Use the right tools for the job
There are many tools you can use to have the most successful divorce. Just like you wouldn’t use a snow shovel to dig out a dandelion, you don’t have to fight it out in court to have the best divorce. (I found almost 300 results for “dandelion digger” on Amazon.)
When you and your soon to be ex (stbx) agree on most things, using an attorney who wants to fight about everything is a waste of time, money and energy. The wrong attorney for your divorce will lead you down the wrong path.
Divorce Options is a class which explains how to get a divorce in Colorado. The class is offered by the Foothills Collaborative Divorce Professionals (FCDP,) a non-profit set up to run divorce education classes. FCDP is a practice group of the Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals. You can find a class near you at https://ccdp-law.org/divorce-options
The main divorce options are:
- Do-It-Yourself
- You fill out the paperwork and file it in court. Find info and forms here: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Self_Help/divorce/
- Mediation
- An impartial mediator helps you reach agreements in one or more meetings. The mediator usually helps with the paperwork and court filing. Call us for referrals to mediators.
- Trial
- Decisions regarding your family are made by a judge based on evidence presented by you and your attorneys. Call us for referrals to attorneys.
- Collaborative
- You create a solution for your family based on your needs with a team of professionals working together. The attorneys on the team will draft agreements and file for you. Go to the Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals website to learn more. https://ccdp-law.org/
- Combination of the options above
- Choose the best solution for your family based on your needs and budget. You can take to court or mediate only the parts of your divorce where you and your stbx do not agree. Or use a lawyer, mediator or financial neutral to mediate or negotiate and file the agreement yourself. Or you can have attorneys go to mediation with you.
Your Divorce Tool Box
As well as attorneys, there are many other professionals trained in divorce and the many complications in unraveling a relationship. Emotional, financial, business & numerous other facets all need to be addressed. Other professionals you may wish to include are:
- Therapist or Mental Health Professional
- Children’s Therapist or Mental Health Professional
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®
- Divorce Coach
- Certified Divorce Lending Professional
- Accredited Senior Appraiser
- Certified Real Estate Divorce Professional
Depending on the complexity of your financial situation and the level of agreement between you and your stbx you may need one or all of these specialists to help create the best divorce possible.
About the author:
Bev Banfield is a CPA, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, and founder of Banfield Divorce Financial Advisors. The Denver-based company was established to help divorcing couples more easily and equitably separate their finances. Banfield has more than 30 years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and auditing. Contact us for more information at (303) 482-1726 or bev@bbdfa.com. Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbanfield/