On May 1, 2013, Colorado legally recognized civil unions. Just as parties who enter into a marriage must go through the divorce/dissolution of marriage process to end their marriage, parties who enter into civil unions in Colorado must go through a dissolution of civil union process to legally end their relationship.
In addition to civil unions entered into by couples in Colorado after the effective date, Colorado courts also have jurisdiction to dissolve civil unions, domestic partnerships and same-sex marriages entered into by parties in other states, assuming that at least one party has been domiciled in the State of Colorado for at least 91 days immediately prior to initiating a dissolution of civil union action.
The legal standard to obtain a dissolution of civil union in Colorado is a finding that the relationship is irretrievably broken, meaning that there is no chance of reconciliation. At times, only one party believes the relationship is irretrievably broken. However, as long as at least one party states that the relationship is irretrievably broken, the court can proceed in granting a dissolution of civil union.
In addition to dissolving the civil union, the court also has the authority to enter orders regarding parenting time and decision-making for children (custody orders), child support, the division of assets and debts, maintenance (alimony), the allocation of fees and costs associated with the dissolution of civil union, and restoring a party’s previous name, if requested.
Because the recognition of civil unions is somewhat new to Colorado, it is important that parties seeking to end a civil union understand their rights and the dissolution process. Laura Monty Law, LLC, understands the legal, financial, and emotional implications of ending a civil union, and works with clients to overcome these challenges one day at a time.
Laura Monty Law, LLC, also understands that dissolving a civil union can be a traumatic event for children. Therefore, our approach focuses on keeping the best interests of the children in the forefront, and helping clients through the transition of parenting with a partner to parenting as a co-parent.
Whether you are considering a dissolution of civil union and want to understand your rights and the process better, or you are in the midst of the process, Laura Monty Law, LLC can assist you through your legal matter. Laura Monty Law, LLC is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and primarily serves clients in the Northern Colorado region. To set up an initial consultation with Ms. Monty, please contact us at 970-797-3407 or through our online Contact Us form.
