.

How the divorce proceeds from this point often depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

What is the Difference Between Uncontested and Contested Divorce?

When two parties agree on all terms for their divorce and divorce-related processes such as child custody and support, property division, and alimony, they can file for an uncontested divorce.

Alternatively, if the parties have any disagreements over these subjects, they must file for a contested divorce.

In an uncontested divorce, the parties can draft and sign an agreement stating their agreed-on terms for the divorce.

If the respondent agrees with the petitioner's terms for divorce and the parties have a divorce agreement, they may elect not to respond or to waive their right to respond, allowing the court to move forward and finalize the divorce.

Alternatively, if the respondent disagrees with the petitioner's terms, they can file a response stating their own preferred terms. At this stage, the court may order the parties to engage in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to resolve their differences or move forward with litigating the divorce in court.

Divorces that begin as contested can transition into an uncontested dispute if the parties use a form of ADR such as mediation or collaborative law to resolve their differences.

If the parties move forward with a contested divorce, the court may hold hearings to implement temporary orders dictating how the spouses handle issues such as custody or property division during the divorce. Finally, the court will hold a trial. After hearing evidence from both parties, the court will draft what the judge considers to be an equitable divorce decree, setting for terms for the divorce and finalizing it.

While uncontested divorces can take as little as 91 days to resolve, contested divorces can take years to finalize. Our Centennial divorce attorneys can help you identify the best path forward in your divorce, working with you to secure your future.

Navigating Divorce in Centennial

Living in Centennial means being part of a vibrant community that values family and well-being. However, facing the challenges of divorce requires the support of a local attorney who understands the unique aspects of our area. At the Law Office of Alexandra White, PC, we are well-acquainted with the local legal landscape and the specific needs of Centennial residents.

Centennial falls under the jurisdiction of the Arapahoe County District Court. This court oversees all divorce filings and proceedings for Centennial and surrounding areas. Our familiarity with the procedures and requirements of this local court can significantly impact the efficiency and outcome of your case.

Compassionate Legal Support for Families

A common concern for families in Centennial is the high cost of living, which can complicate financial negotiations during a divorce. Our attorneys are skilled in navigating these financial complexities to pursue a fair resolution that takes into account the cost of living in Centennial.

We also understand the need to maintain stability for your children during this challenging time. Centennial boasts excellent schools and family-friendly amenities, and we advocate for fair custody arrangements that help your children thrive in their familiar environment.

If you're considering divorce in Centennial, trust the Law Office of Alexandra White, PC, for compassionate and knowledgeable guidance. We can help you navigate the complexities of the local legal system and work towards a brighter future for you and your family.

Protecting Your Personal & Financial Interests

Centennial divorce attorney Alexandra White knows that our clients often come to us after experiencing the slow deterioration of their marriage over months and years. Some are ready for battle; others just want the process to be over.

The founder of the Law Office of Alexandra White, PC, strips away the personal issues and gets to work on strategies and cost versus benefit analyses. She recognizes the emotional toll of divorce on her clients and their children may not be calculable, but is still a significant factor.

Divorce does not have to be a battle that damages relationships between parents and their children and depletes money. That does not mean that you should give in on all the issues to keep the peace. Your rights, best interests, and assets require aggressive protection as well.

For a free consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer in Centennial, contact the Law Office of Alexandra White, PC, through our online form or call (303) 647-4245.

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Stories From Our Clients

We're Here to Guide You through Every Step

"Kind and Compassionate"
I had the most difficult task of filing for divorce this year. To say that divorce is devastating is an understatement. Kevin was so kind, and really took the time to listen to me, my needs and my wants. The meetings were conveniently scheduled, and he kept them as short as possible.

Kevin was also very communicative regarding the process and what needed to be done. He would simply ask me for the information needed, and fill out all of the long and complicated paperwork for me. He also did an amazing job explaining the paperwork, what it meant and what my rights were.

On top of this, I also moved out of state. Even from 1500 miles away, the communication was amazing, and I never felt uninformed.

Thanks to Kevin, this experience was far from the nightmare I expected. Working with him was a pleasantry, even though the circumstances were less than ideal.

