Family Law

Legal Advocacy for Family Law Matters in Durango

The Colorado family law attorneys of Greenberg, McGuinness & Alt are highly experienced in handling legal matters including divorce and child custody disputes. We have worked on issues such as parenting time and modification of parenting time, decision-making, child support, marital agreements, pre-nuptial agreements and adoption. Family law matters can be intense and emotionally challenging. They also can have ripple effects throughout the rest of a person’s life, so it is important not to try to go it alone and risk serious adverse consequences. We represent clients in La Plata County, Archuleta County, Montezuma County and within the Southern Ute Tribal Court jurisdiction. We help our clients fight for their rights and meet their goals.

Divorce in Colorado

A divorce can have long-lasting effects, impacting a parent’s relationship with his or her children and also his or her property and debts. In Colorado, a party need not show a specific basis for the divorce, such as domestic violence or adultery. You must show only that your marriage is irretrievably broken under C.R.S. 14-10-106(1)(a)(II).

Child custody is often part of divorce cases in Colorado. It is referred to as “parental responsibility” and is subdivided into physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody refers to people with whom the children will live, and legal custody refers to who has the right to make major decisions for the kids, such as those involving medical treatment or education.

Another element in these determinations consists of visitation or “parenting time” for the noncustodial parent. Residential custody is usually the most fraught issue. Barring exceptional circumstances, Colorado courts try to give parents joint parental responsibility. In Colorado, custody and visitation orders expire when a child turns 18.

Spousal support in Colorado is known as “spousal maintenance.” A judge may require one spouse to pay maintenance to the other while the divorce is pending for a specific period. Permanent or indefinite alimony is more rare. Most spousal support awards are for a limited period. However, if a marriage lasted a long time, maintenance payments may be correspondingly long. Colorado courts look at spousal support as a form of temporary assistance that allows a spouse to find a job or obtain training and education.

Experienced Legal Counsel for Divorce and Custody Matters

When two people get married or have a child together, they cannot foresee whether or how their relationship will end. Although people often enter into marriage with the best of intentions, the divorce process can be a trying time. We understand how difficult it can be to face the end of a relationship. An experienced attorney can build the strongest possible legal case on your behalf. Discuss your case with the Durango family law firm of Greenberg, McGuinness & Alt by calling (970) 259-4422 or completing our online form. We are dedicated to guiding our clients through these difficult matters with skill and compassion. We serve clients in Durango, Pagosa Springs, Cortez, Ignacio, and other Colorado areas.