Longmont Divorce Attorney
Easing the Emotional Burden of Divorce
Divorce is rarely simple — and after more than 150 years of practicing family law in Longmont, we know that the financial and emotional weight of ending a marriage can be just as difficult as the legal process itself. Flanders, Elsberg, Herber & Dunn has guided Boulder County families through every stage of dissolution: property and asset division, spousal maintenance, child custody, parenting time, and support. Our approach is straightforward — we work toward resolutions that are equitable and durable, whether that happens at the negotiating table or in front of a judge. If you're ready to talk, our Longmont office is available for a consultation
Navigating the Colorado Divorce Process: No-Fault Laws and Requirements
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state. That means neither party is required to prove wrongdoing — stating that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" is sufficient to file. In practice, this tends to keep proceedings focused on practical matters rather than courtroom accusations. That said, misconduct isn't always irrelevant; judges retain discretion to consider certain conduct when evaluating alimony, asset allocation, or the welfare of children.
Before filing in Boulder County, at least one spouse must have lived in Colorado for 91 days. Children involved in the case must have resided in the state for at least 182 days — or since birth, if they're newborns. Court filing fees run $230. From there, timelines vary considerably. A straightforward uncontested divorce can be finalized relatively quickly once that 91-day minimum has passed. Cases involving significant assets, business interests, or disputed custody tend to take longer — sometimes well over a year. We'll give you a realistic picture of what to expect from the outset.
Our Divorce Lawyers
Common Divorce FAQs in Northern Colorado
How long does a divorce take in Colorado?
Uncontested divorces can finalize in 91 days. This is the fastest a divorce may be finalized in Colorado. Contested divorces however, may take 6-12 months or more, depending on complexity and the ability of the parties to come to an agreement (or not).
Can fault (such as adultery) affect my divorce outcome?
The short answer is no. Colorado is a no-fault state. The “wrong-doing” or indiscretions of either party are not relevant in granting a divorce nor are they relevant for the division of property and assets, alimony, or for the allocation of parenting time and decision-making. Though, the wrong-doing, in certain cases, may have some impact in cases where child safety or financial abuse is a factor.
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in Colorado?
While not required, it is recommended that the parties in a divorce and/or child custody case seek representation. For complex issues like children or assets, having a licensed attorney to represent your needs and wants helps you protect your rights and avoid pitfalls which may have a devastating effect on your case.
Should We Live Together During Divorce Process?
This answer depends heavily on your unique situation. While it can be costly to live together during the divorce process, for highly-contentious cases where there may be emotional, verbal, or physical abuse, living separately during the process may be a necessary reality for some couples. There are mechanisms under Colorado law which may allow one spouse to stay in the marital home exclusively while the divorce is pending, particularly in those cases where abuse is a factor.
Who Gets the Dog in a Divorce?
Unfortunately, Colorado law treats pets as “property”. While we know that is not the reality for our beloved furry friends, it is important to know how the law will treat them. Courts in Colorado will allocate pet responsibilities based on several factors including how the dog came into the marriage (brought by one person or together), who was the primary caretaker (vet visits etc.), and who has the ability to best care for the animal. Based on these factors and others, the court will then “award” the pet to one person or order joint ownership.
Does It Matter That There Has Been Infidelity?
Colorado is a “no-fault” divorce state. This means that unlike other states, Colorado courts are prohibited from considering bad behavior in the marriage when allocating assets, property, and parental responsibility. That being said, courts may consider infidelity in other ways such as if there has been use of marital assets to support a person outside the marriage.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Divorce?
The answer to this question depends entirely on your individual case. Cases in which the parties are amicable can be resolved very cost-effectively. Cases in which one or both parties are fighting of the spoons, so to speak, can become expensive quickly. It is important to keep your eye on the goal throughout this process and constantly do assessments of whether a particular item is worth fighting for. A good rule of thumb is that if the item is worth less than three (3) hours of your attorney’s billing rate, it is not worth fighting over as you would be better served to give it up and re-purchase it. REMEMBER: the goal is not to put your attorney’s kids through college but rather to set up your own future.
What is Mediation in a Divorce Case?
Mediation in divorce is having a third-party step in the middle of warring spouses to shuttle negotiations. Mediation can be costly so it is good to consider this when weighing the pros and cons making compromises throughout the divorce process. Most cases come to settlement before mediation becomes necessary, however the court will mandate mediation before a trial. In highly contentious cases, mediation is a reality. That being said, the agreements made in mediation must be voluntary and no one can force you into agreeing to any decision in mediation. A good attorney can help you avoid the expense of mediation by helping you bring your case to resolution before trial.
A Colorado Law Firm Since 1871
Flanders, Elsberg, Herber & Dunn, LLC has survived since 1871 for many good reasons, not the least of which are excellent legal representation and exemplary client communication and service. Come see the difference that our knowledgeable, local attorneys can make. Call us at 303.776.5380 or contact our Longmont office online.
