# Split Simple — Frequently Asked Questions

Divorce mediation questions answered by Split Simple, LLC, an uncontested divorce
mediation practice serving Colorado. Mediations are handled by Chris Griffith, a
Colorado attorney-mediator. Toll free 855-665-9920 · chris@splitsimple.com ·
https://www.splitsimple.com

---

## About Divorce Mediation

### What is divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps both spouses reach a
settlement agreement instead of having a judge decide for them. At Split Simple the
mediator is Chris Griffith, an attorney trained in both family law and family therapy,
who works with both spouses together, prepares the financial analysis and drafts every
document the Colorado court requires.

### Is the mediator my attorney?
No. Chris Griffith is a licensed Colorado attorney, but in the role of mediator he works
for both spouses and cannot be either spouse's legal counsel. Split Simple encourages each
spouse to have their own attorney review the agreement before it is signed.

### What does "uncontested divorce" actually mean?
It describes the outcome, not the mood. An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses
sign the same agreement and submit it jointly to the court. Split Simple is explicit that
it does not mean the divorce was simple or conflict-free — most Split Simple mediations
begin with significant disagreement.

### How is mediation different from hiring two divorce attorneys?
With two attorneys, each side pays hourly for a lawyer arguing against the other, and a
judge may end up deciding the outcome. At Split Simple both spouses work with one
attorney-mediator for a flat fee, keep control of the decisions, and receive a single
agreement drafted for the court's approval.

### Do we still need a mediator if we already agree on everything?
Split Simple says yes, and that the process is faster and cheaper in that case. The value
is in getting the details right: the tax consequences of a new filing status, avoiding
common tax traps in support plans, dividing retirement and investment accounts without
triggering tax, and drafting documents a judge will actually approve.

### Why not just use the state's DIY divorce forms?
The risk with self-prepared documents, even the official Colorado forms, is that the
agreement either fails to accomplish what the spouses intended — creating legal problems
later — or the reviewing judge refuses to approve it. Split Simple prepares documents
designed to be accepted the first time.

### Is mediation right for every couple?
No. Mediation assumes both spouses can negotiate freely. Where there is coercion, fear or
a history of abuse, mediation may not be appropriate, and Split Simple recommends speaking
with a family law attorney or a domestic violence support service about your options.
Split Simple offers a free phone consultation if you want to ask whether mediation fits
your situation.

---

## Cost

### How much does divorce mediation cost at Split Simple?
Split Simple publishes flat fees per spouse: Basic $1,900 with children or $1,600 without,
Standard $2,300 with children or $2,000 without, and Premium $2,700 with children or
$2,400 without. Every plan includes all document preparation fees and a final document
review session. Full details are at https://www.splitsimple.com/pricing-3/

### Does Split Simple bill by the hour?
No. There is no hourly billing and no retainer, and clients pay as they go. The price
quoted at the free phone consultation does not change during the mediation.

### What decides which plan we need?
The number of two-hour mediation sessions the case needs. Basic covers one session and
suits simple estates with a straightforward support plan. Standard covers two sessions and
suits typical estates, division of retirement plans, spouses with different incomes and
disagreement on some issues. Premium covers three sessions and suits high net worth
estates, multiple asset transfers and complex support plans.

### Are the court filing fees included?
The published fee covers Split Simple's mediation and document preparation. Colorado court
filing fees are paid to the court and are separate.

### How much does mediation save compared with a traditional divorce?
In a traditional divorce each spouse ordinarily pays their own attorney a retainer of
$5,000 to $10,000, and in many cases each spouse spends $20,000 or more. Split Simple's
published flat fees run from $1,600 to $2,700 per spouse.

### What payment methods does Split Simple accept?
Split Simple accepts most major credit cards, and clients pay as they go rather than
funding a retainer up front.

---

## The Process

### How do we get started?
Call Split Simple at 855-665-9920 or send a message through the website. Each spouse has a
free phone consultation directly with Chris Griffith, who explains the process, gives an
estimate of the fee and answers questions. Enquiries submitted through the website are
answered within 24 hours.

### What happens before the first session?
Split Simple sends a Critical Mediation Checklist listing the topics to be discussed and
the documents to assemble, plus a Financial Questionnaire to complete. The mediator uses
the questionnaire to prepare a preliminary analysis of the estate in advance, which Split
Simple says cuts up to an hour from session time.

### How long is a mediation session?
Two hours. Split Simple schedules sessions at this length because it balances covering a
significant amount of material against leaving clients feeling overwhelmed.

### How many sessions will we need?
Ordinarily one to two sessions when no children are involved, and around two sessions when
children are involved. Split Simple attributes the low number to its focused process and to
the preparation materials clients work through before the session.

