Finding Amicable Solutions For Your Divorce And Related Matters

A divorce or dissolution of a marriage can be a daunting experience. Whether you worry about fairly dividing your assets, establishing a successful visitation schedule or calculating child support, there are numerous issues you must consider.

Whatever your circumstances and concerns, at Warkentine Law Office, we have the knowledge and experience to help individuals resolve even the most complex family law matters.

We routinely assist divorcing parties in Broomfield, Colorado, and nearby counties with the following:

• Dissolution of Marriage Agreement (Separation Agreement): A divorce, as well as specific issues relating to a divorce, may be resolved with an agreement between the parties without the need for litigation.
• Child support: A statutory equation establishes the amount of a child support obligation. This equation considers numerous factors, like the incomes of the parents and the parties’ visitation schedule.
• Custody: After a divorce, parents must continue to make decisions regarding their children. The method by which those decisions are made in the future is an issue that you must determine at the time of the divorce.
• Visitation and parenting time: Although you may be divorcing your spouse, you both continue to be parents to your children. Parenting time plans help ensure that you will know when you and your children will be together.
• Alimony or spousal support: In determining whether an award of maintenance is appropriate, a court will consider many factors, such as the employment history of the parties, incomes and marriage duration.
• Equitable division of marital assets: Marital assets will be divided between the parties during a divorce. That property division may or may not be equal.
• Modification and/or termination of existing orders: Many orders previously entered by a court may no longer be appropriate and may need alteration.
• Same-sex divorce: Our compassionate team proudly serves same-sex couples with a variety of family law issues involving marriage, divorce, child custody, property division and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce In Broomfield

Divorce involves complex financial and legal questions that affect your future. We answer some of them below so you can better understand how Colorado courts handle asset appreciation, high-income child support and tax implications:

Is the appreciation of a separate, premarital investment portfolio subject to division?

The original value of an asset you brought into the marriage remains your separate property. The same applies to inheritances you kept in separate accounts. However, Colorado law treats any increase in value during the marriage as a marital asset subject to division. For example, if your premarital investment portfolio was worth $500,000 when you married and grew to $1.2 million by the time you divorce, the $700,000 in appreciation becomes marital property. The court divides this appreciation between you and your spouse, even though you owned the original investment before the marriage. This rule applies regardless of whether you actively managed the investments or whether the growth resulted from market conditions.

How do Broomfield courts calculate child support when the parents’ combined income exceeds the state guidelines?

Colorado’s standard child support schedule stops at a combined adjusted gross income of $40,000 per month, which equals $480,000 annually. When your combined income exceeds this cap, the judge gains discretion to determine the appropriate support amount. The court examines your child’s established standard of living and considers extraordinary expenses that reflect how your family lived before the divorce. This analysis includes private school tuition, highly specific extracurricular activities, international travel, elite sports programs and any medical or tutoring needs your child requires. The judge uses these factors to calculate a support amount that maintains your child’s accustomed lifestyle rather than applying a strict percentage formula.

How are complex tax liabilities handled during the division of high-value property?

Colorado courts recognize that equal division does not always mean fair division because different assets carry different tax consequences. A $1 million bank account provides immediate access to the full amount, while a $1 million real estate property with significant embedded capital gains taxes delivers far less net value after sale. Retirement accounts require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to transfer funds without triggering early withdrawal penalties. When courts divide large investment portfolios, stock holdings or multiple properties, they account for these future tax liabilities. The court adjusts the division to ensure both parties receive assets of comparable net value after considering the taxes each will eventually pay.

Schedule An Appointment With A Divorce Lawyer Today

If you are seeking a skilled attorney to handle your divorce and related matters, reach out to us today to learn more. Attorney Brent Warkentine has over 20 years of experience helping individuals in the Broomfield area.

Schedule a free consultation to learn what he can do for you.

Call us at 720-443-5849 today. If you have a question, send us an email.