Same-Sex Divorce in Fort Collins
Personalized, Affordable Legal Guidance for LGBTQ+ Couples in Larimer County
New Beginnings Family Law serves Fort Collins and Larimer County residents with personalized, affordable legal assistance. We understand that ending a marriage is a significant life transition, and we’re here to support you through every step with clarity and compassion.
Start with a complimentary 30-minute phone or video consultation. Call us at (970) 251-1661 to talk through your situation and learn how we can help.
How Colorado Divorce Law Applies to Same-Sex Marriages
Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriages carry identical legal rights and responsibilities to opposite-sex marriages, including the right to divorce. Colorado treats the dissolution of a same-sex marriage the same as any other divorce under state law.
Colorado is a no-fault state. Under C.R.S. 14-10-106, the only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. To file in Larimer County District Court, part of Colorado’s Eighth Judicial District, at least one spouse must have been a Colorado resident for at least 91 days before filing, and the court can’t enter a final decree until at least 91 days after the respondent is served.
Property division follows equitable distribution, meaning marital assets and debts are divided fairly based on the circumstances, not necessarily split down the middle. Spousal maintenance and other financial matters are evaluated on a case-by-case basis under the same standards that apply to any dissolution.
Questions Unique to Same-Sex Divorce
Colorado law treats same-sex divorce the same as any other dissolution, but a few situations can introduce added complexity.
- Civil union dissolution: Colorado recognized civil unions before same-sex marriage became legal. If you entered a civil union rather than a marriage, you’ll need to dissolve the civil union. The legal process generally follows the same path as a divorce.
- Pre-marriage-equality relationships: For couples who were together before same-sex marriage was legally available in Colorado, questions can arise about when the marriage is considered to have started. This affects how property and spousal maintenance are evaluated.
- Parental rights for non-legal parents: When one spouse isn’t a biological or legal parent, questions around parenting time and decision-making responsibility require careful attention. These matters are addressed under Colorado’s allocation of parental responsibilities framework, and the outcome depends on the specific facts of your family.
Why Fort Collins Couples Choose New Beginnings Family Law
Tara Adkins, the founding Licensed Legal Paraprofessional at New Beginnings Family Law, brings over 20 years of family law experience to every case. She is a member of the Colorado Bar Association’s LLP Committee, a role that keeps her at the center of how paraprofessional legal services are shaped and practiced in Colorado. We limit our practice entirely to family law, so our training and day-to-day work focus exclusively on the issues that matter to you.
We know that a same-sex divorce can carry emotional weight beyond the legal steps involved. We take time to listen to your concerns, explain each stage of the process in plain language, and answer your questions without rushing. Legal support and human understanding go together here.
Accessibility matters to us as well. We offer virtual consultations and services for clients who prefer to meet remotely, and payment plans are available to make legal assistance workable on your budget.
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation
We offer complimentary 30-minute phone or video consultations so you can ask questions and understand your options before committing to anything. There’s no obligation, and you can meet with us from wherever you are. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re ready to listen.
Call (970) 251-1661 or schedule online to set up your free consultation with New Beginnings Family Law today.
Client Reviews
We've Helped Thousands of People in Your Shoes
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“- S. B.
Tara and her team are thorough. They helped me with a smooth transition in my divorce proceedings.
Tara is understanding and works diligently for her clients. I felt seen and not pushed aside. She was always a phone call or message away. Responses are always on time.
Overall I highly recommend New Beginnings Family Law. Professionalism and heart.
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“Tara is one of the most professional people I have had the chance to work with. Her ability to solve problems and navigate different situations is absolutely incredible. From the very beginning, I was treated with respect and felt like I was the only priority. Her skills to calm any situation are one of a kind, and not just calming the situation, but calming you as well. You are treated like a human going through a difficult time. She shows compassion and empathy, all while getting everything done that needs to be done! I will refer her over and over again! You will not be disappointed!”- Christina M.
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“I have previously worked with Tara Adkins as a Paralegal on my case, and she was amazing to work with. She was caring, compassionate, walked me through the process, and was there every step of the way.”- J.P.
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“Tara Adkins was my legal representative throughout the divorce process. She showed great attention to detail and was so helpful and compassionate during an incredibly painful time in my life. I couldn't have navigated this complex process without her. Highly recommend Tara!”- D.O.
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“She helped greatly to minimize expenses for a process that can be costly, and made it less stressful.Tara helped walk me through divorce proceedings in CO court, step by step. With an amicable divorce and good co-parenting relationship, we didn’t have complicated proceedings, but needed assistance with filing everything properly. She helped greatly”- Nancy R.
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“I loved working with Tara. She is dependable, trustworthy and easy to reach and talk to. She is in your corner.”- Iris L.
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“Tara was wonderful in providing advice through my legal matter. I called them in a panic and they were able to help me that SAME day! They were able to navigate around my concerns and having their advice relieved so much stress.”- Teresa E.
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“Tara Adkins represented me throughout my divorce, she worked hard to protect my interests. She was very responsive to my communications and helped me make the best of a very difficult situation.”- Tanner B.
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“Tara’s knowledge and efficiency was next level. Her experience and empathy surpassed my previous experiences with other firms. She showed professionalism and has an excellent communication style.”- Former Client