Family Law


Dissolution of Marriage & Civil Union / Parental Rights

  • ​​The end of a marriage or civil union is inevitably a difficult time, but we can make it easier and less stressful.  Our compassionate and understanding staff will guide you through every step of the process and provide expert legal advice and counsel for your unique family and situation. We have extensive experience in divorce, child custody/parental rights, same sex relationship issues, and the particular legal challenges faced by families separating under Colorado Law.  Our firm is open and welcoming to all, and we strive to give you the best possible legal services we can provide.  We will ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible outcome in the division of property, assets, debts, parental rights and responsibilities, child support and maintenance in your case.
  • Unmarried parents also have the right to obtain orders regarding parental rights and responsibilities.  Without formal court orders you will lack the power to enforce time with your children, decision-making authority and child support obligations.  Petitioning the Court for the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities can help to avoid the uncertainty of an informal understanding between you and the other parent and ensure that your rights as a parent are respected and enforceable.


Modification & Enforcement

  • As time passes, existing orders may no longer serve you and your family's best interest.  What is appropriate for a small child may need to change as your children mature and change.  Changes in financial circumstances, such as an increase or decrease in income or changes in the parenting schedule and the number of overnights each parent has often form the legal basis for a modification of existing child support orders and may form the basis for modification of maintenance payments.  We are happy to review your existing orders and offer legal counsel as to what your options may be.  If the other party is not following the current orders, you also have the legal right to seek enforcement.  We have the knowledge and experience to identify the best route for such enforcement and will use all of the tools at our disposal to assist you. There are serious legal repercussions for failing to comply with a court order, and we want to make sure you and your family are not shortchanged and receive all of the benefits of the orders and the law applicable in your situation. 


Pre & Postnuptial Agreements 

  • While the discussion of future financial matters in the midst of planning your marriage or anticipated cohabitation may not be a favorite topic, many people want to provide for the future by entering into a legal agreement to address how your assets and related financial issues will be handled down the road.  We can help you understand how Colorado law will apply to your assets, debts and income and what options are available to avoid the application of those laws to ensure that the agreements between you and your partner are upheld in the event of dissolution or death.  


​Common Law Marriage / Cohabitation Agreements

  • Colorado recognizes Common Law Marriage, which can be established unknowingly by the actions of parties to a relationship.  There are a number of factors the court has to consider in determining whether a Common Law Marriage exists.  A Cohabitation Agreement can help to ensure that your actions are not construed as a Common Law Marriage and can set forth details of how your assets and debts are to be handled in the event the relationship ends.


Guardianship & Adoption 

  • We have extensive experience working with many different family situations.  Whether you are dealing with the Department of Human Services as a parent or grandparent, need assistance in establishing guardianship or conservatorship for a family member, or want to formally adopt a child, we will provide personally tailored legal services.  


MURGALLIS LAW FIRM LLC