Sara VanDerslice, Author at Hello Divorce

Common-Law Marriage: What You Need to Know

Chances are, if you have lived with your significant other for a long period of time, someone you know has brought up the subject of common-law marriage. This may be because many people believe that a common-law marriage is automatically established after a couple has lived together a certain amount of time – commonly seven years. So, is this true? Are you unknowingly in a common-law marriage? In this article, we will discuss what constitutes a common-law marriage, what rights and benefits are established by entering into a common-law marriage, and what you need to do to end your common-law marriage. What Exactly is a Common-Law Marriage? A common-law marriage sometimes called a non-ceremonial marriage or informal marriage is defined

We Researched the History of Divorce and You’ll Never Believe What We Found

By Sara VanDerslice in Blog, Divorce, DIY Divorce, Legal Innovation | Posted February 22, 2021

We can’t (positively) change the future of divorce without understanding its past. So we set out to learn more about the history of divorce. Throughout history, laws surrounding marriage and divorce have morphed dramatically. From the 1500s when divorce wasn’t allowed (although in certain circumstances, like the inability to bear a child, an annulment through Ex the church could be entertained), to nowadays where “divorce parties” have become almost as prevalent as engagement parties, the way society views divorce has

Breaking Down Common Parenting Time Schedules: Which Plan is Right for You?

Kids, Spouse

When it comes to parenting time schedules, the options are as wide as your imagination. From month on/month off, to every other weekend schedule, there are as many schedules as there are days in the year. But, which one is best for you and your family? Understanding how parenting time schedules work can help you decide which plan is best for your unique situation. Here we break down some of the most common parenting time schedules and the pros and cons of each: The Weekend Plan This type of parenting time schedule is often referred to in movies and the media as “the weekend warrior” and, more often than not, the father is depicted as the parent who only swoops

All the Info and Documents You Need for Financial Disclosures in Utah

Process, Property & Debt

Most of our clients are surprised to hear that they have to complete financial disclosures. While Hello Divorce may be handling the bulk of your divorce process, the following is a list of the documents that you will still need to have ready so that you can get your financial disclosures completed (Step 2). Summary of Mandatory Documents Personal income Business income Monthly expenses Any current debts Pay stubs and other evidence of all earned and unearned income Bank accounts Insurance information Benefits you receive Any current investments All loan applications and financial statements Real estate you own Vehicles you own Retirement plans Employment and education-related child care expenses Any extraordinary children’s expenses Additionally, you must attach the following proof

Colorado Mandatory Financial Disclosures: What You Need to Know

Fees, Process, Property & Debt

In Colorado, both parties to a family law case are required to complete mandatory financial disclosures. This is true for divorces, child support modifications, allocation of parental responsibilities matters, and the like. So, what does this mean for you and your divorce? What the Heck are Mandatory Financial Disclosures? Colorado’s Mandatory Financial Disclosures are comprised of three (3) Court forms, the Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111), Supporting Schedules (JDF 1111SS), and Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104). These documents are required to be completed by both parties and should generally be completed within 42 days of the date of service of the Petition and must be filed with the court. In addition to these forms, there are a number of financial

Tips for Navigating Divorce When Your Child Has Special Needs

Kids, Planning

Even in a two-parent household, the challenges of raising a special needs child bring both joy and hardship. Add in the complexity of divorce, and it can feel really overwhelming. My hope is that this resource starts the conversation and planning around how to best take care of you and your kids while navigating divorce. I’ve seen so many families over the years thrive post-breakup once they found their groove and had a chance to heal. Some parents report they feel more refreshed and “present” now that the stress of trying to fix a “broken” relationship is off the table. You may be asking yourself questions like: Does it make sense to share custody? Will child support need to be

10 (New) Terms to Include in Your Co-Parenting Agreement as a Result of COVID-19 (+ Checklist!)

Kids

Since March 2020, parents across the country have been navigating co-parenting during COVID-19, as parenting challenges unseen in the modern era have forced thousands of co-parents to court on an emergency basis. What happens when parents have different views on the precautions associated with Coronavirus? Should a parenting time schedule be adjusted if one parent is a frontline worker? What happens if one parent is immunocompromised – should they forfeit their parenting time? These are just a few questions co-parents and divorcing parents are currently facing. While it is impossible to plan for every unknown in life, having a foundation in your shared parenting agreement now to address how you and your co-parent will handle unprecedented events, such as a

Colorado: I was Served with a Petition for Divorce, Now What?

Planning, Process

Your spouse has filed for divorce and you have received the initial paperwork. So, what are your next (or first) steps? Before proceeding to your first step you must sign the Waiver and Acceptance of Service (JDF 1102(a)) and return it to your spouse. Signing this document will prevent you from being personally served by a third party (generally a process server or county sheriff who has been instructed to hand you the initial paperwork at home or even your place of employment). If you were served with the Petition by someone other than your spouse and did not receive a Waiver of Service, you can proceed directly to your first step. QUICK TIP: Signing the Waiver of Service does

Should I File a Response to the Petition for Divorce in Colorado?

Process

If you are served with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Summons for Dissolution of Marriage in Colorado you are considered the Respondent. The Petition is the document your spouse has filed with the Court to initiate divorce proceedings. The Petition lets the Court know the factual information regarding your marriage, as well as your spouse’s requests for “relief,” such as the division of marital property and debts, spousal support, and for Court Orders regarding any children of the marriage. You might not agree with everything in the Petition that has been filed by your spouse, and that’s okay! You have an opportunity to file a response for this very reason. In Colorado, you are required to file a

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