Meet Liz Merrill, owner of Open Space Mediation
Legal Separation Guidance
Legal Separation
What does legal separation mean in Colorado? What is the difference between legal separation and divorce in Colorado? How do I get a separation agreement in Colorado?
Separation mediation in Colorado can cover a lot of ground and can achieve several different goals, depending on the needs of the couple. Whether it’s mediation to stay married (as in a therapeutic separation) or a legal separation, we offer a wide range of services to help couples improve communication and find mutually satisfying outcomes.
A Legal Separation in Colorado looks different that it does in other states: here couples can choose a legal separation as an alternative to a divorce (or “dissolution of marriage”). Like a divorce decree, a decree of legal separation addresses all of the parties’ issues, such as parenting, division of assets and debts, and maintenance. The only difference between a legal separation and a divorce in Colorado is that the couple stays legally married.
A Therapeutic Separation is not the same as a legal separation. This is a good idea for couples who want to live separately for a while, but aren’t ready to commit to a legal process. It can work well in cases where there is a tremendous amount of tension and conflict, or addiction issues, and the parties need some time apart to work on their individual issues.
Many couples wonder what not to do while separated, or even if dating while separated counts as adultery. There are many issues to consider: as a Colorado mediator, I can help you find ways of thinking and talking about whether or not separation is right for you and your spouse.
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A note on pricing
We publish our fees upfront because you deserve to know what you're getting into before you call. If the numbers give you pause, that's fair. Some people have sticker shock at first.
Here's some context: a contested divorce in the U.S. averages $15,000 to $28,500 - per person. That's attorney fees alone, billed by the hour, with no cap and no guaranteed outcome. DIY divorce sounds cheaper until emotions run high and negotiating without a neutral third party becomes impossible, or you sign an agreement without understanding what it means five years from now, or the court sends your paperwork back because something was missing. You don't know what you don't know and in divorce, finding out later is expensive.
With Open Space Mediation, you know your total cost before you start. You get a neutral, experienced team with a collective 50 years of experience guiding you to a signed agreement in about three to four months. No courtroom. No mystery billing. No waking up a year from now realizing you agreed to something you didn't fully understand.
That's what the flat fee buys you. Peace of mind and a boring, fact-based, fair, sensible, realistic settlement and parenting plan that keep you out of court and back to real life in about 3-4 months.