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Divorce/Separation - Divorce Timeline
The Typical Divorce/Legal Separation Timeline:• File the Petition for divorce or separation
• Serve the Petition on the respondent (or respondent signs waiver of service)
- 90 day "cooling off" period begins
• Case Management Order is issued by the clerk or by the Court
- A temporary protection order is issued preventing the parties from harassing each
other, taking children out of state or disposing of joint assets.
• Initial Status Conference
• Parenting Class
- Parties with children under 17 separated for 2 years or less must attend a half-day
parenting class
• Exchange financial documents and disclosures
- Tax returns, bank statements, paycheck stubs and financial statements
• Temporary Orders Hearing
• Settlement / Mediation
- The Parties can avoid the permanent orders hearing and potentially expedite the
divorce if they agree on all issues and have no children by the marriage or are both
represented by counsel.
- Mediation: non-binding dispute resolution alternative and may be court-ordered.
• Permanent orders hearing.
- Court hearing over all contested issues.
- For contested cases it is advisable to retain a true litigation attorney
- Final decree of divorce or separation is normally issued at the hearing.
Please go to www.burnhamlaw.com for a full overview of the firm and the services provided in both New York and Colorado.