Oftentimes, men find themselves confused identifying their rights and obligations in a divorce case. Others may feel overwhelmed by family court and assume that they should just go with whatever their partner demands. However, this is simply not true.
Men and women have equal rights, including the right to visit and even keep custody of their children, the right to a fair and equitable distribution of assets and properties, a right to the fair distribution of debts, and other similar concerns.
If you are a man, facing divorce or other family legal concerns, our divorce attorneys for men in Denver can mean the difference between protecting your rights and going through a bad divorce.
Services We Offer
We understand how stressful divorce and other family law concerns can get, especially if children are involved. Through the following services, we always aim for a swift, amicable, but decisive resolution:
Child Custody
Fathers are just as likely to be the primary caretakers of their children as mothers. If you feel that you are better equipped than your spouse to prioritize the best interest of your children, we can help you defend your right to custody.
Child Support
Whether there are disputes in the initial child support agreement or certain life changes have taken place to merit another look at child support payments, we will champion your case and aim for a fair and sensible amount.
Divorce Mediation
Ending a marriage is difficult enough without court involvement. Divorce mediation gives you and your spouse the option to collaborate to resolve the details of your divorce under the guidance of a neutral third-party. This can include asset distribution and parenting plans.
The Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer
Divorce is often one of the most emotionally challenging and complex experiences a person can face. Navigating the legal process alone can add to that stress. Hiring a divorce lawyer provides crucial support during this difficult time, offering both expertise and emotional relief.
Expert Legal Knowledge
Divorce laws are complex and vary from state to state. A divorce lawyer brings in-depth knowledge of the law and ensures your case is handled correctly from start to finish. They understand the intricacies of property division, child custody, alimony, and more. This legal expertise reduces the risk of costly mistakes and ensures that you are fully informed of your rights.
Objective Guidance
A divorce lawyer acts as an objective third party, helping you make sound decisions even when emotions run high. They offer level-headed advice and strategies that are focused on achieving the best outcome for your case. By allowing them to handle the negotiations, you can avoid rash decisions driven by anger, frustration, or sadness.
Handling Complex Paperwork
The legal documentation required for a divorce is extensive. Filing incorrect paperwork can delay the process or even result in unfavorable rulings. A divorce lawyer will manage all the necessary forms, ensuring they are completed accurately and submitted on time. This saves you from the overwhelming task of dealing with legal jargon and complicated procedures.
Efficient Process
Attempting to navigate a divorce on your own can prolong the process. A lawyer can expedite your case by ensuring that all steps are followed properly and efficiently. With their experience in courtroom procedures and mediation, they can work to resolve issues quickly, minimizing delays.
Child Custody and Support Expertise
If children are involved, a divorce lawyer can help ensure that the best interests of your children are prioritized. They will assist in crafting a fair custody agreement and calculating appropriate child support, providing peace of mind that your children’s well-being is protected.
Common Misconceptions About Divorce Law
Divorce is a complex legal process, and many people enter it with misconceptions that can affect their decisions and outcomes. Understanding the realities of divorce law can help individuals make informed choices and avoid unnecessary stress. Below are some common misconceptions about divorce law.
1. “Divorce Is Always a Lengthy Process”
One of the most widespread beliefs is that divorce always takes years to finalize. While some divorces do take a long time, particularly if contested, many cases can be resolved relatively quickly. Factors such as the willingness of both parties to negotiate and whether children or significant assets are involved will influence the timeline. Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on terms, can often be resolved within a few months.
2. “Mothers Always Get Custody of the Children”
While it’s a common belief that mothers automatically get custody in a divorce, modern divorce laws emphasize the best interests of the child, not the gender of the parent. Courts now consider a variety of factors, such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the parent’s ability to provide for the child, and overall stability when making custody decisions. In many cases, joint custody is awarded, allowing both parents to share responsibilities.
3. “Everything Is Split 50/50”
Many people assume that assets and debts are always divided equally in a divorce. However, divorce law doesn’t always follow a strict 50/50 rule. In community property states, assets acquired during the marriage are typically divided equally. In other states, the court uses an “equitable distribution” approach, meaning the division is based on fairness, not necessarily equality. Factors such as each spouse’s financial contributions, needs, and future earning potential may be considered.
