Civil Protection Orders in Colorado Divorce Cases
In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya breaks down one of the most serious and frequently misunderstood issues in family law: civil protection orders involving allegations of domestic violence. Rather than covering every form of domestic violence or its full impact on divorce, this episode focuses specifically on how civil protection orders (CPOs) work in Colorado and what parties should expect when one is requested during or alongside a divorce case.
Ryan explains the two-step process for obtaining a civil protection order, starting with a verified motion signed under penalty of perjury and reviewed by a judge—often the same day—on an ex parte basis. He walks through how courts balance urgency and safety against due process, why temporary protection orders are issued first, and how violations can lead to criminal charges or contempt in a divorce case.
The discussion then turns to permanent protection order hearings, where judges must decide both whether the alleged acts occurred and whether they are likely to continue. Ryan explains why these hearings often feel like the “wild west,” with limited disclosure rules, flexible evidentiary standards, and tight time constraints. He also outlines the long-term consequences of permanent protection orders—such as firearm restrictions, travel issues, and criminal exposure—along with options for appeal or later modification.
Episode Outline
Domestic Violence and Divorce
Why civil protection orders frequently arise in Colorado family law cases.
Temporary Civil Protection Orders
The verified motion, ex parte review, and the court’s focus on imminent danger.
Service, Enforcement, and Violations
Why violations are criminal offenses and how civil standbys work.
Grounds for a Protection Order
Common bases including domestic abuse, threats, stalking, and sexual assault.
Permanent Protection Order Hearings
How courts evaluate credibility, future risk, and due process concerns.
Long-Term Consequences
Firearm rights, travel issues, criminal exposure, and lasting legal effects.
Children and Parenting Implications
How protection orders affect parenting time and communication in divorce cases.
What is Divorce at Altitude?
Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado.
To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here. If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at info@kalamaya.law.
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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.
