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The Knowledge You Expect. The Compassion You Deserve. Divorce

Get a Divorce in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Divorce Lawyers Assisting Clients in El Paso County, CO

Embarking on the journey of divorce can be one of life's most challenging experiences. At Drexler Law, we recognize the emotional and legal complexities involved. Our firm provides compassionate and effective legal representation for individuals in Colorado Springs, guiding them through the divorce process with confidence and clarity.

Divorce, also known as dissolution of marriage, is the legal process of ending a marital relationship. In Colorado Springs, divorces may be contested or uncontested, depending on whether spouses agree on major issues like child custody, property division, and financial support. Understanding both options is crucial because each path involves different legal procedures and timelines, making professional guidance valuable.

The grounds for obtaining a divorce or legal separation is that the "marriage is irretrievably broken." Only one party needs to testify that the marriage is irretrievably broken and that counseling or therapy would not lead to reconciliation. At Drexler Law, our experienced Colorado Springs divorce lawyers know the divorce process can be difficult. We help you determine how your situation affects the final outcome. Our team serves clients in Colorado Springs and nearby communities. We focus on clarity and support, ensuring you understand how local regulations and precedents may impact your case.

Our Colorado Springs divorce attorneys recognize that marriages and relationships break down and that marriages or civil unions can end despite the couple's efforts. Many clients come to us after attending marital or relationship counseling. When you're ready to move forward, we make sure you fully understand your rights and responsibilities under Colorado law.

Some clients have chosen to pause or stop their divorce proceedings until certain the marriage or relationship had ended. This thoughtful approach highlights our commitment to each client's needs, supporting them in considering reconciliation options when appropriate.

Dial (719) 259-0050 now or contact us online to schedule a consultation with the Colorado Springs divorce team at Drexler Law.

A no-fault divorce aims to minimize conflict and retaliation commonly found in the divorce process. However, emotions, frustration, and anger can arise from infidelity and other issues, influencing the entire atmosphere of proceedings.

While adultery, domestic violence, financial misconduct, and other personal issues can lead to divorce, the court will consider these factors only if they have legal relevance elsewhere in the case. The most common example involves economic waste, where one party squanders assets yet demands substantial spousal maintenance or alimony. Understanding these complexities matters because they can still impact decisions on alimony or property division, despite Colorado’s no-fault premise.

Court orders in Colorado Springs typically address parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance (alimony), property division, debt allocation, and asset division with limited regard for either party's actions. Our divorce attorneys help you understand when these factors may become important, such as financial misconduct or parental behaviors that may influence custody decisions.

What Does No-Fault Divorce Really Mean?

Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, which means neither party must prove wrongdoing to file or be granted a divorce. This approach removes the need to assign blame and often simplifies the process, as it lets couples focus on resolving outstanding issues instead of proving fault.

Every divorce filing in El Paso County requires attention to the local court’s processes and expectations. The El Paso County courthouse in downtown Colorado Springs handles many family law matters each year, often with tight deadlines. Knowing the local docket, available court mediation resources, and required filings keeps you prepared and saves time throughout the process.

Even in a no-fault divorce, you must resolve property division, child custody, and spousal support. Our Colorado Springs divorce attorneys have broad experience navigating no-fault divorce and offer guidance to help you pursue a fair and positive outcome. We ensure your interests remain front and center and provide strategies for achieving compromise on disputed topics.

If you're considering filing for divorce or already started, our team helps you understand your rights and options at every step. We share insights on local laws and court precedents to help you plan your next moves confidently.

How to File for Divorce in Colorado Springs

Filing for divorce in Colorado involves a complex legal process. Our divorce attorneys in Colorado Springs outline a general guide for how to file. Each case is unique, which is why we always take a personalized approach to divorce law.

Generally, the steps on how to file for divorce in Colorado Springs include:

Meet Colorado's residency requirements.

You or your spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before starting divorce proceedings.

