Family Law
Sexist stereotypes can place men at a disadvantage when it comes to divorce, child custody, property division, and support payments.
The Dadvocates provide specialized representation to help men and fathers protect their children's best interests in family law disputes.
Wondering why you should consult The Dadvocates instead of other Colorado family law firms?
WE STAND EXCLUSIVELY WITH DADS AND FATHERS
TO ACHIEVE SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES IN AND OUT OF COURT
Our family law firm has helped men protect their children's best interests by:
obtaining equal or primary custody of young children
getting maintenance or spousal support from higher-earning spouses
reducing the alimony obligation by proving that the other spouse is self-sufficient
protecting assets
terminating vexatious protection orders
quashing unfounded vindictive claims of domestic violence
Our Family Law Mission
Our family law mission is to make sure that every man facing divorce or separation has equal access to his children and that he has enough financial integrity left after the case is finalized to live with honor and dignity.
Contact our Family Law Attorneys
Our number-one priority is your children's best interests. The Dadvocates are here to help make certain that fathers have the means and legal entitlement to be a nurturing and supportive part of their kids' lives. If you are facing a divorce, custody battle, or child support or alimony payments that need adjustment, you can count on us to help. Our family law attorneys have offices throughout the Centennial State:
- Aspen
- Boulder
- Breckenridge
- Broomfield
- Colorado Springs / El Paso County
- Crested Butte
- Durango
- Glenwood Springs
- Grand Junction
- Gunnison
- Pueblo
- Steamboat Springs
- Vail
Book your legal consultation online or call our Denver headquarters at:
(720) 749-2876
"I'm glad I called The Dadvocates."
"I had the pleasure and good fortune of having Jason, the lead criminal attorney, represent me in my previous domestic violence case. He was great to work with. He talks to you professionally but also like you his friend. He always kept me informed of everything going on throughout this entire process. He really did make this a painless as possible for me, and he got me the win at the end. I couldn't have asked for anything better from him.
"I have used other attorneys before him, and they just drained my bank account and I got no good results. Well, I'm very pleased to say that Jason and The Dadvocates are not that way. He made my case very affordable and he definitely delivered exceptional customer service. He answered every call, every email, every question. I'm glad I called The Dadvocates. Best decision I've made and money I've spent in years. Thank you, Jason and The Dadvocates, for helping me through this time and proving me not guilty." Lance Goldenberg - 5 Star Google Review - 2021
Colorado Domestic Violence Laws
Colorado's Definition of "Domestic Violence"
The State of Colorado defines domestic violence as an act of violence or threat of violence against a person who has (or at one time had) an intimate relationship with the perpetrator. Domestic violence also includes acts of coercion, intimidation, revenge, and control, such as vandalism and stalking.Domestic Violence Penalties
Colorado has a mandatory arrest policy when an officer believes domestic violence occurred. Offenders are charged with the underlying crime (such as assault), and if they are found guilty, the sentence can be enhanced by extending restraining orders and requiring a domestic violence treatment program. Repeat offenders (three domestic violence convictions) who are convicted of a subsequent act of domestic violence face steeper penalties - the crime becomes punishable as a Class 5 felony.Protection Orders for Victims of Violence
Following an act of domestic violence, a judge will issue a temporary protection order. A temporary protection order prohibits an offender from harming, harassing, or coming into contact with the alleged victim of domestic violence until the case is resolved.How Long Does Divorce Take?
Special Considerations for Service Members
Family law matters are rarely simple. This is especially true if you or your spouse (or ex-spouse) happen to be service members. Deployment can easily complicate these issues, and service members even face punishment by their command if they miss child support or alimony payments.
We have service members on our team who understand the unique challenges a military divorce presents. They can file paperwork or respond to filings on behalf of deployed clients, and can make certain that financial obligations are realistic and manageable within your means. Let The Dadvocates help you achieve an outcome that allows you to be the very best parent you can be.
"Excellent Team of Lawyers."
James Harris
2021
The Dadvocates has an excellent team of lawyers that are caring, compassionate, and work hard to ensure that the divorce process is a smooth one! I would really recommend the firm to anyone considering a divorce. My brother’s divorce could not have gone as smooth with anyone but The Dadvocates.
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Jimmie Hoffman
2021
Thanks for all of your help in getting my divorce resolved. Your help and assistance was very valuable in assuring that everything was taken care of in the best manner. I appreciated it as my life went through the transition.
