Denver Colorado Family Law Blog

Beginning a new relationship after a divorce can be difficult. It can become even more challenging when children are involved and you are faced with a decision of when and how to introduce them to your new love interest.

Will they get along? Will my ex-spouse be upset? Is it too soon? How will my children get along with my new partner's children? Each question you might be asking is valid and needs to be addressed before the introduction. Keep these important considerations in mind as you move forward:

Both parties in a divorce are obligated to provide a list of their assets and debts so that marital property can be determined and subsequently divided. Ideally, this is done in an amicable manner where the couple is comfortable with the tally and how it is to be equitably divided. But unfortunately, some spouses engage in attempting to hide or falsify assets.  Hiding or failing to fully disclose assets in a Colorado divorce matter can lead to a case being reopened for up to five years after a decree enters.  There is also exposure to paying the legal fees and costs of the wronged party.

A recent example is a University of Minnesota professor who tried to falsify the amount of money in his retirement accounts in an attempt to cheat his ex-wife out of her rightful share. He was caught and is now convicted of one count of attempted theft by swindle and two counts of aggravated forgery for providing several forged financial statements. According to local news reports, the wife could have lost nearly $354,000 in assets if this fraudulent behavior was not caught.

It is no secret that mental health plays a huge role in many divorces. Whether one or both people in the relationship suffers from mental health issues, when mental illness is not effectively addressed the end result can be the end of the relationship. Even when a couple understands that mental illness exists on some level, it can be challenging to get the help needed to cope with the illness and persevere together. 

The role of addressing mental health issues in the divorce process itself, therefore, cannot be underestimated. It is often the elephant in the room and will impede the resolution of your divorce if not discussed. Thankfully, there are professionals who recognize the existence of this issue for separating couples and have the tools to help you navigate the challenges.

As part of your divorce, you may have reached an agreement on financial support or had a judge issue an order on the matter. However, your circumstances or your ex’s circumstances may warrant a change in the final decree regarding spousal support. There are a variety of valid reasons for an ex spouse to request a change in payment. These include loss of job or change in income, the children grow and their needs change, or perhaps one side remarries.

Generally speaking, both sides must agree that a post-decree modification is necessary. Until an agreement has been reached or an order has been issued, it is never wise for the obligated ex-spouse to unilaterally stop paying spousal support.