Divorce Costs & Payment Considerations in Colorado Springs

Understanding the financial aspects of divorce helps you plan each step. In Colorado Springs, divorce-related costs may include court filing fees, attorney consultation charges, and additional expenses for mediation or document preparation. El Paso County sets standard court filing fees for divorce cases, and these amounts can change over time. Each divorce brings individual considerations, but transparency is central to the approach at Drexler Law. Our team communicates about potential expenses and offers guidance to help families prioritize spending and use available resources wisely. By establishing a clear understanding of anticipated costs, you can focus on reaching fair and lasting agreements during your divorce proceedings in Colorado Springs.

Complete the required legal forms.

You or your spouse will need to file a divorce petition with the court, along with some additional documents including:

  • Financial affidavits
  • Parenting plan, if children are involved
  • Certificate of completion of the parenting class

Colorado courts require certain forms to be notarized or filed in person at the El Paso County Combined Courts. Procedures can vary by county, so working with a local professional who understands specific requirements helps avoid mistakes and delays.

Serve your spouse with the petition.

After filing the petition, your spouse must be formally served with the divorce documents. Once served, they have 21 days to respond.

Disclose all finances.

If both parties agree, financial disclosures can be waived. If negotiations are needed, both sides must exchange financial information including:

  • Assets
  • Debts
  • Income
  • Expenses

The court requires clear, complete financial disclosure. If either party fails to disclose assets or liabilities honestly, it can affect the divorce outcome. Full and accurate financial affidavits speed up negotiations and help the court fairly assign property and support.

Settlement negotiations.

If you and your spouse agree on all issues, you can create a settlement agreement. Issues to resolve include:

Parties in El Paso County can access mediation through the courts or choose private mediators. Mediation allows families in Colorado Springs to find creative solutions that fit their unique needs, especially when children or complex assets are involved.

Attend the court hearing.

If both parties cannot agree, a court hearing is scheduled so each side can present evidence. The hearing gives the court the chance to either facilitate an agreement or make a final decision as needed.

At the El Paso County courthouse, divorce hearings often include preliminary conferences with the judge, document exchanges (discovery), and sometimes meetings with court-appointed evaluators. A local divorce lawyer helps you prepare for each step, so you know what to expect as your case moves forward.

Finalize the divorce and receive a decree of dissolution.

Once you reach a settlement or the court decides after a hearing, the judge issues a decree of dissolution to finalize your divorce.

Divorce can feel complex and emotional. With support from the attorneys at Drexler Law, you receive the guidance you need to pursue your goals. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We stay accessible throughout the process, ensuring clients have the answers and support they need.

Settling a High-Conflict Divorce in Colorado

When assisting clients through a divorce in Colorado Springs, we at Drexler Law strive to reduce conflict as much as possible. We know you have to concentrate on important matters like custody and property division to safeguard your future. The following are tips for navigating asset division successfully, so you protect what matters most.

  • Make a priority list for yourself. Certain assets carry sentimental value that may not matter to your partner. Make a list of assets you want to keep, so you know your goals during negotiation. This approach helps you stay focused on what truly matters to you.
  • Make an inventory of all assets and property. Create a full inventory of shared property so every asset can be addressed openly during negotiation. By cataloging assets up front, you reduce disputes and simplify negotiations with solid information.
  • Know what compromise is. The goal of divorce is to move toward peace of mind, a sense of freedom, and a new chapter. When you know where you can compromise, you often avoid unnecessary stress and long court battles, opening the door to a smoother process.

High-conflict divorces in Colorado Springs demand careful handling, especially when emotions run high. Local family therapists and co-parenting programs can support parents in transition. Taking advantage of these resources through the divorce process provides better outcomes for families working to adjust after separation.

Source: Expert Beacon, "What to do if you disagree when dividing assets during a divorce," Lori Barkus, accessed Nov. 17, 2017

Does the Reason for Divorce Ever Matter?

