Centennial Legal Separation Lawyers — All the Legal Clarity of Divorce, Without Ending the Marriage
Legal separation is a court proceeding that resolves the same financial and parenting issues as divorce — property, debt, maintenance, custody, support — without formally ending the marriage. For some Centennial couples, it’s the practical answer to specific financial or insurance concerns. For others, it’s a step toward divorce that preserves options. Whatever your reason for considering it, Burnham Law’s Centennial legal separation attorneys will make sure you understand exactly what it means legally before you commit to anything.
She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice before earning her law degree with high honors from Drake University Law School. During her time in law school, she was actively involved in several organizations, including the Children’s Rights Clinic, where she represented children in Dependency and Neglect cases, as well as the Student Bar Association and Law Review. She also gained experience as a Legal Writing Fellow and was a member of the Client Counseling Team. Before joining the Colorado bar, Ali was admitted to practice in Iowa. She worked at a general practice firm, where she gained extensive experience in family law, juvenile law, real estate, and business and estate planning. Ali is dedicated to being a compassionate and zealous advocate for her clients, recognizing the emotional and often high-conflict nature of family law, civil demand letters and probate matters. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys running, skiing, and traveling...
Allison brings a unique blend of business and legal expertise to her practice. After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia, she worked full-time while attending Georgia State University College of Law in the evenings, where she earned her JD. Although born in Texas, Allison’s upbringing included time in Colorado and Georgia. After completing her education in Georgia, she decided to return to Colorado to begin her legal career. She started as a Deputy District Attorney in the 4th Judicial District, prosecuting a variety of cases from misdemeanors to sex offenses. Allison then transitioned to a role as a Senior Contracts Representative at Honeywell, where she worked closely with the United States Air Force. Since 2015, Allison has exclusively practiced family law, a field she discovered to be her true passion. She brings compassion and empathy to her work, ensuring clients understand the legal process every step of the way. While she always strives...
Annie is dedicated to helping clients navigate some of life’s most challenging transitions with clarity and compassion. Her practice focuses primarily on family law, where she represents clients in divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, post-decree disputes, guardianships, DHS finding appeals and child-related matters. Before joining Burnham Law, Annie gained extensive experience representing clients in district court on guardianship, conservatorship, and expungement cases. From that experience, she learned to approach every case with a balance of empathy and assertiveness, understanding that family law matters are deeply personal and often contentious. Outside the office, Annie enjoys exploring Colorado’s hiking trails and discovering local thrift stores.
Barry has over 35 years of experience handling divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, maintenance, high asset property division, and post decree modification cases. Barry successfully handled the landmark case (Spahmer v. Gullette), which changed child relocation law in Colorado. The case serves as the current governing law for relocation cases in Colorado that arise as part of a divorce proceeding. Barry takes great pride in not only delivering the highest quality legal services, but also developing strong and reliable relationships with his clients. He understands how stressful it is to be involved in a divorce or family law proceeding and considers it his responsibility to take care of his clients and be their trusted advisor when resolving their legal issues.
Brooke Shafranek is an experienced family law attorney with a client-focused approach to her practice. She was born and raised on Long Island, New York, and attended North Carolina State University, where she received her bachelor’s in English and graduated as valedictorian of her graduating class. Brooke attended law school at the University of Florida, where she received several awards, honors and scholarships. Brooke has been recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star since 2023, and brings her passion and expertise to every family law matter. Outside of work, Brooke enjoys traveling and watching live music.
Christopher Sutton is an experienced litigator, focusing his current practice on a mix of Criminal Defense and Family Law. He brings over a decade of high-stakes courtroom experience to his practice, having spent nearly ten years as a District Attorney for El Paso County. During this time, he served for three years as a Special Victim's Attorney, handling complex cases including sex crimes, felony child abuse, and multiple homicides. This experience instilled in him a deep commitment to finding justice for clients and giving back to the community. Mr. Sutton's path to law began with a strong interest in the environment. After earning his B.A. in Biology from Washington and Lee University, he worked as an environmental scientist, identifying liabilities in properties. A key experience working on a Superfund site solidified his decision to pursue law. He earned his J.D. from the University of Denver (DU), where he concentrated on environmental and criminal law. Originally from Pottstown, PA, Christopher developed...
