Drew S. Richman, PLLC
Attorney & Mediator
Mediations Statewide
Legal Representation Durango || Cortez || Pagosa Springs
Mediation & Family Law
Sensible Solutions. Effective Representation.
Hablo Español
Member: Mediation Assoc. of Colorado, Alternative Dispute Resolution section, Colo. Bar Assoc., contract mediator for Office of Dispute Resolution, Colo. Judicial Branch, former mbr. Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Mediation
Legal disputes, like divorce and child custody, do not have to be nasty, expensive, or overwhelming. Using an impartial and trained mediator can be a smart way to find agreements in even the most contentious cases. Most mediations are conducted via Zoom, which allows me to work with each party one-on-one or everyone together depending on what works best in your case.
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Mediation can be an efficient and low-conflict option for resolving disputes. Mediation is favored by the courts and is often mandated before a trial will be held. We want the end result to be a written agreement that you participated in creating and that resolves your dispute.
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As a trial attorney I know that taking any case to court can be expensive, stressful, and the outcome uncertain. In the end the parties to the conflict will feel even more animosity towards one another. As an impartial mediator working with both parties to your dispute I can help you find sensible solutions as an alternative to going to court.
Mediated Divorce
Mediated divorce is a lower cost and lower conflict alternative to litigation. It is designed for unrepresented parties who are looking for help navigating the legal process of divorce.
Working through the mediation process we can prepare the core documents necessary to file, develop parenting and property division agreements, and obtain your final decree.
Legal Representation
As an experienced family law attorney I can help you navigate your divorce or child custody case so you are making informed decisions and are prepared for mediation or trial. No case is too big or too small. I have represented parties with millions of dollars in assets and others with only marital debt.
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Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage
One of the first steps in a divorce case is for each party to make certain financial disclosures so we can identify and value the marital property that will ultimately be divided.
The court "shall divide the marital property, without regard to marital misconduct, in such proportions as the court deems just after considering all relevant factors". C.R.S. § 14-10-113(1).
In many cases all or a majority of issues can be negotiated and settled without the need for a trial, however, when that is not possible I will be your advocate in the courtroom.
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Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
"The court shall determine the allocation of parental responsibilities, including parenting time and decision-making responsibilities, in accordance with the best interests of the child". C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5). Quite often divorcing parents have very different opinions over what a parenting time schedule should look like. If an agreement cannot be worked out I will help you present your best case in court.
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Modification of Parenting Time
"The court may make or modify an order granting or denying parenting time rights whenever such order or modification would serve the best interests of the child." C.R.S. § 14-10-129(1)(a)(I). Parenting time schedules often change as the children age and as circumstances change. There are specific statutory factors the court will consider when determining what kind of parenting time with each parent would be in the best interests of the child. In some cases a custody evaluation is appropriate and the court will appoint a professional to make recommendations as to parenting time and other matters.
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Child Support
A determination of child support will be made in every case involving a minor child. Colorado has a presumptive guideline amount for child support, however, the true gross income for each party is often in dispute. Gross income and the number of overnights spent with the child are two critical factors that will determine the amount of support to be paid. Only under limited circumstances will the court deviate from the presumptive guideline amount for child support.
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Child support can later be modified if it can be shown that there are changed circumstances that are substantial and continuing. The changed circumstances must result in at least a ten percent change in the amount of support due per month.
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Spousal Maintenance
Maintenance, sometimes called alimony, may be ordered to be paid from one spouse to another when certain statutory factors support such an award. Colorado has a statutory guideline amount and term for maintenance, however, judges have the discretion to determine the award of maintenance that is fair and equitable to both parties based on the totality of circumstances.
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Relocation of Minor Child
A parent wishing to relocate with a minor child to a residence that substantially changes the geographical ties between the child and the other party must first file a motion to relocate the minor child, which will be set for a hearing. Both parents will have the opportunity to present evidence why the proposed relocation is or is not in the best interests of the child.
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Premarital and Marital Agreements
Colorado has adopted the Uniform Premarital and Marital Agreements Act, which allows individuals about to marry or spouses already married to enter into a contractual agreement that modifies the rights that the parties would otherwise have in the event of divorce. Often times parties desire to have such an agreement addressing how certain property either brought into the marriage or about to be acquired will be handled in the event of a divorce. Spousal maintenance in the event of a divorce can also be addressed and even waived in a premarital or marital agreement, subject to court approval. These agreements will only be enforceable if specific statutory factors are followed in their drafting and execution.
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