Denver Alimony Lawyers — Strategic Advocacy for Maintenance Outcomes That Actually Work
Spousal maintenance decisions in Denver carry long-term financial consequences for both parties — sometimes a decade or more of payments, or years of financial dependence after a long marriage. Colorado’s maintenance guidelines provide a formula, but Denver’s economic reality — high cost of living, significant income disparities, and career trajectories shaped by the city’s competitive professional environment — means that the formula often doesn’t tell the full story. Burnham Law’s Denver alimony attorneys know where the guidelines leave room for argument and how to build the case that moves outcomes in your direction.
Our Denver maintenance attorneys represent both payors and recipients with equal financial preparation and direct advocacy. Browse our team below.
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....
Alimony (Spousal Maintenance) in Denver, Colorado
Colorado’s spousal maintenance framework uses a statutory formula that produces a suggested monthly amount and duration based on the length of the marriage and the gross incomes of both spouses. The formula applies when combined adjusted gross income is $240,000 or less annually — a threshold that many Denver households exceed, creating a category of cases where the guidelines don’t directly apply and the court has broader discretion to craft a maintenance outcome based on the specific circumstances.
Even within the guidelines’ income range, the formula is advisory — not mandatory. Denver District Court has discretion to deviate when the circumstances support it, and experienced attorneys argue those deviations regularly. Career interruptions made in service of a partner’s career advancement, significant disparities in earning capacity that aren’t fully captured by current income figures, the standard of living established during the marriage in one of the country’s more expensive major cities, and the financial realities of post-divorce life in Denver’s housing market are all factors that support deviation arguments in the right cases.
Denver cases above the $240,000 combined income threshold involve broader judicial discretion from the start — the court determines maintenance based on the full set of statutory factors without the formula as a baseline. These cases require comprehensive financial analysis, earning capacity analysis, and strategic argument about what a fair maintenance outcome looks like given the specific financial profile of the household.
What Our Denver Alimony Attorneys Handle
Maintenance negotiation and litigation as part of the broader divorce proceeding in Denver District Court. When spouses can’t agree on support terms, we build the financial record — verified income, earning capacity analysis, expense documentation, standard of living evidence — and argue for terms that reflect the actual post-divorce financial situation.
Above-guideline income cases where combined household income exceeds $240,000 annually. These cases require full statutory factor analysis and comprehensive financial presentation rather than formula application. They’re disproportionately common in Denver’s high-income professional environment.
Earning capacity arguments when one spouse’s current income doesn’t reflect their actual earning capacity — due to voluntary underemployment, career choices made during the marriage, or temporary income reduction. These arguments cut both ways: they can support maintenance for a spouse who subordinated career development, and can support reduced maintenance obligations for a payor whose income temporarily declined.
Temporary maintenance during the divorce proceeding when a significant income disparity exists. Denver’s high cost of living makes temporary maintenance particularly significant — the gap between what a lower-earning spouse receives and what they need to maintain reasonable housing and living costs during a contested divorce can be substantial.
Maintenance modification after the final decree when a substantial and continuing change in circumstances has occurred — income change, job loss, disability, remarriage of the recipient, or cohabitation.
Non-modifiable versus modifiable structure advice — helping clients understand the trade-offs between the certainty of non-modifiable maintenance and the flexibility of modifiable orders, given Denver’s economic volatility and the risk profile of each client’s situation.
How Denver Alimony Cases Work
Maintenance is determined as part of the overall divorce or legal separation proceeding in Denver District Court. Both parties exchange sworn financial disclosures, and maintenance is typically one of the last issues resolved — because it’s financially interconnected with property division. How assets are divided affects how much support each spouse needs; how income is structured affects what each spouse can pay or expects to receive.
In Denver cases with complex income — multiple income streams, equity compensation, business ownership, investment income — establishing accurate income figures for both parties often requires more than reviewing pay stubs. We work with financial professionals to reconstruct complete income pictures from tax returns, equity plan records, business financials, and investment account statements. Opposing income figures are scrutinized with the same rigor.
Mediation in Denver maintenance disputes typically follows the completion of financial disclosure and, where applicable, a CFI report in cases involving children. Denver’s family law mediation community is experienced and effective — maintenance issues that look intractable in negotiation often resolve at mediation once both parties understand the financial picture and the range of outcomes a Denver judge would likely impose.
Why Burnham Law for Alimony in Denver
Above-guideline income cases handled regularly. Denver’s high-income professional environment means a significant portion of our maintenance cases involve household incomes above the guideline threshold. We handle these cases with the full statutory factor analysis they require.
Earning capacity expertise. In a city with Denver’s economic dynamism, earning capacity arguments — both in support of and against the formula outcome — are common and consequential. We build these arguments from vocational analysis and market data, not just assertions.
Denver cost of living as a factual argument. Maintaining a reasonable standard of living in Denver requires specific income levels that are higher than in most Colorado cities. We incorporate Denver’s economic reality into maintenance arguments explicitly, not as background noise.
Equal advocacy for both sides. Whether you’re a high earner facing a significant maintenance obligation or a spouse who needs support to rebuild after a long marriage, our preparation and advocacy are the same. We don’t assume either side’s position is correct — we build it from the facts.
Frequently Asked Questions — Denver Alimony
What happens when combined household income exceeds $240,000 in a Denver divorce?
When combined adjusted gross income exceeds the guideline threshold, Colorado’s statutory maintenance formula doesn’t apply. Instead, Denver District Court determines maintenance based on the full set of statutory factors: the financial resources of each party, the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, each party’s contribution to the marital estate including homemaking, and each party’s ability to become self-supporting. These cases require comprehensive financial presentation and direct advocacy on each relevant factor.
How does equity compensation affect maintenance calculations in Denver?
RSUs that vest and convert to cash during the maintenance period are typically treated as income for maintenance calculation purposes in the year they vest. The treatment of unvested equity — whether to include projected future vesting in income, and at what value given stock price volatility — is a contested area that often requires financial expert analysis. The specific structure of the employer’s equity plan matters significantly.
Can maintenance be structured as a percentage of income rather than a fixed amount?
Colorado courts can structure maintenance as a percentage of income in appropriate cases, particularly where the payor’s income is variable — such as when a significant portion of compensation comes from commissions, bonuses, or equity vesting. Percentage-based maintenance adjusts automatically when income changes, reducing the need for modification proceedings but introducing uncertainty for both parties. The right structure depends on both parties’ income stability and risk tolerance.
How does Denver’s cost of living affect maintenance amounts?
Denver District Court considers the cost of maintaining a reasonable standard of living in Denver when evaluating maintenance. Denver’s housing costs, which have risen sharply over the past decade, are directly relevant to how much support a lower-earning spouse needs to maintain reasonable housing and living costs post-divorce. This is one of the deviation arguments most commonly raised in Denver maintenance cases.
What if my ex is intentionally underemployed to reduce their maintenance obligation?
Colorado courts can impute income to a spouse who is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed. If a payor has reduced their income by leaving a job, taking a lower-paying position without adequate justification, or refusing available work, the court can calculate maintenance based on what they could earn rather than what they currently earn. Establishing voluntary underemployment requires documentation of the party’s education, experience, and the available job market.
Schedule a Consultation with a Denver Alimony Lawyer
Maintenance decisions made in Denver District Court can shape your financial life for years. Whether you’re negotiating initial terms or dealing with an order that no longer reflects reality, getting experienced Denver-specific legal advice is the foundation of a good outcome.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Denver alimony attorneys will assess your specific situation and give you an honest picture of what the law and the facts can produce.