Cindy graduated cum laude from The Pennsylvania State University before earning her law degree from Penn State Law. During her time in law school, she gained invaluable practical experience as a student attorney for the Penn State Family Law Clinic, where she successfully represented clients on a variety of complex family law issues. Throughout her legal career, Cindy has distinguished herself as a highly skilled Family Law strategist and a zealous litigator. Her extensive experience has given her a unique ability to navigate the complexities of family law and provide powerful advocacy for her clients. Cindy understands the profound emotional and financial strain that contentious family disputes inflict on families. She is deeply committed to being a steady, supportive force during these tumultuous times. Cindy is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of her clients; she provides individualized representation, developing unique and thoughtful strategies to help clients achieve their specific case objectives and find stability. Committed to...
Daniel is an experienced litigator who has solely focused on family law since 2012 and has significant experience handling complex and high-conflict cases. Daniel started practicing law at a large family law firm in Florida, where he represented hundreds of clients over the years, before moving to Colorado. He has extensive experience in virtually all areas of family law, ranging from original dissolution actions, allocation of parental responsibilities actions, relocation actions, modifications of parenting time, child support and maintenance. Daniel is a proud alum of Florida State University, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the state with his wife and daughter.
Jennifer brings two decades of family law paralegal experience to her role as a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional. She began her legal career as a legal assistant at a well-established New York firm specializing in foster care and adoption, where her passion for supporting families and children in vulnerable circumstances took root. After dedicating time to raise a family and complete her Bachelor of Social Work, she returned to the legal environment in 2011, working with a seasoned Colorado family law attorney and further honing her skills in domestic litigation. Jennifer is proud to be part of Colorado’s inaugural class of Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs), a groundbreaking initiative expanding access to legal services in family law. She believes in a cooperative, client-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication, practical solutions, and compassionate advocacy. Her social work background reinforces her ability to guide clients through emotionally charged legal matters with both tenacity and empathy. Outside the office, Jennifer enjoys exploring Colorado’s backcountry trails with...
Jennifer is a Partner at Burnham Law. She is an accomplished litigator with expertise in domestic relations law and is often called upon to handle complex dissolutions and post-decree matters. She received the Super Lawyers Rising Star award, a distinction that fewer than 2.5% of lawyers in the state meet. Jennifer got her start practicing criminal law as an Associate Criminal Defense Attorney and she represented clients in court throughout the state of Colorado on a daily basis. Jennifer joined Willoughby and Associates, a premier family law firm in downtown Denver, and has specialized in family law ever since. She is experienced in cases of domestic violence, restrictions and modifications of parenting time, child support, decision making, high conflict APR/dissolution cases, and both pre-decree and post-decree relocation cases. Jennifer enjoys being a source of comfort and guidance to families going through difficult times. She is sensitive to client’s needs while firmly managing their expectations. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending...
Jeremy Wooten, is a seasoned trial attorney who specializes in criminal defense and family law, leveraging a wealth of experience honed over five years at the Colorado State Public Defenders’ Office. Rising to Senior Deputy Public Defender, he successfully managed a diverse caseload, including serious charges like first-degree homicide, drug distribution, and economic crimes, always maintaining an unwavering commitment to client advocacy. Licensed in both Texas and Colorado, Jeremy's legal expertise is defined by strategic planning—meticulously crafting and executing well-thought-out trial strategies—and remarkable resourcefulness in finding innovative solutions to complex legal challenges in both the criminal and family law arenas. His practice is characterized by agile, client-centered advocacy, which relies on adaptability, active listening, and quick thinking essential for effective trial work. Jeremy prioritizes thoroughly understanding his clients' objectives and adapting his strategies dynamically to the evolving nature of trials. His resilience and strategic agility allow him to confidently navigate unexpected developments in the courtroom, ensuring each case is expertly...
