Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce

Navigating Business Ownership in Colorado Divorce

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:01:24 -0300

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce, hosts Kristi Anderson Wells and Sean O'Connor delve into the complexities of business ownership during divorce proceedings in Colorado. Kristi, a seasoned attorney from Wells Family Law, explains the intricacies of dividing closely held businesses, highlighting the challenges in valuing such entities. The discussion covers the distinction between marital and separate property, the impact of divorce on business operations, and the potential for disputes over business valuation.

Kristi also shares insights on how personal and business finances often intertwine, complicating the divorce process. The episode provides valuable information for those dealing with high-asset divorces, offering strategies to protect business interests while ensuring fair settlements. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the legal landscape of divorce when business ownership is involved.

Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
0:54 – Complexity of Business Ownership in Divorce
2:09 – Closely Held Businesses and Marital Assets
3:24 – Separate vs. Marital Property
5:20 – Challenges in Business Valuation
7:01 – Standards of Value in Business Valuation
9:07 – Forensic Accounting in Divorce
10:48 – Impact of Divorce on Business Operations
13:03 – Confidentiality in High-Profile Divorces
17:12 – Private Judges and Collaborative Divorce
19:14 – Installment Notes for Divorce Settlements
21:09 – Case Study: Marijuana Business Divorce
22:21 – Receivership in Business Management During Divorce

About the Show:
Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce is a podcast dedicated to unraveling the complexities of divorce law in Colorado. Hosted by Kristi Anderson Wells, a prominent family law attorney, the show offers insightful discussions on various aspects of divorce, including asset division, child custody, and financial planning.

With a focus on clarity and practical advice, the podcast is designed for individuals navigating the challenging landscape of divorce. Whether you're dealing with high-asset cases or seeking guidance on family law matters, Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce provides valuable information to help you make informed decisions.

Visit the website below to learn more:
https://wellsfamilylawcolorado.com/

The Alpine Divorce: Take a Hike! (or don’t)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:16:01 -0300

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce, host Sean O'Connor is joined by Kristi Anderson Wells and her partners, Chelsea Augelli and Kaela Zihlman, from Wells Family Law. Together, they delve into the concept of "alpine divorce," a term gaining traction on social media, which describes a partner abandoning another in a remote outdoor setting. The discussion explores the historical roots of this concept, its modern-day implications, and its connection to domestic violence and coercive control. The team examines how seemingly innocuous actions can be red flags for deeper issues of control and abuse. They also discuss the challenges of identifying coercive control and the importance of recognizing patterns and intent in relationships. Listeners gain insights into recognizing these behaviors and understanding the legal and personal ramifications, especially in the context of Colorado family law.

Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
0:32 – Meet Kristi Anderson Wells and Partners
1:08 – Defining Alpine Divorce
2:16 – Historical Context of Alpine Divorce
3:21 – Recent Cases and Media Attention
5:18 – Connection to Domestic Violence
6:09 – Identifying Coercive Control
8:06 – Patterns and Intent in Relationships
9:32 – Coercive Control vs. Domestic Violence
11:51 – Examples of Coercive Control
12:59 – Financial Control in Relationships
14:49 – Litigation Abuse
16:35 – Resources and Vulnerability in Legal Battles
17:10 – How to Recognize and Respond to Red Flags

About the Show:
Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of family law in Colorado. Hosted by Sean O'Connor and featuring expert insights from Kristi Anderson Wells and her team at Wells Family Law, the show covers a wide range of topics from divorce and custody to financial planning and domestic violence. With a focus on clarity and practical advice, the podcast aims to empower listeners with the knowledge they need to navigate their legal challenges effectively. Whether you're facing a family law issue or simply want to understand the intricacies of the legal system, this podcast offers valuable perspectives and guidance.

For more information, visit our website:
https://wellsfamilylawcolorado.com/

To Wed or Not to Wed: Unmarried Partner Break-Ups

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:45:07 -0300

Episode Summary: In this episode of Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce, hosts Kristi Anderson Wells and Sean O'Connor explore the complexities of unmarried partner breakups in Colorado. Joined by Ann Gushurst, an attorney known for her role in eliminating the ban on same-sex marriage in the Colorado Constitution, they delve into the legal challenges that unmarried couples face when separating. The discussion highlights the differences between divorce and unmarried breakups, the implications of common law marriage, and the importance of cohabitation agreements. The hosts emphasize the unpredictable nature of common law marriage rulings and the potential financial and legal pitfalls for couples who do not formalize their relationship. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intricacies of family law in Colorado, providing valuable insights and practical advice to protect one's interests.

Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
00:32 – Unmarried Partner Breakups in Colorado
01:15 – Common Misconceptions About Unmarried Breakups
02:06 – Legal Challenges Without Marriage
03:10 – Real-Life Case Study: Unmarried Separation
04:09 – Common Law Marriage Explained
05:25 – Historical Context of Common Law Marriage
07:20 – Legal Implications of Common Law Marriage
09:12 – Factors Determining Common Law Marriage
10:38 – Challenges in Proving Common Law Marriage
12:12 – Risks of Accidental Common Law Marriage
14:51 – Impact of Legal Changes on Same-Sex Couples
17:02 – Importance of Cohabitation Agreements
18:23 – Legal Complications Without Marriage

About the Show: Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce is a podcast dedicated to unraveling the complexities of family law in Colorado. Hosted by Kristi Anderson Wells, a seasoned family law attorney, the show provides listeners with insightful discussions on divorce, custody, and financial issues. With a focus on clarity and practical advice, the series is designed for individuals navigating the legal landscape of family relationships. Whether you're facing a divorce or simply interested in understanding the intricacies of family law, Continental Divide offers valuable guidance and expert perspectives to help you make informed decisions.

Navigating Stock Options and Executive Compensation in Colorado Divorce

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:01:35 -0300

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce, host Sean O'Connor and Kristi Anderson Wells from Wells Family Law delve into the complexities of dividing stock options, RSUs, and executive compensation during a Colorado divorce. Kristi, a former executive compensation attorney, brings her expertise to explain why these assets often lead to confusion and disputes. They discuss the intricacies of Colorado law regarding vested and unvested stock rights, the impact of executive compensation plans, and the potential pitfalls for divorcing executives. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of stock options and the potential financial implications in a divorce settlement. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating these complex financial waters and the importance of seeking professional guidance.

Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction
00:54 – Understanding Stock Options and RSUs
01:41 – Colorado's Unique Laws on Stock Rights
03:09 – Historical Context: Enron and Executive Compensation
04:09 – Sarbanes-Oxley and Code Section 409A
05:09 – Vesting and Property Division in Divorce
07:03 – Differences Between Stock Options and RSUs
09:19 – Phantom Stock and Executive Incentives
10:29 – Colorado Supreme Court's Approach
11:32 – Settling Stock Rights in Divorce
13:05 – Valuation Challenges of Stock Options
14:10 – Common Mistakes in Handling Stock Rights
15:54 – Importance of Legal Guidance

About the Show:
Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce is a podcast dedicated to unraveling the complexities of divorce in Colorado. Hosted by Sean O'Connor and featuring expert insights from Kristi Anderson Wells of Wells Family Law, the show covers a wide range of topics from asset division to parenting plans. With a focus on clarity and practical advice, the podcast aims to empower listeners with the knowledge they need to navigate the legal landscape of divorce. Whether you're considering divorce or in the midst of proceedings, Continental Divide offers valuable guidance to help you make informed decisions.

Collaboration, Litigation, Mediation: Options for Divorce in Colorado

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:31:03 -0300

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce, host Sean O'Connor is joined by Kristi Anderson Wells and Ann Gushurst to explore the various pathways families can take through divorce in Colorado. Ann, a pioneer in collaborative divorce law, shares her insights on the differences between litigation, mediation, and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right approach for each unique situation. The discussion covers the adversarial nature of litigation, the cooperative spirit of collaboration, and the strategic use of mediation in both contexts. Ann and Kristi also delve into the practical aspects of collaborative divorce, including the role of neutrals and the importance of trust and open communication. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of divorce while minimizing conflict and fostering positive outcomes for families.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 – Introduction

0:33 – Overview of Divorce Paths in Colorado

1:01 – Ann Gushurst's Role in Collaborative Law

2:17 – Understanding the Role of Neutrals

3:05 – Defining Litigation in Divorce

4:39 – The Adversarial Nature of the Legal System

6:11 – The Collaborative Approach to Divorce

9:45 – Timeline of Collaborative Cases

12:00 – Ethics and Collaborative Law

13:40 – The Role of Mediation in Divorce

15:04 – Importance of Information in Mediation

17:23 – Challenges in Collaborative Divorce

22:03 – Cases Suitable for Collaboration

23:30 – Addressing Domestic Violence in Collaborative Cases

About the Show:

Continental Divide: A Guide to Colorado Divorce is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of family law in Colorado. Hosted by Sean O'Connor, the show features expert insights from leading attorneys like Kristi Anderson Wells, offering listeners practical advice on divorce, mediation, and collaborative law. With a focus on clarity and empathy, the series aims to empower listeners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions during one of life's most challenging transitions.