1871
The law firm formed in 1871 by Col. Byron L. Carr and Charles E. Day
1882
The law firm became Carr and Secor after F. P. Secor read for the law under the supervision of Col. Carr
1907
The law firm became Secor and Secor after F. P. Secor’s son, Gray Secor joined.
1932
After graduating from the University of Colorado Law School, Horace Greeley McCarty began office sharing with Secor and Secor.
1940
L.B. "Larry" Flanders graduated from the University of Colorado first in his business school & law school classes. Larry was the grandson of F. P. Secor, joined the firm.
1951
The law firm became Secor, McCarty & Flanders.
1956
After graduating from the University of Colorado Law School, Tom Wood began practicing with the firm.
1965
The law firm became Secor, McCarty, Flanders & Wood.
1970
John C. Flanders, great grandson of FP Secor joined the law firm.
1975
The law firm became Flanders, McCarty, Wood & Sonnesyn.
1985
Thomas L. Stover joined the law firm.
1990
The law firm became Flanders, Sonnesyn & Stover.
1991
Kathleen A. Ellis joined the law firm.
1995
Scott W. Dunn joined the law firm.
1997
The law firm became Flanders, Stover, Elsberg & Ellis, LLC when R. Lee Elsberg joined the firm.
2002
The law firm became Flanders, Stover, Elsberg, LLP.
2004
Elizabeth A. Montague joined the law firm.
2006
Mark A. Herber began his solo law practice.
2006
The law firm became Flanders & Elsberg, LLP.
2007
Mark A. Herber and Clinton K. Nash merged to become Herber & Nash, P. C.
2007
Elizabeth A. Raba joined Herber & Nash, P. C.
2007
The law firm became Flanders, Elsberg & Dunn, LLC.
2008
Crystal M. Mitchell joined Herber & Nash, P. C.
2008
Ted J. Finn joined Herber & Nash, P. C.
2010
Flanders, Elsberg & Dunn, LLC and Herber & Nash, P. C. merged to become Flanders, Elsberg, Nash, Herber & Dunn, LLC.
2012
Current – Flanders, Elsberg, Herber & Dunn, LLC
2017
Theodore J. Finn and Elizabeth A. Montague became Partners at Flanders, Elsberg, Herber & Dunn, LLC.
2018
Andrew. N. Dunkin joined the law firm.
2019
John retired after practicing law in the state of Colorado for 49 years.
2020
Mark E. Ringer joined the law firm.
2024
Lee retired after practicing law in the state of Colorado for 46 years.
2025
Elliott Browning and Ryan Facinelli joined the law firm.
2026
Brian Allard joined the law firm.
Comprehensive Support for Every Aspect of Your Divorce
No two divorces look alike. A marriage of three years with no children and rented apartment is a fundamentally different legal matter than a 20-year marriage with kids, a house, retirement accounts, and a jointly-owned business. Our Northern Colorado family law team has handled both ends of that spectrum — and everything in between — for over 150 years.
The issues we typically work through with clients:
- Child Custody and Parental Responsibilities — Colorado courts don't use the word "custody" the way most people do. The legal framework centers on decision-making authority and parenting time, and judges are primarily focused on one thing: what's actually best for the child. We help parents build parenting plans that reflect that standard while also protecting their own rights. See our child custody page for a deeper look at how this works.
- Parenting Time — For non-custodial parents, getting a schedule that allows for a real, ongoing relationship with your children matters enormously. We negotiate arrangements that are workable for both households, not just on paper.
- Child Support — Colorado uses a statutory formula that accounts for each parent's income, the parenting time split, and the specific needs of the children involved. The goal isn't to punish either party — it's to make sure the kids are genuinely supported by both parents.
- Property and Asset Division — Colorado divides marital property equitably, which doesn't mean a straight 50/50 split. Contributions to the marriage — including non-financial ones like homemaking and caregiving — factor into how assets are allocated. This is an area where having experienced representation makes a concrete difference in outcomes.
- Alimony and Spousal Maintenance — Whether maintenance is appropriate, and for how long, depends on the length of the marriage, the lifestyle both spouses were accustomed to, and what each person is realistically able to earn going forward. These aren't simple calculations, and they're worth getting right.
A DIY divorce is possible in Colorado, but the mistakes people make — particularly around asset disclosure, parenting agreements, and support calculations — can take years and significant legal fees to untangle after the fact.
What Changed in Colorado Divorce Law in 2026
A few meaningful updates took effect this year that affect how cases move through the courts:
- Mediation is now required earlier in the process for more cases. The intent is to push parties toward settlement before litigation costs escalate — which is generally in everyone's interest except when one party is acting in bad faith.
- On the asset division side, Colorado courts are placing greater explicit weight on non-monetary contributions to the marriage. If one spouse stepped back from a career to raise children or manage the household, that history now carries more formal recognition in how the marital estate gets divided.
- Child custody proceedings have also seen updated guidance around co-parenting plans — specifically around how courts evaluate whether proposed arrangements genuinely support the child's stability and each parent's meaningful involvement.
These aren't dramatic overhauls, but they affect strategy. We keep current on exactly this kind of thing so our clients don't have to.