Julian Rosielle has been licensed to practice law in Colorado since 2006. Julian is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Law, where he was on the Dean’s List and an associate editor of the University of Colorado Law Review. Julian practiced exclusively in the area of criminal law for the first thirteen years of his career and has several notable case outcomes to include not guilty verdicts on charges of homicide and assault. Julian has extensive trial experience, ranging from Death Penalty cases to misdemeanor domestic violence to driving under the influence. Beginning in 2019, Julian’s practice has expanded to include domestic relations litigation and civil protection orders. Julian has lived in Colorado since 2004 and when not in Court enjoys hiking with his family and dogs.
Kaliegh is a dedicated family law attorney who understands that every family is unique. Whether she is helping clients reach an amicable solution or advocating in the courtroom, Kaliegh ensures that her clients understand the legal process and can make the best decisions for their families. Both a compassionate advisor and a zealous litigator, Kaliegh knows there is no “one size fits all” approach to representation. Kaliegh began her legal career as a staff attorney for the El Paso and Teller County Child Support Services Office. Kaliegh worked in private practice for several years before joining Burnham Law, navigating clients through divorces, child custody determinations, and post-decree modifications. Kaliegh brings a well-rounded approach centered on each client’s individual needs. In her free time, Kaliegh enjoys traveling, photography, reading, and spending time with her family.
Miguel C. Mondragon is a tenacious and dedicated attorney who is fiercely committed to his clients and their legal outcomes. Recognizing that clients facing divorce or criminal charges are often in their most vulnerable state, Miguel acts as a passionate advocate, ensuring they have a voice within the legal system. Growing up in southern Colorado, Miguel developed a strong work ethic by working in construction, lumber, and brickyards while attending college. Before becoming an attorney, his interest in law was sparked by his work within the Larimer County Corrections system. While attending the University of South Dakota School of Law, he gained valuable experience working with East River Legal Services, the Colorado State Public Defenders Office, and Samuelson Law. Upon graduation, Miguel honed his skills first as a solo practitioner, then at Weaver & Associates, P.C., before founding Mondragon Law, where he specialized in criminal defense and family law. He brings this deep experience and tenacity to his current role...
Mikayla assists clients on a variety of family law matters, such as dissolution of marriage, allocation of parental responsibilities, and child support enforcement. Mikayla began her legal career as a child support attorney for El Paso County where she helped parents obtain financial support for their children. While Mikayla has worked in private practice for a number of years, she draws on her experiences as a public child support attorney to help her current clients achieve the best possible results. Clients can expect an honest and tenacious legal advocate in Mikayla’s representation. She understands the sensitive and stressful nature of family law cases, and Mikayla will be there to guide her clients through the legal process. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and camping with her family.
Patrick has experience in the areas of family law, dependency and neglect, and juvenile delinquency. His practice currently focuses on domestic relations, dependency and neglect, and family law matters. Patrick received his Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado Law School where he earned a Juvenile and Family Law Certificate for demonstrated dedication to these fields of law. While attending CU, he also clerked for the 20th Judicial District as a judicial intern and was a student attorney with the Juvenile and Family Law Clinic, assisting low-income clients with a variety of legal issues, including adoptions, divorces, and custody disputes.
Theresa graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in political science and minor in communications in 2014. She went on to graduate third in her class at Western Michigan University Law School in 2018. While in law school she clerked for a judge in the second district court of appeals in Florida. After moving to Colorado she worked for a cannabis law firm assisting cannabis business owners with licensing and compliance/regulations. She then found her passion working in domestic relations and has practiced family law exclusively ever since. Theresa handles all issues related to custody including dependency and neglect, custody disputes, allocation of parental responsibilities, guardianship, and adoptions. Theresa also has experience with high asset cases and division of complex assets. Both in and out of the courtroom, Theresa has a reputation as a strong advocate for those she represents. She is skilled at seeing the big picture, and effectively navigates clients to their best possible outcome....
Legal Separation in Centennial, Colorado
Legal separation in Colorado proceeds through the same court and the same procedural framework as divorce. Centennial residents file in the Arapahoe County District Court in Littleton. The same mandatory financial disclosures are exchanged, the same parenting plan requirements apply if children are involved, and the same 91-day waiting period from date of service applies before a decree can be entered.
