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Questions Answered by Christopher N. Little
2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: My wife wants a divorce and "agrees" to split everything 50/50. Are we legally obligated to have a lawyer?
Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Mar 2, 2024

Good question, under Colorado Domestic Relations law, there is no default/affirmative legal obligation to have an attorney represent you in the matter. By the default rules, you are legally permitted to represent yourself. Knowing that the law is complex and self-representation can be a risky... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF A DIVORCE. I HAVE CHILDREN FROM A PREVIOUS MARRIAGE AND THE WOMAN I AM ABOUT TO DIVORCE IS

CONTACTING MY CHILDREN WHO SHE HAS NEVER MET OR SPOKEN TO BEFORE. HOW CAN I STOP THIS. SHE HAS NO RIGHT TO BE CONTACTING MY CHILDREN

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Mar 2, 2024

I am sure this situation is very frustrating and I commend you on first reaching out for assistance and input. Without knowing more, it is somewhat difficult to offer specific feedback. If you have counsel in your current divorce matter, I highly suggest that you reach out to that person and seek... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Been estranged for the past 49 months and finically strappedDon’t qualify for free legal assistance

Attempting to file on my own but couldn’t afford the legal fee also broke my left ankle since then haven’t revisited in refilling for a legal divorce

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Dec 8, 2023

Hi There,

I am very sorry to hear that you are going through it right now. I understand that you mentioned you do not qualify for free legal assistance. In order to be sure you've exhausted all of your options (or at least made good headway in that direction), please check with Metro...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: I have paid the mortgage for 7 years while my husband didn't contribute. Do I need to split the house 50/50 in divorce?

I bought the house in my name. He has never been on the title. I paid the mortgage all 7 years. I have paid all the utilities and he has given me cash for the last 5 years, in an amount that didn't cover all utility costs. I was primarily responsible for all inside cleaning and projects. He... View More

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Oct 26, 2023

Hi there,

You ask an excellent question and you are wise to start looking for appropriate resources to help you have perspective as to what could happen in a divorce and what your legal rights are. The best answer I can give you without more information is "maybe." Domestic...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: My ex tells me that he is retiring next year. I don’t care what he says, the way that our divorce was written in Larimer

In Larimer county, the way that it was written it said nothing about him not paying me when he retired. We were married for 15 years and as far as I researched, Larimer county is the only county that does not follow the states divorce law!

He is a veterinarian who lives in wealth in the... View More

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Oct 13, 2023

Hi There,

I am very sorry to hear about what you are going through right now and what you have been through. More than anything, from your post, it sounds like you are looking for legal representation that is responsive to your financial condition; which is completely understandable. I...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Health Care Law for Colorado on
Q: Can I request food logs from my wife’s lawyer concerning my daughter’s metabolic disease PKU her levels continue to rise

Oh haven’t seen my daughter in 210 days because my wife is manipulating the system in order to have sole custody and decision making. In those 210 days my daughters lab results have been consistently rising and it’s causing concern. Just wondering my options. I can’t afford an attorney but... View More

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Oct 13, 2023

You ask an excellent question!

To give you a direct response to the question of whether you can request food logs from your wife's attorney, yes, you are more than welcome to send opposing counsel a request for the logs. However, that does not necessarily mean that they have to respond...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: My spouse's response to me filing for divorce is to ask the court to enter orders on property division and maintenance.

What does that mean? He has an attorney, I'm poor and don't have one. Thank you

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Sep 29, 2023

Great question!

First, I am very sorry to hear that you are going through this; divorce is generally associated with difficult times in folks' lives and I feel for you. To answer your question, your spouse has asked the Court to enter Orders concerning all of the property subject to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Can my ex husband sue me for taking everything when I moved out if nothing was contested in court?

I have a restraining order against him. He came with the police to get his stuff before we were officially divorced. Once I was ordered to move out, the judge asked if anything was being contested, we both said no. I packed everything and moved. Now he's saying I stole his stuff and is... View More

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Sep 18, 2023

Hi there,

You ask a great question. Let me first say that I am glad you are reaching out for professional assistance. Times like this are often some of the most uncertain and fraught with perceptibly difficult-to-navigate circumstances. I commend you for searching for resources and input....
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Colorado on
Q: Is husband required to keep utilities on during a divorce if wife cant afford the bills? In Colorado, children in home

Wife works part time, she cannot afford mortgage/bills herself. Husband is moving out, got own apartment and is not sure about requirements to pay for bills in home while divorce is in process.

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Aug 22, 2023

Great question!

These are some of my favorite questions to answer because they involve not only the law but also strategy and wisdom. From a moralistic perspective, you should keep paying the bills simply because your child is still residing at that home. I can’t imagine you would want...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Does the same CFI that investigates me and my son in Colorado go to Arizona and investigate his mother?

She left her son 6 months ago and now lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Don't know how she is living, where she is living and if she is back to her old ways. Thank you.

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Aug 14, 2023

Great question!

Yes, generally speaking, the CFI that is appointed will investigate within the scope of their appointment. That information can usually be found in the "Order Appointing Child and Family Investigator" (or some close variation of that title). I sincerely wish you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Can I ask my husband to get mental health treatment as part of custody mediation in Colorado?

