Divorce Lawyers in Fort Collins, Colorado Who Fight for Your Future

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Divorce is often an emotionally, financially, and legally complex experience.  If you’re facing separation or divorce in Northern Colorado, you deserve an attorney who will protect your rights, your children, and your financial future.

At Martin & Reed, our divorce attorneys combine deep legal experience with compassionate advocacy.  From the initial consultation, through negotiation or trial, we help you navigate every part of the divorce process with clarity, confidence, and strategic legal planning. 

Our goal isn’t just resolution––we strive to get you results that help you move forward.

What Is the Process of Divorce in Colorado?

In Colorado, a divorce––also called a “dissolution of marriage”––is the legal process that ends a marriage and addresses major issues like:

To file for divorce in Colorado, one of the parties must have been a Colorado resident for at least 91 days.  If a minor child is involved, the child must have lived in Colorado for 182 days or since birth for his or her parents to file for divorce. 

When you are ready to file for divorce, start by scheduling a free consultation with an experienced divorce attorney in Colorado.  Once hired, your divorce attorney will prepare and file your divorce forms and petition and have your spouse served the divorce papers. 

Colorado has a waiting period––or “cooling-off” period––of 91 days before the divorce can be finalized.  During this time, your attorney will conduct discovery, where the parties exchange information to obtain a full understanding of the assets that must be divided.  While discovery can be time-consuming, it is often important to ensure a fair settlement.  

While mediation is not required in Colorado in divorce matters, it can be a helpful tool for settlement without having to go to trial.  In mediation, the parties, with the help of an expert mediator, will negotiate a separation agreement.  While mediation does not always work, it is a lot less costly and less stressful than going to trial.

If negotiation attempts are unsuccessful, the next step is divorce trial, also known as a “permanent orders hearing.”  At trial, a judge will hear arguments and evidence to make a decision on outstanding issues, such as property division and custody.   

Why You Need a Skilled Divorce Attorney

Your legal strategy matters tremendously because rights, finances, and children are on the line.  Divorce impacts your future—not just legally, but emotionally and financially.  Mistakes or weak representation can cost you thousands, alter custody outcomes, and affect your peace of mind.

Our attorneys at Martin & Reed bring:

Whether your divorce is uncontested or highly contested, we customize your legal strategy to your objectives and values.

Types of Divorce Cases We Handle

Contested Divorce

When spouses disagree on major issues—such as property division, custody, or support—the case becomes contested. These matters require negotiation, legal strategy, and often courtroom representation.

Our divorce lawyers excel in:

Uncontested Divorce

In uncontested divorce, both parties agree on the major issues.  Even when things seem straightforward, legal guidance ensures your rights are protected and agreements are enforceable.

We help with:

Military Spouse Divorces in Colorado

Divorce involving military families comes with unique legal and practical challenges.  If you or your spouse serves at or near Fort Collins or is stationed elsewhere while you reside in Northern Colorado, you need a divorce attorney who understands both Colorado family law and the special rules that apply to military service members and their spouses.

At Martin & Reed, our attorneys can walk you through:

Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce lets both spouses work together to reach an agreement without litigation. With trained collaborative professionals, you gain more control and less stress.

Our attorneys:

High-Asset & Complex Divorce

When significant investments, businesses, real estate, or retirement assets are involved, you need lawyers with litigation and financial expertise.

Martin & Reed handles:

Common Divorce Issues & How We Help

Child Custody & Parenting Time (Parenting Plans)

Custody disputes can be the most emotional part of divorce.  We help you protect your children’s best interests through:

Our attorneys listen first and build plans that support stability, consistency, and healthy child-parent relationships.

Child Support

Colorado child support is based on income, parenting time, and other variables.  We ensure:

Child support isn’t just numbers.  It’s about your child’s wellbeing and financial security.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal maintenance isn’t guaranteed.  It depends on the length of marriage, earning ability, and financial needs.

We advocate for:

Our attorneys explain how support rules apply to your situation and help you negotiate or litigate for what you deserve.

Marital Property & Debt Division

Colorado is an equitable distribution state, which is not always a 50/50 split.  However, Colorado courts focus on what’s fair under the law.

Our firm handles:

Our team works with financial experts to protect your future economic stability.

FAQs: What Our Clients Ask Most Often

Q: How long does a divorce take in Colorado?
 A: Timing varies.  It will take at least 91 days, but it often takes longer.  Uncontested cases can finish in a few months, but contested cases can take longer depending on negotiations and court schedules.  It is difficult to put a timeline on divorce because there are many unknown variables, such as the other party’s willingness to settle, potential discovery disputes from the other side, potential court orders, and other factors.

Q: Do I need a lawyer if we agree on everything?
 A: Yes, you need a family lawyer even in amicable cases.  Divorcing spouses benefit from legal review to ensure the final agreement is fair and enforceable.

Q: Can custody orders change later?
 A: Yes.  Custody and support can be modified after divorce based on changes in circumstances.

Q: Can spousal support orders change later?
 A: Yes.  Spousal support order can also be modified after divorce depending on changes in circumstances.  

Why Martin & Reed Is the Right Choice

We don’t just file documents.  We build legal strategies that protect lives and futures.  We strive to explain complex legal issues clearly, always act with integrity and tenacity, and fight to protect what matters most to you.

If you want a law firm that combines legal excellence with personal commitment, your search ends here.  You don’t have to navigate divorce alone.  Contact Martin & Reed for a free divorce consultation.  We’ll listen, evaluate your case, and help you understand your options.

Call our divorce lawyers in Fort Collins today at 970-573-5187, or fill out our online form—your future deserves strong legal advocacy.