Going through a divorce in Colorado is already emotionally and mentally taxing—but making the wrong moves during the process can make things a whole lot worse. At New Leaf Family, we’ve helped clients avoid some of the most common (and costly) mistakes that people don’t realize they’re making until it’s too late. If you’re starting or currently in the middle of your divorce, this blog breaks down key errors to avoid so you can protect your time, your finances, and your family.
What Is the Financial Disclosure Process, and Why Is It So Important?
In every Colorado divorce, each party must complete a full financial disclosure. That includes listing all your income sources, assets, debts, and liabilities. You’re also required to provide supporting documentation—think pay stubs, bank statements, mortgage info, and credit card balances.
One of the biggest mistakes? Forgetting something. If a bank account, credit card, or income stream doesn’t make it onto the statement, and you’re later asked about it in court, it may look like you intentionally withheld that information. Even if it was an honest mistake, the court may treat it as a credibility issue—and that could hurt you when decisions are made about property division or spousal support.
Tip: Always give your attorney every piece of financial information. They’ll determine what needs to be disclosed. Don’t try to make those decisions yourself.
Overlooking or Misreading the Final Divorce Orders
Once your divorce is finalized, the court issues permanent orders. These aren’t just guidelines—they are enforceable court directives. Many people glance at these documents, read what they think is important, and ignore the rest.
That can be a serious problem.
If you miss a condition—like how to split holiday time with your child or a requirement to notify your co-parent before travel—you may be accused of violating the order. Even small missteps can bring you back to court and rack up additional legal fees.
Tip: Read your entire set of final orders carefully. Ask your attorney to explain anything that’s unclear. Ignorance isn’t a defense in family court.
Talking About Yourself More Than Your Kids
In any custody case, the court’s number one concern is the best interests of the child. Colorado law specifically requires the judge to consider whether a parent is capable of putting their child’s needs before their own.
Unfortunately, many parents talk about how the divorce affects them—their frustration, their stress, their needs. Even if it’s unintentional, this approach can come off as self-centered and hurt your custody case.
Q: What if I’m genuinely struggling with the process?
It’s completely valid to feel overwhelmed—but in court or mediation, the focus must remain on your child. How is your child adjusting? What’s best for their routine? How can both parents support them?
Tip: Practice reframing your concerns through your child’s lens. Instead of saying, “I need more time,” try, “I believe more consistency in my home benefits our child’s emotional stability.”
Withholding or Forgetting Financial Information
There’s a difference between intentionally hiding an asset and genuinely forgetting to mention it—but in court, the distinction may not matter. If you fail to provide complete information to your lawyer, it may never reach the other side. That not only violates court procedure—it could make you look dishonest.
This includes:
- Bank accounts in your name only
- Retirement accounts you no longer contribute to
- Credit cards with small balances
- Family loans
Tip: Disclose everything. Let your attorney filter out what’s necessary. Erring on the side of too much is better than too little.
Avoiding These Mistakes Can Save You More Than Money
These aren’t just technical missteps—they have real consequences. You could lose credibility in court. You could face additional hearings and mounting legal fees. You might even put your custody arrangement at risk.
The good news? Every single one of these mistakes is preventable—with the right legal team and proactive communication.
At New Leaf Family, we help Colorado clients navigate divorce with clarity and confidence. We guide you through each step, help you gather what’s needed, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