Some marriages and relationships break down for many reasons. Other common causes for the end of a relationship include:

  • infidelity
  • drug or alcohol addiction
  • sex addictions
  • money problems
  • disagreement between parenting roles or raising a child
  • financial strain caused by irresponsible spending, addictions or gambling problems

Colorado is a no-fault state, but sometimes the reason for a breakup may matter. For example, if one party wastes assets or seeks high financial support while engaging in unreasonable spending, the court considers this when making decisions. If you need guidance from a divorce attorney in Colorado Springs, contact us for more information about your legal options.

In other cases, if an incident of child abuse occurs, it may be relevant in a child custody proceeding or in divorces involving children. We encourage you to read our reviews and see how others describe their experiences.

Divorce & Military Families in Colorado Springs

Military divorces in Colorado Springs often involve unique challenges because of the area’s large military presence, including Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base. Service members and spouses may face complications with residency, military pension division, and deployment. Federal benefits and Colorado law both affect property division and child custody decisions. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) sometimes extends legal timelines, creating special timing considerations for military cases. Drawing on years of experience serving military families, Drexler Law addresses these cases with awareness of both the logistical and legal nuances that Colorado Springs military personnel navigate during divorce.

Our Testimonials

Hear From Our Clients

  • "Outstanding Representation!"
    Matthew Drexler represented me during a difficult period of time in my life. He did an outstanding job understanding all of my issues, was very responsive, and gave me the best advice possible. Additionally, his staff was very helpful and the whole team worked together to make this a rather fairly pleasant experience for me. I couldn't have asked for better representation. I am very happy with the end result and I would highly recommend him to anyone who has made the decision to file for a divorce.
    - Jason R.
    Colorado Springs, CO
  • "They are very thorough, make every effort to be completely prepared, and tell you clearly what to expect."
    Great law office! I would recommend anyone in Colorado springs who needs a divorce or family law lawyer to go here. Brian Melton was my attorney but Matt Drexler was involved as well. They are very thorough, make every effort to be completely prepared, and tell you clearly what to expect. Everyone I've worked with has been caring and supportive and it's obvious they understand their clients are going through difficult situations.
    - Dan L.
  • "Everyone on the staff always treated us like family."
    Mrs. Drexler was awesome! We had a tuff case, fighting for custody of our grandson after his mother's passing. Mrs. Drexler was very patient and understanding with me, knowing how nervous and confused at times I was. She was quick to respond to emails, no matter the importance! Matt and Caitlin Capo were also great! There was always someone available and willing to help. Everyone on the staff always treated us like family. The cost was definitely worth the knowledgeable and family oriented services we received! We would definitely recommend Drexler Law to anyone in need of a friendly knowledgeable Law firm! Thank you so much to everyone at Drexler Law, for everything you have done for me and my family! A+++++++++
    - Michael M.
    , CO
  • "I made the right decision in choosing Drexler Law Firm."
    I had a fantastic experience with Drexler Law firm. A few years ago I had gone through a very rough period in my life, and voluntarily turned over my children to their mother for primary care while I hunted for jobs. However, I did not use an attorney, and wound up giving her complete custody, something I had not expected, and was told I would not get them back. After getting my job back, I researched law firms and saw that Drexler specialized in family law, child support, and custody issues. They were up-front with me on costs and chances of winning my children back. We won. I'm back with my children with fully joint custody, and we even avoided going to court. Having a knowledgeable law firm represent you is the only way to go when everything matters. During the legal back-and-forth process, it was easy to tell that the level of effort, experience, and skill on the part of Drexler was far above the opposing counsel. I made the right decision in choosing Drexler Law Firm.
    - Mike
  • "“If you bungle raising your children, nothing else matters” - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis"
    I am currently going through a lot of tough situations and they are equal parts compassionate, empathetic, honest regarding expectations/expenses, and VERY quick to respond to any questions.
    - Former Client
    Colorado Springs, CO
  • "Matt and Teresa and their team are outstanding attorneys who went above and beyond to help my family."

    Incredible professionalism and outstanding service. Matt and Teresa and their team are outstanding attorneys who went above and beyond to help my family. Thanks to them my family is whole and safe. If you want exceptional representation and attorneys you can count on, Matt and Teresa Drexler are just that.


    Thank you again for all you have done for me and my family Matt and Teresa. You and your team are incredible.

