Couples who are planning to cohabitate or marry should consider working with an attorney to draft a premarital or cohabitation agreement to establish a framework for handling financial and property issues that arise during marriage. By addressing these issues early, you may avoid conflict in the future. To find out how our firm can work with you to address your family law needs, contact us to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with and experienced attorney.
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Established in Boulder in 1980, Buchholz, McDowell & Norman us a family law firm that handles divorce, marital property division, child custody issues, child support, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. The firm's attorneys have practiced together for more than 25 years.
The information in this section is general information about family law issues - your family lawyer can help you understand what specific laws apply to your case in Colorado.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law
Q: What is the legal definition of marriage?
A: Most states define marriage as a civil contract between a man and a woman to become husband and wife. The standard way to marry is to get a marriage license from a state-authorized official and participate in a formal civil or religious wedding ceremony. While most states will not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the laws regarding same-sex marriage continue to evolve. Contact an attorney to learn more about the marriage laws in your state.
Q: What are the legal effects of marriage?
A: There are many federal and state laws that benefit married couples. Some examples include the right to file joint income tax returns, create a family limited partnership (FLP) under federal tax laws, create a marital life estate trust, receive survivor benefits, receive a share of your deceased spouse's estate under intestate succession laws and claim the estate tax marital deduction.
Child Support
There are millions of divorced parents who pay or receive child support. Federal legislation and uniform state laws exist to make enforcement and collection of child support easier for America's single parents. Because every state uses its own guidelines for establishing child support and each has various methods to set support amounts and recover support when it is overdue, it is often important to consult with a family law attorney who is familiar with the child support guidelines and child support enforcement laws in your state.
Divorce
Deciding to pursue divorce is one of the most difficult and emotional decisions you will ever make, particularly if you have children. Divorce also involves financial matters that must be resolved and legal issues that must be addressed.
Custody and Visitation
When parents divorce, it is important to learn about the child custody and visitation options that are available and the legal standards that apply. In many cases, divorcing couples can ultimately agree on custody and visitation issues without the need for a court order. When an agreement cannot be reached, knowledgeable advice and representation from a family law attorney can often make the difference.
Marriage
Marriage is a voluntary, private contract between two adults. While it is a personal and emotional commitment, it is also a legal relationship that changes the legal status of both parties. A family law attorney can help you to understand the legal technicalities of marriage.
Family Law Resource Links
American Bar Association - Section of Family Law
Tables and summaries addressing differences in state laws and requirements for divorce, child support and other important family law issues.
The Legal Information Institute - Family Law Topics
Statutes, case law and articles covering a variety of family law topics.
Office of Child Support Enforcement (CSE)
Information on services related to locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, establishing support orders and collecting support payments.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (NAIC), the Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families.
Children's Rights Council
A nonprofit devoted to helping kids experience the frequent, meaningful and continuing contact with two parents and extended family that a child would normally have during a marriage.