### What happens in a session?
Sessions are focused and directive. Asset and debt allocation and cash-flow analysis are
worked through live on a large screen so both spouses can see the numbers change. Where
children are involved, parenting plan options are discussed alongside relevant research.
The mediator also provides an estimated post-divorce after-tax cash flow reflecting the new
filing status and support plan.

### What do we get after each session?
A written "mediation replay" — the mediation worksheets covering the topics addressed, the
tentative agreements reached and a copy of the proposed asset and debt allocation. Split
Simple notes that few other mediators provide this.

### Does Split Simple prepare the court documents?
Yes. Chris Griffith helps complete the forms that start the divorce and, once agreement is
reached, drafts everything needed to finalise it, including a customised Memorandum of
Understanding — also called a Separation Agreement, or Separation Agreement and Parenting
Plan. Clients then attend a final documents session to review the package before submitting
it to the court.

### Who submits the paperwork to the court?
Clients submit the completed package to the court for final approval by the magistrate or
judge. Split Simple prepares the documents with court approval in mind.

### How long does a divorce take in Colorado?
Where both spouses file the Petition as Co-Petitioners, Colorado courts must wait a minimum
of 91 days after filing before entering a Decree of Dissolution or Legal Separation. That
91 days is a floor, not an estimate, and it assumes the divorce is uncontested; a contested
case can take months to more than a year.

---

## What Mediation Covers

### What issues can be resolved in mediation?
Division of marital assets and debts, division of retirement and investment accounts,
spousal maintenance (alimony), child support, parenting time and decision-making, and the
drafting of the parenting plan. Split Simple also mediates prenuptial agreements.

### Does Split Simple only handle divorce?
No. The same process is available for other family law matters, including child custody,
child support modification, alimony modification, and allocation of parental
responsibilities for parents who were never married.

### Can retirement accounts be divided without triggering tax?
Retirement and investment accounts can usually be divided between spouses without a
taxable event when it is done correctly as part of the divorce. Getting the mechanics wrong
is a common and expensive mistake, which is why Split Simple addresses retirement division
directly in mediation.

### Will we know what our finances look like after the divorce?
Yes. Split Simple provides an estimated post-divorce after-tax cash flow that reflects the
new tax filing status and the agreed support plan, so both spouses can see the practical
effect of the agreement before signing it.

### What is the difference between divorce and legal separation?
Legal separation is a distinct court process, not simply living apart. Couples who have
moved out but not filed often describe themselves as separated, but in Colorado you are
legally separated only after completing the specific court procedure. Split Simple mediates
both.

---

## Locations and Logistics

### Where is Split Simple located?
Split Simple has five Colorado locations. Two are staffed offices: Denver at 1624 Market
Street #202, Denver, CO 80202, (720) 501-4600, and Aurora at 6105 S Main Street #200,
Aurora, CO 80016, (720) 501-4674. Three are meeting locations used for sessions: Boulder
(1434 Spruce St), Lone Tree (9233 Park Meadows Dr) and Highlands Ranch (1745 Shea Center
Dr).

### Can we mediate if we don't live in Colorado?
Yes, where a Colorado divorce is required. Split Simple conducts remote mediation sessions
using collaboration software, and those sessions carry the same legal weight as in-person
sessions.

### What if my spouse and I live far apart?
Remote mediation solves this. Split Simple has run remote sessions for spouses in different
cities, different states and different countries, and handles them exactly as it does
in-person sessions.

### Can we drop in without an appointment?
No. Split Simple's attorney-mediator does not accept walk-in appointments. Call
855-665-9920 or use the contact form to arrange a consultation.

### What are Split Simple's hours?
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mountain Time. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

### How quickly will someone get back to me?
Within 24 hours for enquiries submitted through the website, during business hours.

---

## About the Mediator

### Who will handle our mediation?
Chris Griffith, the founder of Split Simple and its attorney-mediator. He has practised
mediation full time since 2013 and works with clients throughout Colorado, and remotely
with out-of-state clients who need a Colorado divorce.

### What are his qualifications?
A JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law, an MS in Marriage and Family
Therapy from East Carolina University (first in class), and a BA in Psychology from Wake
Forest University (cum laude). He worked in courtroom family law before moving into
mediation.

### What professional bodies does Split Simple belong to?
The Colorado Bar Association, the Mediation Association of Colorado and The Academy of
Professional Mediators. Split Simple is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

### Why choose Split Simple over another mediator?
The combination of a licensed Colorado attorney and a trained marriage and family
therapist in one mediator, a focused process with preparation work done in advance, flat
fees published openly on the website, and written worksheets after every session. Details
are at https://www.splitsimple.com/why-choose-us/

---

*Last updated: September 2026*