He has been charged with domestic violence in the past and had a history of problematic behavior. Most recently he has kept our oldest child (12) with him for 6 weeks straight, when previously I had the kids weekdays and he had then weekends. We do not have a custody agreement, we've been... View More

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Aug 7, 2023

Good Morning,

Your question and the related details raise several red flags for me and I highly suggest that you consult with a qualified domestic relations attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado. When it comes to domestic violence and the allocation of parental...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Can I ask to continue Homeschooling and get child support in divorce mediation? (Colorado)

If my spouse agrees to pay child support/spousal maintenance while I get established in part time work, can this be part of a mediation agreement?

Christopher N. Little
PREMIUM
Christopher N. Little
answered on Aug 7, 2023

Good Morning,

You ask a great question! Generally speaking, parties to cases in domestic relations can be quite creative when it comes to creating terms in an agreement reached at mediation (or even outside mediation). Child support should be approved by a judge (in Colorado it is a right...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Can you modify a decree after the 5 year mark if the other party committed fraud with their financial statement?

The ex didn't disclose any income at the time of divorce even though they had accepted a full-time job already. Based on that information, the division of assets, to include pension was made. Can the case be reopened due to the fraud since the pension would not have been included if the actual... View More

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Aug 4, 2023

Good Question!

This is one of my favorite aspects of family law. The short answer to your question is that the law does provide for remedies if income or property subject to division was not properly disclosed at the time (or before) the decree was issued (assuming that was the last step...
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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Does a law firm have to disclose if an "attorney" is not licensed in the state in which they practice law?

I noticed a small "pending practice" in her email sig. She has not shown up to a hearing 2x which led me to question why. I had some stand in attorney and she did not know my case ( divorce) so i essentially had zero representation.

Christopher N. Little
PREMIUM
Christopher N. Little
answered on Aug 2, 2023

Hi There,

You ask an excellent question and have every right to be concerned. It’s difficult to answer your question without having more information about the specific circumstances. It is important to have counsel and representation that you feel comfortable with. All attorneys at CNL...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Divorce for Colorado on
Q: If tax refunds are only discussed in mediation but the Final Orders states they are to be split evenly, how does it work

2021 taxes were discussed in mediation.

Final orders stated that any joint tax returns are to be divided evenly. She claims to have used the entire tax amount to pay for her lawyer and "take care of things" and says she owes me nothing. The amount is over 8k combined with the other money's owed.

Christopher N. Little
PREMIUM
Christopher N. Little
answered on Jun 26, 2023

You ask an excellent question and I can completely understand that this is likely frustrating given the amount of time between mediation back in 2021 and now.

To answer your question, final orders are generally controlling. In a Colorado Domestic Relations matter concerning property...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: I need a divorce attorney but I’m broke. I’m being blackmailed by my ex and her lawyer boyfriend. What can I do?
Christopher N. Little
PREMIUM
Christopher N. Little
answered on Jun 8, 2023

I am very sorry to hear about your circumstances. Understanding that this is likely one of the most difficult and vulnerable times in your life, I sincerely applaud you for taking the first step in seeking out help.

It is difficult to find good pro bono family law attorneys, especially in...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Would a finalized, sealed divorce decree in CO affect me getting married?

My Fiancé and I are both former military, and my Fiancé told me we have to wait to get our marriage license because their divorce decree was sealed. From my basic knowledge, as long as it is finalized, you're allowed to be able to remarry, so it being sealed should have no bearing on us... View More

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Apr 24, 2023

You ask a very interesting question, I would be happy to weigh in.

It sounds like your fiance was previously married and a party to an action to dissolve that marriage. The act of sealing an order of the Court does not usually have an impact on its legal weight. That means that the document...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Colorado on
Q: How to address inconsistancies in other parties Sworn Financial statement. Not provided pertinent supporting docs
Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Apr 8, 2023

Hi There!

You ask an excellent question - as you can imagine, inconsistencies in Sworn Financial Statements and pertinent financial disclosures happen all of the time in domestic relations actions. To be really clear, there are many ways to handle this situation and there is not a...
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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Colorado on
Q: What is a reasonable time for one parent to submit receipts/statements to request reimbursement for extraordinary expens

There is an order for reimbursement within 30 days, yet other parent waits up to 1 1/2 years to submit receipts for repayment for child's medical care. What, if any, is an actual and acceptable time frame? Not to mention multiple duplicate statements with no proof of payment or prior conferral.

Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Apr 8, 2023

Hi There!

I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. I know that co-parenting with an ex can be difficult, and the financial relationship that you two now share is oftentimes wrought with strife, frustration, and consternation. Assuming that your Orders (the parenting plan and the...
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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Colorado on
Q: Does a qdro need to be done before a judge signs a divorce decree in Colorado?
Christopher N. Little
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Christopher N. Little
answered on Apr 3, 2023

Good Afternoon,

You ask a great question! In most cases, there is no statutory prerequisite concerning QDRO's that have to be met in order for the Court to enter a Dissolution of Decree of Marriage. Many times, a Separation Agreement (the agreement that details the manner and methods...
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