Persons considering ending their marriage through the divorce process may also consider marriage counseling, legal separation (in states that recognize such a status), annulment (in limited circumstances), and living apart. Each of these alternatives may have financial and other consequences.
In Colorado, individuals contemplating the end of their marriage have several options to consider. Marriage counseling is often sought as a means to potentially reconcile and address issues within the marriage. For those not ready to fully dissolve the marriage, legal separation is an available option; it allows couples to live apart and divide their assets without formally ending the marriage. Legal separation can later be converted into a divorce if the couple decides to permanently end the marriage. Annulment is another alternative, but it is only applicable in limited circumstances where the marriage is considered invalid from the start due to reasons such as fraud, bigamy, or incapacity. Each of these alternatives—divorce, legal separation, and annulment—has distinct financial implications and can affect property division, alimony, and child custody. It is important for individuals to understand these consequences and consult with an attorney to navigate the legal complexities involved.