The phrase “no-fault” can be extremely misleading in the context of family law. When spouses hear this term, they may make all kinds of assumptions – and these assumptions can lead to serious confusion, mistakes, and even legal problems. The truth is that “no-fault divorce” is a fairly nuanced and complex legal concept – and it makes sense to gain a clear, complete understanding of it before moving forward. Fortunately, spouses can turn to their divorce lawyers in Colorado to ask questions, receive explanations, and approach divorce with a sense of accuracy. 

The Basics of No-Fault Divorce

No-fault divorce allows spouses to dissolve their marriage without providing any particular reason. Essentially, these spouses simply tell the family court that their marriage “isn't working out.” The specific legal phrase for this is “irreconcilable differences.” Alternatively, courts may refer to these marriages as “irretrievably broken.” 

No-Fault Divorce vs. “At-Fault” Divorce

To understand the significance of no-fault divorce and its benefits, you must also understand the concept of “at-fault divorce.” Spouses who file for an at-fault divorce must provide a specific reason for doing so. These reasons are called “grounds” for divorce. Common examples include abuse, abandonment, substance abuse, adultery, and so on. 

Various states give spouses the option to file for an at-fault divorce while also providing a pathway to no-fault divorce. A handful of states make pursuing no-fault divorce quite difficult with various requirements. Colorado is a “true” no-fault divorce – which means that family courts do not even provide spouses with the option to file for an at-fault divorce. No-fault divorce is the only choice in Colorado. 

Benefits of No-Fault Divorce

No-fault divorce offers spouses a number of benefits. Perhaps most notably, there is no requirement to prove anything in particular. Virtually any marriage can be defined as irretrievably broken – whether it involves arguments, misconduct, or anything else the couple sees as important. In contrast, a fault-based divorce would require spouses to prove the existence of factors like adultery, substance abuse, and so on. This might involve an extensive process of gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and much more.

Not only does this process lead to an inevitably higher legal bill, but it can also make divorces much more time-consuming. In theory, a no-fault divorce can be resolved in a more expedient manner because there is no burden of proof in this regard. 

Various commentators have pointed out that a no-fault divorce can help spouses escape abusive marriages with greater ease. The logic here is that if there is no requirement to prove any wrongdoing, the spouse can divorce an abusive ex without gathering evidence of abuse. On the other hand, critics of no-fault divorce say that ending a marriage is too easy in the United States – and it essentially makes wedding vows meaningless. This debate is continuing not only in Colorado but also on a national level. 

Misconceptions About No-Fault Divorce

So far, the concept of no-fault divorce might seem relatively straightforward. In fact, you might assume that with no requirement to prove fault, no-fault divorce inherently simplifies the legal process. However, it is important to realize that there are numerous misconceptions about no-fault divorce. Perhaps the most notable of these misconceptions is that the process is always easy. 

The truth is that a no-fault divorce has the potential to drag on for months or even years. It is not always fast, and spouses may encounter a number of time-consuming issues, even in the absence of proving “grounds” for divorce. You should know that a no-fault divorce only makes it easier to initiate the divorce process. The actual process of a no-fault divorce itself can be just as time-consuming as an at-fault divorce. This is because even if both spouses agree that the marriage “just isn't working out,” there may be many other issues that they do not agree on. 

This leads to the second common misconception about no-fault divorce: That this process is always amicable. In truth, no-fault divorces have the potential to be extremely bitter and combative. Spouses may argue over child custody, child support, alimony, and property division as they seek to resolve their no-fault divorce. Even a slight disagreement on these subjects can lead to months or even years of tense litigation. 

No-Fault Divorce vs. Uncontested Divorce

Many spouses confuse no-fault divorces with “uncontested” divorces. These are two very different concepts. An uncontested divorce occurs when spouses agree on how they want to end their marriage – down to even the most minute details. Uncontested divorces are not litigated, which means that they do not result in trials. Instead, spouses seek to resolve their differences via private negotiations during uncontested divorces. These negotiations are often facilitated by trained professionals, such as divorce lawyers or mediators. 

At the end of these discussions, the spouses draft an agreement that describes every aspect of the divorce. The spouses may then present this agreement to a family law judge during a hearing. If the judge approves the contract, it becomes legally enforceable. This process is very popular among spouses in Colorado, as it has the potential to reduce legal fees while saving time. It can also give spouses greater control over their divorces and improve privacy. 

In contrast, there is no guarantee that a no-fault divorce will be uncontested. Perhaps most notably, spouses can still accuse each other of fault during a no-fault divorce. Although this might sound contradictory, it occurs on a regular basis. For example, spouses may file for a no-fault divorce before accusing each other of child abuse during a custody battle. They might also file for a no-fault divorce and accuse each other of concealing assets during the property division process. 

Find a Qualified Divorce Attorney in Loveland

If you have been searching for an experienced divorce lawyer in Loveland, look no further than Casey James Alexander. Over the years, we have helped numerous divorcing spouses throughout Loveland – including those curious about no-fault divorce. The best way to learn more about this often misunderstood concept is to book a consultation with us. During this initial meeting, you can ask questions and receive targeted guidance based on your unique needs. Reach out today to get started with an effective action plan.