At Mulliken Weiner Berg & Jolivet we understand that family law matters are deeply personal and often emotionally challenging. Our team provides compassionate, knowledgeable guidance to help you navigate these complex issues with confidence and care.

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Our Family Law Practice Areas

Divorce
Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, we help you protect your rights and reach fair resolutions on property division, support, and parenting arrangements.

Common Law Marriage
A common law marriage is established when a couple mutually agrees to be married and demonstrates that intent through their actions, even without a license or ceremony. Whether you need to defend against a surprise claim or support the validity of your own common law union, our experienced legal team is prepared to help you assert your rights.

Child Custody and Parenting Time
We advocate for parenting plans that prioritize your child’s best interests. Our firm handles both joint and sole custody matters, including legal and physical custody disputes.

Support
Spousal and Child support is determined based on Colorado’s state guidelines which are outlined in C.R.S. §14-10-114 and §14-10-115. We ensure that all relevant factors are accurately represented to secure a fair outcome for your family.

Legal Separation
If you and your spouse choose to live apart without ending your marriage, we can help you establish a legal separation agreement that protects your financial and parental rights.

Military Divorce
Military divorce involves unique complexities such as: division of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and military pensions, SCRA protections, jurisdiction and deployment challenges and special considerations for Tricare and medical benefits.  We have the proven expertise to navigate these specific, complex regulations, ensuring your rights and future are protected.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
We draft and review agreements designed to protect your assets and clarify expectations before or during marriage.

High Net-Worth Divorce
When divorce involves substantial wealth—including intricate business holdings, investment portfolios, real estate, and complex trusts—you need specialized legal counsel. We understand the complexities of high-net-worth dissolutions, delivering strategic advantage through:

•    Precise Business and Asset Valuation
•    Tax-Optimized Property Division
•    Confidentiality and Reputation Management
•    Advanced Alimony and Child Support Negotiations

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The Divorce Process

We guide clients through every stage of the divorce process with precision, professionalism, and compassion. Whether your case is straightforward or highly contested, our goal is to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.

Filing for Divorce

The first step in any divorce is filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court. This document outlines the grounds for divorce and identifies the key issues in dispute. Our legal team ensures all documents are accurately prepared and filed to avoid delays and procedural issues.

Discovery Process

In contested cases, the discovery phase allows both parties to exchange important information and evidence. This process may include document requests, interrogatories, and depositions. Our attorneys handle discovery strategically to build a strong case and ensure transparency in financial and custody matters.

Negotiation and Mediation

Even in contentious divorces, courts often encourage negotiation or mediation to reach a resolution without a trial/hearing. Our attorneys skillfully represent your interests in these settings, working toward fair and practical solutions that minimize conflict and preserve family relationships when possible.

Court Proceedings

If an agreement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to court. Our experienced litigators are fully prepared to advocate on your behalf—presenting compelling arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and addressing complex legal issues with confidence. Having a skilled trial attorney on your side helps ensure that your rights are protected and that you achieve the best possible outcome.

 

High-Asset Divorce

High-asset divorces in Colorado require specialized legal expertise and strategic financial insight. These cases go far beyond simply dividing property—they involve navigating complex financial portfolios, protecting business interests, and minimizing tax exposure. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges these cases present and provide creative, informed solutions to safeguard your financial future.

What Is a High-Asset Divorce?

While Colorado law does not define a specific financial threshold, a high-asset divorce generally involves couples with significant or complex holdings, such as:

•    Real Estate: Multiple homes, vacation properties, rental units, or commercial real estate.
•    Investments: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, private equity, or hedge fund interests.
•    Business Ownership: Privately held businesses, partnerships, or professional practices.
•    Retirement Accounts: Large 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, or executive compensation packages.
•    Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL): Rights associated with personal branding or endorsements, often relevant for athletes and public figures.
•    Other Assets: Art collections, jewelry, antiques, or other high-value personal property.

Key Challenges in High-Asset Divorce

Valuation of Complex Assets
Determining the true value of businesses, real estate portfolios, or sophisticated investments often requires collaboration with forensic accountants and financial experts. Our firm works closely with trusted professionals to ensure accurate valuations and to challenge opposing reports when necessary.

Property Division
Colorado follows equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly—but not always equally. Distinguishing marital property from premarital or business assets can be complicated. We handle these issues with precision to ensure a fair and balanced outcome.

Spousal Maintenance
In high-asset cases, spousal maintenance (alimony) often exceeds guideline limits. The court considers factors such as lifestyle during the marriage, duration of the relationship, and each party’s financial independence. Our attorneys build strong arguments to ensure maintenance awards are reasonable and reflect true financial capacity.

Tax Implications
Property transfers, business sales, and spousal support arrangements can all trigger significant tax liabilities. We collaborate with experienced tax professionals to structure settlements that minimize these burdens and preserve long-term wealth.

Privacy and Confidentiality
High-net-worth individuals often face heightened privacy concerns. We implement protective measures to safeguard sensitive financial information and minimize public exposure during litigation.

Legal Separation

Some couples choose legal separation when they’re uncertain about divorce, need time apart, or wish to maintain certain marital benefits while living separate lives. In Colorado, a legal separation is a formal court process that defines each spouse’s rights and responsibilities without permanently ending the marriage.

What Is Legal Separation?

Unlike an informal separation, a court-approved legal separation is legally binding. It outlines enforceable terms for property division, financial responsibilities, child custody, and support—similar to a divorce—but the marriage remains legally intact. Because the spouses remain married, neither party can remarry unless the separation is later converted into a dissolution (divorce).

Legal separation offers an alternative for couples who wish to:

•    Remain married for health insurance or financial reasons
•    Align with personal, cultural, or religious beliefs
•    Take time apart while maintaining structure and protection

Although many believe legal separation is simpler than divorce, the process involves the same legal steps and level of detail. The only difference is the outcome—your marriage continues to exist.

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