Introduction - President's Message
	Summary. You should be prepared to litigate and go forward with a trial. However, you should make every effort to settle your case through mediation or by yourself. A trial is the poorest way to resolve any dispute.

		With an advanced law degree in taxation (1992), Colorado attorney Maurice Johnson practices in divorce/family law, mediation, trust and estate planning and administration, probate, taxation, pension, business, real estate, general litigation, and appeals. Prior to beginning his law practice in 1994, he worked as an associate attorney for other law firms in the same practice areas.

Introduction - Saving Money, Protecting Family, and Assets

The objective of this Colorado family law guide is to help you:

1. Protect and preserve your family relationships;

2. Save money by protecting your assets;

3. Save time and avoid unnecessary problems;

4. Save money by reducing your attorney fees and other legal fees; and

5. Make informed decisions about your family law case.

Husbands and wives who about to separate are faced with 2 major problems:

1. How to survive financially after the separation (and divorce); and

2. How to continue to be a parent to your children, particularly minor children, and maintain other family relationships as well.

How to begin:

1. Read and become educated as to what the law generally provides as to division of property and debt, co-parenting, child support, and maintenance (alimony);

- learn what to expect, see Chapter 56 for more information.

2. Attend any seminars you can, to learn more about the process and the law;

3. Close joint credit card accounts, make sure that present monthly obligations are being paid, keep copies of recent bank statements and credit card statements.

- Avoid new credit card and new debt obligations, especially those of the other spouse.

- Consider separate checking accounts.

4. Keep good relationships with children and other family members.

5. Plan to manage and control your own family law problems. Use a neutral third party to mediate a resolution.

6. Prepare for court litigation, so that you are prepared if you have to end up in court.

- Especially if the other party will not adequately disclose assets or income, or otherwise does not cooperate.

7. Read and avoid the 7 Most Costly Mistakes.

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