How to Know If Divorce Is the Right Step
For those unsure about whether divorce is the right move, Mary encourages clients to focus on three key areas:
Safety – Is there emotional, physical, or financial safety in the relationship?
Communication – Is there still a path toward cooperation or counseling?
Information – Do you understand your financial situation, legal rights, and what divorce would mean for your life?
In Colorado, exploring these questions doesn’t mean you have to immediately file. Mary often helps clients plan temporary arrangements such as financial support or physical separation while they decide.
Common Misconceptions About Divorce in Colorado
One of the biggest myths, Mary explains, is that someone must be at fault for a divorce to proceed.
“In Colorado, that’s not true,” she says. “The only requirement is that the couple has reached irreconcilable differences. The court doesn’t want to hear who did what—it’s not about blame.”
What Documents to Gather Before Meeting a Divorce Lawyer
Mary recommends gathering as many financial and legal records as possible, even if they’re incomplete. These include:
Deeds and mortgage documents
Bank and retirement account statements
Tax returns and pay stubs
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
A list of major assets and monthly expenses
If children are involved, it’s also helpful to provide details about their ages, school performance, and current living arrangements. This information helps shape early discussions about parenting time and decision-making responsibilities.
What to Expect During the First Consultation
Mary describes the first consultation as part legal triage and part counseling. Together, she and the client assess where things stand and what needs immediate attention.
She also explains key parts of the Colorado divorce timeline, including:
A mandatory 91-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
The option for temporary orders to determine parenting time, financial support, and home use during the process.
Her goal by the end of that first meeting is simple: that the client leaves with clarity about their rights and a little less fear about what’s ahead.
Early Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce
Mary warns that certain actions early on can make divorce more complicated later. Common mistakes include:
Posting about the divorce or spouse on social media. Even harmless posts can be misinterpreted in court
Moving money or assets. This can appear as an attempt to hide property.
Leaving the marital home without a plan. It can affect temporary orders and parenting time.
Relying on informal agreements. Verbal understandings often fall apart when emotions rise.
Her advice: slow down, gather information, and understand the rules before making big decisions.
Staying Grounded and Making Smart Decisions
Divorce can easily become overwhelming, but Mary believes information and pacing help clients stay calm and focused.
She tells clients to control what they can—such as communication, documentation, and self-care—and to let her handle the legal process.
Mary also encourages building a support team that includes legal, emotional, and financial professionals. “The legal process is about problem-solving,” she says. “The emotional process is about healing.”
How Children Factor Into Divorce Discussions
Children are often at the heart of early conversations. Mary explains that Colorado no longer uses the term “custody.” Instead, the law focuses on parenting time and parental responsibilities—which cover decisions about education, religion, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.
The key principle is the best interest of the child. When parents disagree, the court may appoint experts to interview both parents, children, and other relevant parties to make recommendations.
Distance between parents—especially if one lives out of state—can complicate parenting time, so Mary helps clients create practical, child-focused plans that work long-term.
For Those Afraid to Take the First Step
Mary’s message to anyone afraid to pick up the phone is simple: you don’t have to make every decision today.
Start by seeking emotional support from trusted people or a counselor, but also get informed about the legal process. Knowing your rights can make even the hardest situation feel more manageable.
“There’s no reason to rush,” she says. “But it helps to understand what your rights are and where this process might take you.”
Contact Attorney Mary Ewing
If you’re considering divorce and need straightforward legal guidance, Attorney Mary Ewing offers compassionate, experienced support to help you make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
Visit maryewinglaw.com or call 303-761-1400 to schedule a consultation.
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