    - Tyler M.

Navigating Post-Divorce Life in Colorado Springs

After a divorce, many people need help adjusting to changes in daily life. At Drexler Law, we know adapting to these changes matters as much as the divorce process itself. Clients often look for support in managing finances, new schedules, and family relationships. Our support goes beyond legal advice—we provide knowledge and resources so you can move forward confidently. In Colorado Springs, connecting with local counseling groups or support services can make this transition smoother.

In El Paso County, programs like local schools, after-school care, and parenting classes support children and parents as they adjust. Throughout Colorado Springs, community organizations host seminars and workshops for families adapting to life after divorce. These offerings help former spouses set clear boundaries and strengthen co-parenting relationships while building new support networks.

Building a sound financial plan after divorce helps you protect your independence. Reviewing your assets, debts, savings, and tax considerations helps you set realistic new goals for the future. Financial advisors in Colorado Springs can provide insight, helping you manage responsibilities and plan for your next steps. Creating a plan that fits your situation lets you look ahead and embrace opportunities.

Community Resources & Support in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers many resources for people going through divorce. Accessing these community supports makes it easier to manage legal and personal changes. Many local groups hold workshops for topics like financial planning and co-parenting. The Pikes Peak Library District runs information sessions to guide residents through life changes after divorce. Non-profits such as TESSA offer counseling and support for those facing domestic violence concerns related to divorce.

The El Paso County Courthouse offers a family law facilitator’s office for those filing on their own. The Colorado Springs Family Resource Center runs group meetings where you can share your experiences and hear from others who have completed the divorce process. These services make it possible to move forward with a sense of community and support.

Residents may also seek help from legal aid organizations in Colorado Springs. These resources help you better understand your rights and what to expect at every stage of the divorce. By connecting with community support, you receive stronger guidance to complement the information from Drexler Law. Having a supportive network during times of transition increases resilience and helps you find practical solutions for new challenges.

Does the Reason for Divorce Ever Matter?

Some relationships end without clear fault, while others break down due to specific causes. These reasons may include:

  • infidelity
  • drug or alcohol addiction
  • sex addictions
  • money problems
  • differences in parenting or childcare
  • financial stress from poor spending habits, addiction, or gambling

While Colorado law focuses on a no-fault approach, courts sometimes look at a breakup's cause, especially if one party wastes assets or harms shared finances. In these situations, our attorneys analyze the facts and offer advice that fits your specific case. If your circumstances involve conduct impacting financial or parenting concerns, we offer guidance about how the process may unfold.

When incidents of child abuse come up, they are highly relevant in child custody and divorce cases involving children. We recommend reviewing our testimonials to hear from those we've represented. In contentious divorces, personal conduct matters and may affect the outcome of negotiations.

Why Choose Drexler Law for Your Legal Needs?

At Drexler Law, navigating the legal system starts with building trust and support. Our team of divorce attorneys provides direct guidance every step of the way. We value client satisfaction and seek to create lasting relationships through open, honest communication.

We offer over a century of combined legal experience in family law and divorce cases in Colorado Springs. Our attorneys follow changes in local laws to provide up-to-date advice that reflects El Paso County courts and practices. Clients gain an understanding of Colorado’s divorce procedures, from the initial filing to the final judgment, so they know their rights and responsibilities throughout the process.

Here are some compelling reasons to choose us:

  • Tailored Legal Strategies: Every client relationship starts with a deep understanding of your specific situation. We develop an approach that fits your priorities, so you always feel valued and supported.
  • Proven Track Record: Our history of successful results in Colorado Springs and beyond has built a reputation for legal excellence. Whether representing clients in court or negotiating outside the courtroom, we focus on defending your interests.
  • Accessible Communication: We keep you informed by providing clear, regular updates on your case’s progress. Our commitment to communication gives you peace of mind and the information needed to make decisions.
  • Compassionate Support: Family law can trigger stress and emotional challenges. Our team listens closely, offering encouragement and practical advice during difficult times.
  • Community Involvement: We contribute to local initiatives, participating in Colorado Springs events and giving back to the community. This involvement helps us better understand the local context that surrounds every family law case.

