Navigating the procedure and paperwork that is required for a divorce or legal separation on your own is no easy task. Below are some tips that may make the process a little easier:
1) Are you using the right forms? It is extremely important to use the right forms and to fill them out correctly. Colorado’s domestic court forms and instructions are available for free at the Colorado Supreme Court’s website – (https://www.courts.state.co.us/Forms/Forms_List.cfm…) – Beware ofonline sites that require you to pay for forms that may or may not be state-specific for Colorado.
2) Watch the deadlines – Failure to meet required deadlines may result in sanctions, limits on the evidence you are allowed to present or having your case dismissed.
3) Make sure you turn in the necessary financial information – In addition to the Sworn Financial Statement, each party is required to exchange mandatory financial disclosures. This includes information such as your bank statements, pay stubs/other proof of income, and credit card statements. The full list and an explanation can be found at the link below. These disclosures are given to the other party but not filed with the Court. However, you will need to file a Certificate of Compliance to let the Court know you have turned in the required financial information.
4) Show up! If a court appearance has been scheduled, you need to be there! If you are not available, you may file a motion for a continuance, or you may file a motion to appear by phone. If you don’t appear but the other side does, their version of events will be the only information the Court receives to make a decision.
5) Be prepared – Whether you are appearing at a mediation or a hearing, you have a fairly limited time to make your point. Prepare by knowing what you want from the process, what the rules are, and the information relevant to your case. This will help make the process, and your case, more effective.
Choosing to represent yourself is not a decision to be taken lightly; the Court will expect you to follow the same rules and procedures as someone who is represented by Counsel. If you have decided to represent yourself in your divorce or legal separation and find yourself needing just a little help,
I offer “a-la-carte” services such as document review, document drafting, limited appearances, and strategy review.
You may send me a private message, call me at 719-726-0133 or email me at stephanie@stephanieshannonlaw.com.