View On GoogleDivision of Property Laws in Colorado
Whether you and your spouse are divorcing or separating, the proceedings will require you to divide marital property and debt. Important concepts to understand regarding this step include:
"Fair" versus "Equal"
Property between spouses is divided fairly. Keep in mind that "fair" is not the same as "equal," meaning that one spouse may receive more property in a divorce. Having an attorney on your side can help to make certain that this division is truly fair.Dividing Assets
Assets divided in a divorce can include the marital home, household goods and furniture, rental property, family vehicles, checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual accounts, and retirement accounts. It can also include complex assets such as a business that you and your spouse co-own.Dividing Debts
Debts divided when a marriage has been dissolved include mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, medical debt, and tax debt.Separate and Marital Property
Not all property is the same in family law matters. Some property is subject to division, while other property belongs to just one spouse:
Separate Property
Separate property refers to any property that belonged to a spouse prior to marriage. Gifts and inheritance are also considered separate property. Our lawyers will fight to ensure you retain what is rightfully yours.
Marital Property
Marital property refers to any jointly owned property that a couple acquired during their marriage, such as a home or vehicle. As property is being divided, our attorneys will work to ensure you receive a fair amount of marital assets.
Dads Need Specialized Representation
The Dadvocates understands the challenges men experience in all matters of family law. Men and fathers all over Colorado can count on us for dedicated legal counsel that lets the facts - not the stigmas - determine the right outcome. To schedule a consultation, contact our law firm online or call our Denver headquarters at:
(720) 749-2876
Child Custody Laws in Colorado
The State of Colorado no longer uses the term "child custody." Instead, it is called "parental responsibility." This has also resulted in different terminology regarding physical and legal custody. Important concepts to understand regarding parental responsibility in Colorado include:
Parenting Time
Parenting time refers to the amount of time one parent spends together with their child. Our attorneys will fight to ensure that children receive ample quality time with their dads. Your presence in their lives matters.
Decision Making
Decision making refers to the ability of a parent to make choices about their child's upbringing. This includes decisions about education, religious instruction, medical care, and counseling.
Best Interests of the Child
Judges will always consider a child's safety and household stability in custody cases. Our family law attorneys are strong advocates for caring dads. A father's rights need to be acknowledged by the court.
What About What My Child Wants?
There is no universal standard regarding this policy - the courts make this determination on a case-by-case basis.
Types of Child Custody
Joint Parental Responsibility
Divorced parents who spend an equal amount of time with their children have joint parental responsibility. When there is an amicable relationship between former spouses, this is an ideal co-parenting arrangement.Primary Parental Responsibility
When a child spends considerably more time with one parent than the other, that parent has primary parental responsibility. In these cases, a child has fewer than 90 overnight stays with the non-custodial parent."Competent, professional, and personable."
James Federick
2021
Outstanding family lawyer. Highly Recommend. During COVID-19, I was obviously not in a place to meet physically with a lawyer, so I was apprehensive about retaining a lawyer I couldn’t meet with. Samera organized a FaceTime call immediately. I couldn’t have made a better choice. Samera does what she says she is going to do, when she says she’ll do it. Her advice is firm, reasonable, and fair. She is responsive to communications and a great listener.
View On GoogleRoshanda Gavin
2021
After years of fighting for visitation rights, my brother was not only awarded those rights but joint legal custody as well. Samara and her team are very knowledgeable, persistent, and professional. If you need legal representation that will fight for you and get the job done this team is who I recommend. You won’t be disappointed. Our family is forever grateful for all the hard work and dedication from this firm. Thanks again and many blessings upon your family for bridging the gap in ours.
View on GoogleChild Relocation Modifications to Custody Arrangements
If you or an ex-spouse moves, your existing parenting arrangement may need to be altered. This may include major changes in parenting time to account for the relocation. This can be particularly challenging if you or your spouse moves out of Colorado. As always, a child's best interests are the priority when a parent relocates.
The Dadvocates will help develop a parenting arrangement that protects your child's best interests as well as yours. Our family law attorneys believe in maintaining a strong and meaningful bond between children and their fathers.
Dads Have Rights Protect Your Relationship with Your Child
Children deserve to have meaningful relationships with their fathers. The attorneys at The Dadvocates can help you achieve legal entitlement to a substantial presence in your children's lives. To speak with family law attorneys who fight exclusively for fathers, contact our law firm online or call us at:
(720) 749-2876
Child Support Laws in Colorado
The Purpose of Child Support
Child support is a regular financial contribution one parent makes to the other in order to ensure that the children's needs are met.What Child Support Covers
Child support will typically be used to pay for necessities such as food and housing as well as medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.Who Pays Child Support?
The parent with a higher income will typically make support payments to the other parent. Non-custodial parents are also more likely to make support payments.If You Can't Afford Your Child Support Payments Don't Wait to Take Action
Determining Child Support Amounts
Calculating Payments
The State of Colorado has specific guidelines used to calculate support payment amounts. These guidelines consider both parents' incomes and financial situations. Our lawyers will note any factors that will affect your ability to make payments or make you eligible to receive support from your former spouse.