- Katie
"I am beyond thrilled with the outcome of my divorce and I highly recommend Michael to negotiate your divorce."
Michael Cheroutes, Jr. negotiated a “Miracle ” settlement for me with exceptional skill and instinct. I am beyond thrilled with the outcome of my divorce and I highly recommend Michael to negotiate your divorce.
Michael was willing to really listen to me:
I had spoken to dozens of attorneys and had even hired a divorce firm, before I was referred to Michael, but they all failed to put in the initial time and energy into fully understanding and comprehending what I was saying about my case. Great lawyers know the value of listening and Michael put in the energy and passion up front, at our initial consultation, that allowed him to extract and analyze the relevant facts he needed to recommend a plan.
Michael knows the Law and is a stellar communicator:
Great lawyers don’t allow their clients to go down expensive rabbit holes. Michael explained clearly what will work and what I needed to focus on. His guidance allowed me to identify what documents and evidence I needed to collect to assist him with my case while saving me money. Michael’s communication with the opposing counsel was genius; he ignored the counsel’s reputation and my dire warnings about him and developed his own professional, strategic and healthy skeptical relationship with him that paid off handsomely for me in the end.
Michael is smart and creative:
Great Lawyers use their knowledge and creativity to craft solutions that I never even realized were possible. Michael approached my case and new information with an open mind and tailored creative solutions to any and all obstacles despite me telling him that my prior attorney said this or that couldn’t be done. We hit one big, tall, unbreakable brick wall and I was in despair what to do. Michael used perfect judgement in determining that the Wall was not worth climbing but instead used it as a negotiating tool where it mattered most and served me best.
Michael is a Great negotiator:
When it came time for mediation Michael helped me prepare and talked with me at length about what to expect which calmed me. Michael summed up my case to the mediator with stunning accuracy and compassion. He had developed a legal and moral argument of why my offer was truly the only fair and equitable outcome. It was remarkable to witness and moved me to tears to realize not only had Michael been listening to me all along but that he really believed in my case and that it mattered to him enough to be well prepared and organized when it was crunch time. The mediator agreed with his argument and I assume she helped opposing counsel agree as well because I received more then I dreamed was possible on the first offer. I was elated with the results and the papers were signed that day!
Great lawyers know how how to prepare effective, clear and well-reasoned legal documents:
As awesome as mediation went I had no idea how important the “boiler plate” legal document, memorializing our agreement was going to be. The first draft written by opposing counsel depressed me and I truly didn’t feel comfortable signing it - there were way too many “what if’s” left out. I expressed my concerns to Michael who told me not to worry and that he still had to review it. The next version, which Michael edited, was effective, clear and well reasoned and addressed every one of my concerns eliminating all my “what if’s”.
A Great Lawyer assembles a great team around him:
Michael and his para-legal Laura, were proactive and in constant communications keeping me updated and informed. I was so grateful to have such a caring and knowledgeable team assisting me during one of the most difficult and dark times in my life. Their passion for serving others was contagious and refreshing. Michael and Laura’s commitment to making things a “little bit better for me” have and will make a dramatic and positive impact on the rest of my life.

- Cassandra
"Understanding and compassionate"
This firm was absolutely wonderful start to finish.

Mike took my initial call, and without skipping a beat listened to every detail and provided excellent feedback/suggestions.

He recommended I retain Megan, which I did end up doing. I've never met someone more understanding and compassionate, and she was absolutely perfect for my divorce case.

Also, a HUGE shout out to Christian, her paralegal who was just as wonderful, and was so supportive throughout the daunting process.

Thank you everyone, I could not have done it without you all!!!

- Anonymous
"Great Lawyer"
Kevin was an awesome attorney. He took my case when I was at the end of my rope, I couldn't figure out where to turn, what to do, and had a court date pending. Mr. Murphy exceeded every expectation I had of him, and of any lawyer. He always had time to talk to me, he was quick with response, and even after it was all over he went above and beyond with the final issues I had. I can't recommend him enough, I feel like he was able to handle all attorneys involved in the case and didn't take any of their posturing. After months of being told what to do, how to do it, when I can see my kids and when I can't all at the whim of my ex and her lawyer, someone stood up and fought for me, and kept fighting for me. Kevin is definitely the lawyer I want in my corner for any future issues that come up.

- Clint
"I appreciate your Honesty, Integrity and Professionalism"
Thank you for everything. You have altered my opinion of attorney's. I appreciate your honesty, integrity and professionalism.

- Ron Daggett
"You and your staff have been outstanding!"
Thank you! You and your staff have been outstanding!

- Margaret A.

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