Choosing an attorney who knows the preferences of local judges, court rules, and the community’s unique needs can help your case run smoothly. Our continued work with local groups builds strong connections and serves every client’s interest.

The right attorney makes a difference. Let Drexler Law stand by your side for the best possible outcome. Contact us for a consultation—you deserve a legal team committed to your needs.

Our Colorado Springs Divorce Lawyers Can Help

When filing for divorce in Colorado Springs, it pays to work with a family law attorney who understands Colorado’s laws and the region’s courts. A knowledgeable Colorado Springs divorce attorney helps you navigate this complex legal process and safeguard your rights. We break down the steps and give you a clear path forward, so you always know what comes next.

The divorce attorneys at Drexler Law proudly serve families in El Paso County and advocate for your interests throughout the journey. Whether a case is simple or complicated, we remain committed to securing results that serve each client’s goals and future.

Dial (719) 259-0050 now and schedule a consultation with an experienced Colorado Springs divorce lawyer at our family law firm.

Related Reading

Should You Start Divorce Proceedings?

Choosing to start divorce proceedings is a significant step with lasting consequences. When you experience ongoing irreconcilable differences or persistent disagreements despite each party’s efforts, you may want to discuss your options with a divorce attorney. Considering the emotional, financial, and family impact will help you make a well-informed choice. At Drexler Law, we discuss your unique circumstances and outline the potential legal paths ahead. Meeting with a lawyer early offers clarity and reassurance throughout the process.

Divorce Residency Requirements in Colorado

How Long Must You Be a Resident to File for Divorce in Colorado?

To file for divorce in Colorado, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of 91 days before submitting the divorce petition. This rule establishes the court’s authority for your case. If you or your spouse plans to move, consider timing carefully to avoid complications with where your divorce will be handled. Our team makes sure residency rules are clearly met before starting the legal process.

Is There a Waiting Period After Filing in Colorado?

Yes, Colorado requires a mandatory 90-day waiting period after the divorce petition is filed before the court can make the divorce final. This waiting period allows for possible reconciliation or negotiation around sensitive issues like custody and property division. While waiting can be stressful, it gives both parties time to ensure all matters are addressed. Our Colorado Springs divorce lawyers use this period to prepare documents and work toward meaningful negotiations in your best interest.

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce?

Colorado follows equitable distribution, which divides property based on fairness, not a strict 50/50 split. Judges consider each spouse’s financial and non-financial contributions, future financial stability, the value of shared assets and debts, and prior agreements. Complicated assets like businesses or investments require legal analysis to protect both parties. At Drexler Law, we provide thorough assessments to support outcomes that fit each client’s needs and financial future.

What Happens During Mediation?

Mediation involves both spouses meeting with a neutral mediator to resolve property, custody, and support issues. The mediator guides discussion, bridges communication gaps, and suggests possible solutions. Mediation remains private and agreements become binding if the court approves. This approach often produces friendlier settlements and reduces tension. We prepare every client for mediation by reviewing negotiation tactics and helping set realistic goals.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Colorado?

Contested divorces in Colorado can take several months to a year or more, depending on the case's complexity. Disagreements over property and child custody, plus court schedules, can extend the timeline. Additional mediation or court requirements can slow the process further. Our attorneys aim to keep cases on track, prioritizing timely preparation and steady progress while always protecting your interests.

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Working Towards a Brighter Future
If you're looking for a Colorado Springs family law attorney who provides exceptional, personalized legal services, you'll be hard-pressed to find any other firm that achieves results while catering to you, the client.
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Why Choose Drexler Law?

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    Our priority is to give our clients the best chance at a fair and favorable outcome.

  • Compassionate

    We understand that what you are going through is not easy.

  • Flexible

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  • Experienced

    We will vigorously protect your rights as we guide you through the process.

  • Comforting

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  • Family Firm

    The benefit of working with a family firm is that we will treat you like family.

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