4. “Infidelity Guarantees a Favorable Outcome for the Innocent Spouse”
Contrary to popular belief, infidelity doesn’t necessarily impact the division of assets or custody arrangements in a divorce. While some states allow for “fault-based” divorces where infidelity might play a role, most divorces are granted on “no-fault” grounds. In no-fault divorces, the reason for the marriage breakdown typically has no bearing on the outcome of property division or child custody.
5. “You Can Skip Hiring a Lawyer”
While it might seem tempting to handle a divorce without a lawyer to save costs, this can backfire. Divorce laws are complex, and without legal representation, you may miss out on rights or make costly mistakes. A divorce lawyer provides essential expertise and can help protect your interests during negotiations.
By dispelling these misconceptions, individuals can approach the divorce process with a clearer understanding, helping them navigate it more effectively.
What Men Should Know About Their Rights During a Divorce
Divorce is a challenging experience for anyone, but men often face unique concerns when it comes to their rights. It’s essential to understand that divorce laws are designed to be gender-neutral, and men have equal rights under the law. Here are key aspects men should know about their rights during a divorce.
1. Custody Rights
One of the most common misconceptions is that mothers are always granted custody. However, modern courts prioritize the best interests of the child, not the gender of the parent. Men have an equal right to seek joint or full custody if it benefits the child. Courts consider factors like parenting involvement, stability, and the child’s needs when making decisions.
2. Alimony and Financial Support
Alimony, or spousal support, isn’t exclusively awarded to women. Men can also request financial support if they are the lower-earning spouse. Factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial situation of both parties, and each spouse’s ability to earn a living are considered when determining alimony.
3. Property Division
In most states, property acquired during the marriage is subject to equitable distribution, meaning it’s divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Men have the right to a fair share of marital assets, including homes, savings, and retirement funds. The court will assess contributions made by both spouses, both financial and non-financial.
4. Protecting Your Rights
To ensure your rights are protected during a divorce, it’s crucial to consult a qualified divorce attorney. They can help navigate the legal process, advocate for your interests, and negotiate favorable outcomes.
Meet the Team
Meet the people that make Lewis & Matthews, P.C. a great firm:
Jennifer Lewis – After managing partner Jennifer Lewis earned her license in 1988, she has been practicing areas of family law, criminal law, estate planning and probate proceedings, personal injury and medical malpractice claims, zoning and land use planning, and general civil litigation.
Ms. Lewis has also been active in both federal and state courts in Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado even before she acquired Lewis & Matthews, P.C. from Ken and Leslie Lewis in 2015.
The practical, patient, and compassionate approach that Ms. Lewis brings to each case helps the firm resolve the most sensitive family law matters while protecting her clients’ best interests.
Amanda Huber – As a legal assistant, Amanda helps with the daily tasks of sending legal correspondence and documents, preparing court filings, and scheduling, among other tasks. Amanda joined the firm in 2022 and has helped clients in all phases of their divorce.
Prior to joining Lewis & Matthews, Amanda worked at an upscale country club in San Diego, where she was born and raised.
Outside of work you can find Amanda wine tasting, gardening, and spending time with her beloved cat, Waffles.
Jackie Flanagan – For the last five years, Jackie Flanagan has been working tirelessly, minding the day-to-day essentials of the firm, as the office manager. Having been a long-term resident of Colorado, she also brings in some key insights into the local situation.
Get in touch with us here at Lewis & Matthews, P.C. Let’s discuss your case.
Choose Lewis & Matthews P.C.
Our knowledge and experience in both family law and estate planning gives us a unique advantage in helping you bring swift and fair resolutions to your family law concerns. We will help you understand your rights, obligations, and where you stand in family court.
We can also shed light regarding the equitable distribution of your assets and properties especially if there is already an estate plan in place.
The years we have spent in Colorado courtrooms also afford us critical insights into how to approach each case. This also gives us the ability to streamline processes that would otherwise take more time to complete.
We also offer prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that can help you avoid lengthy legal disputes down the road.
Consult with our men’s divorce lawyers in Denver today.
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Counties We Serve
We offer our family law and estate planning services in the following counties in Colorado:
Greater Denver Metro Area
Address: 1325 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 503, Denver, CO 80222
(303) 329-3802
Summit County and Eagle County
Address: 114 Village Place, Suite 206, Dillon, CO 80435
Phone Number: (970) 468-0240