Law Office of Stephen J. Harhai
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Child Support Guidelines
Mathematical formula in state statutes at CRS 14-10-115 that calculates child support based on incomes of parents.
Custody
The right to make decisions regarding a child. May be joint or sole. Note that custody relates to decision-making and does not define how much time a child will spend with each parent.
Custody Evaluation
Qualified mental health professionals interview and assess all family members to determine what is in a child's best interest with regard to custody. A report is provided to the parties and the court detailing the findings and recommendations.
Custody Plan
The specific terms of a joint custody arrangement, including how decisions will be made, time sharing, etc.
Dissolution
Dissolution or Dissolution of Marriage is the legal term for divorce.
Domicile
Presence in the state with the intent to remain here.
Joint Custody
Decisions regarding children are made jointly by the parents as set out in a custody plan.
Mediator
An individual skilled in conflict resolution who assists parties in reaching agreements. Mediation is non-binding and generally not admissible in court.
Permanent Orders
The final orders which resolve all of the issues in a divorce. Sometimes refers to the hearing before a judge where these orders are entered.
Petition
The information document that commences a divorce action. It includes information like names, addresses, date of marriage and children's names and ages.
Petitioner
The person who files the action.
Parenting Time
The time that a child spends with each parent. May be established by agreement or a judges order.
Respondent
The spouse who did not file the divorce action.
Service
The delivery of official documents by a process server which is noted on a return of service. Service can be waived by executing a waiver of service.
Sole Custody
One parent has the right to make all decisions regarding a child.
Summons
Summons
A pleading filed with the Court and served on the opposing party giving formal notice of the filing of the divorce.
 

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