Attorney Fayard Fights to Protect Your Family

We know that you want what is best for everyone involved in a dispute or court-related issue. However, it can be hard to work with other parties in family cases, especially if it involves your ex and their attorney. Call a Denver family law attorney for help. Michael has years of experience helping people with divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and other matters.

Michael has worked closely with families to make agreements that benefit everyone involved. When it’s impossible to find mutual ground, he is not afraid to take your case to court. He knows the mediators, judges, and court staff who handle cases like yours. Michael can advise you, make sure you understand what is happening throughout, and fight to protect your family.

Family Law in Denver, Colorado

It’s essential to work with a lawyer who is familiar with all areas of family law. For example, a simple divorce can turn into a fight over custody, assets, or support. Don’t be surprised when your ex finds an aggressive attorney and begins disputing everything. Be prepared and hire Denver family attorney Michael Fayard.

Divorce

Divorce cases may be contested or uncontested. If you and your spouse agree about separating assets, debt, and other issues, then you should be able to make an agreement and get it approved. But, if there is anything in dispute, you may be facing a battle. Don’t go it alone.

Child Custody

Child custody may be handled in a divorce or between unmarried individuals. You may even want to modify a previous order. A Parenting Plan is an excellent way to consider everyone’s needs. However, the court can decide if you can’t agree. A Denver family lawyer ensures your child’s best interests are recognized.

Emergency Custody

Sometimes an emergency custody order is necessary to get a child out of a dangerous situation or to put them in better circumstances. If you need an emergency custody order, possibly due to domestic violence, it’s your responsibility to prove why. Your attorney can help so things happen quickly.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence and child abuse are rampant, and it can be hard to get out of the cycle. Don’t deal with it alone. Michael will compassionately listen and guide you through the process of escaping harm by getting a protective order or taking other legal action if necessary.

Child Support

Both parents are financially responsible for their children. The parent that spends the least amount of time typically pays child support to the one with primary custody. Although Colorado has Child Support Guidelines, there may be exceptions. Discuss your specific situation with a Denver family attorney.

Adoption

Adding to your family should be a happy time, but it gets complicated. If anyone is challenging the adoption, such as a biological parent, you may need to make a case that shows adoption is in the child’s best interests. There is also a lot of paperwork and hoops to jump through. Having a dedicated lawyer helps move adoptions along more efficiently.

Legal Guardianship

Anyone over 21 may be a legal guardian of an adult or minor when such an action becomes necessary. Suppose a child’s parents are no longer able to care for them, or an adult becomes physically or mentally unable to make decisions for themselves. In that case, legal guardianship may be a solution.

Getting a Divorce in Denver? Know Your Rights.

If you are facing a divorce or dissolution of your marriage in Denver, there are several things you need to know. By understanding the relevant laws, you can successfully end your marriage and reduce the time and stress involved.

Colorado Divorce Requirements

To get a divorce in Colorado, all of the following must be met:

  1. At least one spouse must have been a resident of Colorado for at least 91 days before filing.
  2. You must have “grounds.” This may include that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
  3. At least 91 days have passed since your spouse was legally notified of the divorce.

You Have a Say in What Happens

During a divorce, you have to determine property division, debt allocation, alimony (spousal support), and issues regarding your children. Even when you and your ex disagree, the court will consider your wishes. You have a right to explain to the court why you think your assets, debts, and other issues should be allocated as you want them to be.

A Denver family attorney can gather information to support your case and present a compelling argument in your favor. Don’t miss out on what you deserve when a marriage is over.

Denver Domestic Courts

All divorce and family law cases start and end in the Denver County District Court/2nd Judicial District.

The court is located at 1437 Bannock St., Room 256, Denver CO 80202. The Domestic Clerk’s Office can be reached at (303) 606-2300.

If you want to file a divorce or are served with a summons in another family law matter, contact Michael Fayard right away. It’s better to be represented than go to court alone.

Results

Child Support Increased

Michael represented a client that sought to have child support increased from her former husband that had a substantial increase in his income, which he hid from the court during the proceedings. He filed a motion of modification of child support and I was able to increase the client’s monthly child support by 60%. Case completed within one month of being retained.

Uncontested Divorce Granted

Michael represented a client that sought an uncontested divorce from her husband. He was able to facilitate the divorce action and get the process completed and the couple divorced within 4 weeks and without the client appearing in court at all.

Colorado Family Law: Custody & Support

Dealing with children after a divorce or separation can get messy. You need to establish child custody and get a support order. Although there are forms to help, you risk missing deadlines and not filling them out correctly if you don’t work with an experienced family attorney like Michael Fayard.

 
He is relentless to ensure his clients are well taken care of.”

- Cliff T

Child Custody in Colorado

Colorado child custody is split into two categories:

  • Physical custody – Also called “parenting time.” The person with primary physical custody has the child most of the time. The other typically has visitation.
  • Legal custody – Determines who makes legal decisions related to school, medical issues, religion, and more.

It is common for one parent to have primary physical custody while both parents share legal custody. The court generally wants parents to work together to do what is best for the child in all areas.

Determining Child Support

When establishing an amount of child support, the court usually begins with Colorado’s Child Support Guidelines. However, there may be deviations depending on the need and abilities of the parents. In all, the court considers the following when establishing child support:

  • Gross income of both parents
  • Potential income if one parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed
  • Child care costs
  • Health insurance
  • Extraordinary medical expenses
  • Other extraordinary expenses

Your Family Deserves the Best Possible Result

Every case is different, which is why attorney Michael Fayard gets to know you and your situation. He will review the facts and gather information from all parties involved, including any children. He may be able to help you reach an agreement with the other person or negotiate the best situation in your case.

It’s not always possible to get everything in a family law matter, but Michael will work tirelessly to get everything you need and deserve. As your family law attorney, he’ll be focused on the best outcome possible from the beginning. And he’ll always be honest about your options.

Denver Family Law FAQs

  1. Will I have to go to family court? It depends. For many domestic issues, your attorney can handle all of the paperwork and appear on your behalf. You may even be able to appear via phone or video. Family courts often avoid dragging everyone into the courtroom unless there is no way around it.
  2. Can I get my child support changed? Child support modifications can take place at any time that there is a significant change in circumstances. If you or the other parent has had an increase or decrease in income or parenting time has changed, changes in child support may be appropriate.
  3. What is divorce mediation? Mediation is where both parties come together with their attorneys and a neutral third party to discuss the issues that are in dispute. Through negotiation, problems can often be ironed out, so the court doesn’t have to rule on them without input from the parties. An agreement is always the best outcome.