A decree of legal separation resolves all financial and parenting issues with the same legal force as a divorce decree, but the marriage itself is not dissolved. Both parties remain legally married. Certain rights and benefits tied to marital status — health insurance coverage under a spouse’s employer plan, Social Security spousal benefits, some military and pension survivor benefits — may be preserved through legal separation in ways they would not be following divorce.
Colorado’s legal separation statute includes a conversion provision: either party may convert a legal separation to a divorce by filing a motion with the Arapahoe County District Court after six months from the date the separation decree was entered. Conversion does not require relitigating the financial or parenting terms already established unless a party demonstrates that a substantial change in circumstances warrants modification.
What Our Centennial Legal Separation Attorneys Handle
Filing for legal separation in Arapahoe County District Court. We handle the petition, service, response, and all procedural requirements through the decree.
Property and debt division in legal separation is resolved with the same equitable analysis as divorce. We identify marital assets and debts, obtain valuations where needed, and build the argument for how they should be divided.
Parenting arrangements including decision-making authority, parenting time schedules, and child support are established in the separation decree with the same legal force as in a divorce decree.
Spousal maintenance can be awarded in legal separation under the same standards as divorce. The terms are specified in the decree and are legally enforceable.
Negotiating separation agreements when both parties want to resolve the case without contested proceedings.
Converting separation to divorce when either party decides that is the appropriate next step.
How Centennial Legal Separation Cases Work
Legal separation cases in Centennial proceed through Arapahoe County District Court on the same track as divorce cases. Financial disclosures are exchanged, parenting plans submitted if children are involved, and the case is resolved by agreement or at a permanent orders hearing.
One practical consideration Centennial clients often raise is health insurance. Depending on the employer’s plan, a legally separated spouse may or may not remain eligible for coverage under the other spouse’s employer-sponsored plan. This is one of the most financially significant practical questions surrounding legal separation, and the answer varies by employer. We advise clients to verify their specific plan terms before making a final decision between separation and divorce.
Why Burnham Law for Legal Separation in Centennial
Informed decision-making first. We make sure Centennial clients understand both options — and the specific implications for their situation — before any filing is made.
Same standards as divorce representation. The financial and parenting decisions in a separation decree are permanent in the same way as a divorce decree. We bring the same preparation and advocacy to separation cases.
Conversion planning baked in. For clients who aren’t certain whether separation or divorce is the ultimate destination, we draft separation agreements with a clean conversion path in mind.
Arapahoe County court familiarity. We appear regularly in Arapahoe County District Court. The court’s expectations are the same for separation as for divorce, and our familiarity with local procedures benefits separation clients equally.
What are the most common reasons Centennial couples choose legal separation over divorce?
Health insurance is the most frequently cited practical reason — some employer-sponsored plans continue to cover a legally separated spouse. Religious objections to divorce, the desire to preserve Social Security spousal benefits tied to a long marriage, and uncertainty about whether the separation will be permanent are also common considerations.
Does a legal separation protect me financially in the same way a divorce does?
Yes. A legal separation decree resolves property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and parenting arrangements with the same legal force as a divorce decree. What it doesn’t do is end the marriage — so neither party can remarry, and certain marital-status-based obligations may continue.
What happens if my spouse files for divorce but I want a legal separation?
If one spouse files for divorce and the other responds requesting legal separation instead, Colorado courts generally grant the legal separation if neither party converts to a dissolution request. The statute favors the less-drastic relief when the parties disagree.
Can the financial terms of a legal separation be changed later?
Property division terms in a separation decree are generally final. Spousal maintenance and parenting arrangements can be modified if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. If the separation is later converted to a divorce, the court adopts the existing terms unless modification is warranted.
How long does a legal separation take in Arapahoe County?
The same 91-day waiting period from date of service applies. Uncontested separations can often be finalized shortly after that period expires. Contested cases take the same amount of time as contested divorces — typically 9 to 18 months.
Schedule a Consultation with a Centennial Legal Separation Lawyer
If you’re considering legal separation — or trying to decide whether separation or divorce is right for your situation — the time to get legal guidance is before you file. The decisions made in these proceedings are legally binding and difficult to undo.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Centennial legal separation attorneys will walk you through both options clearly and help you make a fully informed decision.
