Divorce isn’t something you ever really picture for yourself, is it? Yet, here you are—navigating waters that feel both unfamiliar and choppy. Maybe you’re weighed down with emotion, worried about the kids, or just plain tired from the paperwork mountain on your kitchen table. Whatever your situation, one thing is certain: avoiding common divorce mistakes in Denver can save you a world of headache, heartache, and—let’s be honest—money.

I’ve seen firsthand, both as a professional and a friend, how a few early missteps can set you back months or years. So, pour yourself some coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s talk through the biggest Denver divorce mistakes (and how to sidestep them).

Why Avoiding Costly Divorce Mistakes Matters

Avoiding Costly Divorce Mistakes Matters

Let’s get real for a second. Nobody sets out thinking,

I hope I make a bunch of mistakes in my divorce!

But divorces are complicated, and the stress can cloud your judgment. Protecting your rights in a Denver divorce isn’t just about winning—it’s about finding stability, security, and peace of mind during a rough chapter.

Trust me, you’re not alone if you’re anxious about what comes next. So many people underestimate how much a few early decisions (or even simple oversights) can snowball down the line. That’s why this list exists—because I’d rather you learn from the stumbles others have made, not experience them yourself.

Ever heard someone say,

I’ll just do it myself and save some cash?

In the world of Colorado family law, specifically under statutes like Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S. §14-10-106), that’s usually a recipe for regret. Representing yourself (known as “pro se”) might sound doable at first. After all, there are forms online, right? But the law has a way of sneaking in tripwires you didn’t even see coming.

Let’s look at what happens when folks go it alone:

  • They miss key deadlines (yeah, courts don’t offer reminders).
  • Important paperwork gets filed incorrectly or not at all.
  • They might unknowingly give up crucial rights—like parenting time or their fair share of assets.
  • Negotiating with someone who has legal counsel puts you at a real disadvantage.

Here’s an example: We once saw a dad—let’s call him Tom—try a pro se divorce because he and his spouse “agreed on everything.” When disagreements popped up (as they often do), he quickly found out he didn’t know what he’d signed up for. Sorting out child custody and property became a massive headache, and Tom ended up spending more time and money fixing mistakes than if he’d just consulted an attorney early on.

The bottom line? Even if you only have a quick conversation with a divorce lawyer, you’ll get clarity on your rights and avoid surprises down the road. Sometimes the biggest mistake is not asking for help when you need it.

Poor Communication and Letting Emotions Take Over

Let’s face it—emotions run high in divorce. We get it. One minute, everything’s fine, and the next, a text thread turns into a self-destruct button. Maybe you’re tempted to send a snarky email or vent on social media. Here’s my advice: Don’t. (Seriously, that Facebook rant will come back to haunt you.)

Why does this matter so much?

  • Heated messages can end up as evidence in court. Judges don’t look kindly on name-calling.
  • Rash decisions made in the heat of the moment can lead to agreements you regret later.
  • The kids pick up on conflict—trust me, even if you think they’re not listening.

A client—Sarah, recently separated—in a moment of anger, sent an email she wished she could take back. Unfortunately, her ex’s attorney printed it out and used it to challenge her request for more parenting time. That was a tough lesson.

What can you do instead? Pause before you hit send. Reach out to a neutral friend, therapist, or counselor. Try to keep things professional and brief—even if you’re boiling inside. Remember, you’re not just protecting your case. You’re protecting your peace of mind and your family’s future.

Ignoring or Misunderstanding Financial Aspects

Ignoring or Misunderstanding Financial Aspects

Money talk gets awkward fast—especially when assets and debts are tangled between two people. But if you ignore the financial nitty-gritty, you could end up short-changed or shouldering debts you didn’t even know existed.

Here’s what often trips folks up:

  • Not gathering all the documents (bank accounts, investments, home values, and yes—credit card debts).
  • Assuming your ex will be upfront about everything (sometimes they “forget” an account or two).
  • Forgetting about tax consequences. Selling the house? Splitting retirement funds? Uncle Sam will want his share.

A client shared how she once thought her spouse’s 401(k) was off-limits. Nobody told her otherwise, so she gave up her share of it in exchange for the car, not realizing the long-term financial impact. Years later, that decision stung.

What’s the fix?

  • Lay everything out: assets, debts, incomes, expenses—no matter how small.
  • Ask questions. If something doesn’t add up, dig deeper.
  • Bring in a financial expert if the assets are complex (businesses, real estate, retirement plans).

You deserve a clear, honest picture—so you can make choices that serve you in the long run.

Not Considering Long-Term Implications

When you’re just trying to make it through the week, thinking five or ten years ahead feels impossible, right? But it’s crucial. Long-term impacts, such as tax implications of asset division, retirement savings adjustments, and evolving custody arrangements, must be considered. 

Common long-term missteps include:

  • Agreeing to a support payment without understanding how future changes (like a job loss or raise) might affect things.
  • Fighting hard to keep the house… and then realizing you can’t afford the mortgage on one income.
  • Rigid custody schedules that don’t account for kids’ changing needs (their activities, school, even new relationships).
How to consider long-term implications during divorce

We understand that you want to move forward and put this all behind you. Just remember: the decisions you make now can impact you (and your kids) for years—financially and emotionally.

So, don’t be afraid to ask,

How will this choice affect me three, five, or ten years from now?

It’s a fair question—and a smart one.

Protecting Your Rights and Your Future

If you take one thing from all of this, let it be this—mistakes in divorce are common, but most are preventable when you go in with a plan, an open mind, and expert guidance.

Remember:

  • It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
  • Asking for help, whether from a lawyer, counselor, or trusted friend, is a sign of strength.
  • The choices you make today are shaping your next chapter—so let’s make them confidently, strategically, and with your future front and center.

At Jones Law Firm, we’ve walked this road with thousands of Colorado families. And while every journey is different, one thing never changes: You deserve strong guidance, empathy, and results you can trust.

We Choose Sides. Yours.

Ready for clarity, peace of mind, and a team that puts your interests first? Start with a confidential consultation. Your future is worth it.This article is for informational purposes. For personalized advice specific to your situation, connect with a trusted Denver divorce attorney.