Modifying Payments
Required payment amounts can be modified to address changes in a parent's current situation. The attorneys at The Dadvocates will seek to reduce payment amounts if you've experienced a financial hardship, or they can seek increased support from your spouse under certain circumstances.
"They did a lot for me through my divorce."
"I had started my divorce process with a different firm. It wasn't going well, and there was a criminal case added into the mix. I decided to switch to The Dadvocates. Samera, right out of the gate, changed the dynamic of my case. Jason (criminal defense) backed up Samera and reinforced her strength. On the civil side, Samera, being pregnant, passed me to Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn was good at sheltering me from the constant attacks of my ex and her lawyer. This gave me time to focus on work and keep my head on straight.
"From my experience, divorce is a pretty unpleasant process. There were definitely some bumps along the way, but that is to be expected when you are in battle dealing with a vindictive ex. Tensions can run high when you have so much on the line. If you can keep your emotions in check, maintain some patience, and be reasonable, The Dadvocates will do the same. They did a lot for me through my divorce, and maximized the strength of my position as much as possible. They are a great team with great people." Tyson Schaetzle - 5 Star Google Review - 2020
Modifying Spousal Support Payments
Spousal maintenance can be adjusted to address changes in each spouse's respective financial situations. If you've lost a job or are dealing with a financial hardship, our attorneys can seek a reduction in the spousal support you are obligated to pay. Similarly, if your spouse receives a promotion or has a higher income, we can advocate for appropriate adjustments to spousal maintenance obligations.
The Dadvocates seek equitable treatment for men in all family law arrangements. We will make sure that the courts recognize the financial realities of each spouse.
Need to Speak with a Family Law Attorney? Contact The Dadvocates
Fathers and ex-husbands who need help with family law disputes in Colorado can count on The Dadvocates. Contact our law firm online or call our Denver headquarters at:
(720) 749-2876
But if you are eligible for spousal maintenance, you can rely on us to pursue the support you need and deserve.
Mediation for Family Law Disputes Avoid Lengthy Court Battles
Mediation is a requirement in most Colorado counties when spouses decide to divorce. This process allows them to negotiate outside of court and achieve an agreement together. During mediation, a neutral third party serves as a mediator between spouses and their respective attorneys. The goal is to achieve an agreement that can be presented to a judge for approval in hopes of minimizing time spent in court.
The Dadvocates has helped many fathers and ex-husbands through mediation. We are familiar with the process and well-versed in negotiation strategies. Whatever the family law dispute, we will be strong advocates for your children's best interests while maintaining civility out of court.
"I Saw My Kids the Very Next Day."
Kevin Harris
2020
I had false domestic abuse accusations thrown at me suddenly in the middle of my divorce. Amy waded in there like Godzilla, systematicly destroying witness after witness, and each false claim. My ex-wife had two lawyers, who had the advantage of being able bounce ideas off each other, and had two sets of eyes on everything in court. Amy had no backup, and solo'd them both. I saw my kids the very next day for the first time in 112 days.
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Phillip Riley
2020
I hired this firm at a very hard time in my life. I consulted with Samera then was transferred to Kaitlyn when Samera took maternity leave. They over prepared on everything and worked evenings and weekends. My wife got me kicked out of our home with a protection order, but Samera filed a brilliant motion that got me back in. Kaitlyn got me my kids. Overall, they really delivered and they actually treated me with respect even when I yelled and lost it.
View On GoogleFamily Law FAQs
I have been falsely accused of domestic abuse. What can I do to counter these false claims?
False accusations of domestic abuse can be used to influence your divorce case, particularly when it comes to child visitation and custody. The best thing you can do is discuss these false accusations with your lawyer. The Dadvocates will thoroughly examine every claim made against you in order to bring the truth to light.If my ex is behind on child or spousal support, do they still have a right to parenting time?
Yes. Even if your spouse is delinquent in support or maintenance payments, they are still entitled to the parenting time based on your existing agreement. Parenting time and payment schedules are separate family law issues.
My child prefers living with me rather than my former spouse. Does that affect custody arrangements?
When a child is mature enough, Colorado courts do consider the child's preferences regarding parenting and living arrangements. Unfortunately, there is no specified age of maturity, which means judges have to consider this on a case-by-case basis.Do grandfathers have child visitation or custody rights?
Grandparents are not automatically granted time with a grandchild, but they can seek visitation rights in any of the following situations:
- The grandchild's parents have dissolved their marriage, are legally separated, or had their marriage annulled
- The grandchild is in the custody of a third party rather than their parents
- The grandparent's child (who is the father or mother of the grandchild) has died
Grandparents can also seek physical and legal custody of their grandchildren. To gain custody, a judge would have to rule that neither of the child's parents are capable of providing a stable and nurturing environment.
