Denver Child Custody Lawyers — Protecting Your Relationship With Your Children in Denver District Court
Custody disputes in Denver are decided in one of Colorado’s most active family law courts, by judges who see a high volume of APR cases and have well-developed expectations about how parenting cases should be prepared and presented. Burnham Law’s Denver child custody attorneys know how Denver District Court handles these cases, how the CFI process works in this jurisdiction, and how to build the parenting plan and evidentiary record that gives your family the best possible outcome.
Our Denver custody attorneys bring local court knowledge, thorough preparation, and genuine child-centered advocacy to every case. 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....
Child Custody in Denver, Colorado
Colorado’s family law framework replaces the term ‘custody’ with Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR) — a structure that addresses two separate issues. Decision-making authority covers major choices about the child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing. Parenting time governs where the child lives and on what schedule. The two components are determined independently and can be allocated differently — it’s common for parents to share joint decision-making while one parent has more parenting time.
All APR determinations in Denver are governed by the best-interests-of-the-child standard applied by Denver District Court. The court weighs a range of specific factors: each parent’s relationship with and involvement in the child’s life, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, the child’s wishes given appropriate weight for their age and maturity, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Denver District Court cannot prefer either parent based on gender.
Denver’s urban environment creates specific parenting logistics that affect how parenting plans are drafted and litigated. School district boundaries, commute times between parents’ residences, the density and variety of extracurricular activity options, and the co-parenting communication dynamics of two households in a large urban center are all practical realities that well-drafted Denver parenting plans address directly. Generic templates often fail Denver families in ways that thoughtfully customized plans don’t.
What Our Denver Child Custody Attorneys Handle
Initial parenting plan development for Denver parents establishing custody arrangements for the first time, whether through divorce or a standalone APR action. We build detailed, functional parenting plans that account for Denver school schedules, both parents’ work realities, and the child’s specific activities and needs.
Contested APR litigation in Denver District Court when parents cannot reach agreement. We prepare clients thoroughly for the CFI investigation process, build the evidentiary record strategically, and advocate through mediation and hearing.
CFI and PRE process navigation — helping clients understand what Denver District Court’s Child and Family Investigators and Parental Responsibilities Evaluators look for, how to present their parenting effectively during interviews, and how to document their involvement in a way that produces a strong investigative record.
High-conflict custody cases involving domestic violence history, substance abuse concerns, mental health issues, or parental alienation. Denver District Court has significant experience with high-conflict APR cases, and our attorneys know how to present these issues effectively and protect clients throughout the process.
Relocation disputes when a Denver parent seeks to move with the children — whether across the metro area or out of state. Denver’s geography creates relocation situations that affect parenting logistics even within the Front Range, and our attorneys handle both the legal arguments and the practical parenting plan implications.
Post-decree modifications when a substantial and continuing change in circumstances has occurred since the last order. Denver’s dynamic economy and mobile professional population mean that circumstances — income, employment, housing, relationships — change frequently enough that modification petitions are common.
How Denver Child Custody Cases Work
Custody cases in Denver are filed in Denver District Court at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse. Both parties submit proposed parenting plans, and in contested cases, the court appoints a Child and Family Investigator. Denver District Court maintains a roster of approved CFIs and makes appointments based on case complexity, the parties’ financial situations, and CFI availability.
The CFI investigation in Denver typically involves in-person interviews with both parents, age-appropriate interviews with the children, review of relevant records — school performance, medical history, communications between co-parents — and sometimes home visits and collateral contacts with teachers, therapists, or other significant adults in the children’s lives. The CFI’s written report and parenting recommendations are submitted to the court and shared with both parties before the mediation or hearing stage.
Mediation is required before a contested Denver custody hearing is scheduled. Denver has a well-developed family law mediation community, and most contested cases settle at mediation after the CFI report is available — the report gives both parties a realistic preview of how the case looks to a neutral professional, which often motivates resolution. Cases that proceed to hearing are decided by a Denver District Court judge based on the full evidentiary record. Contested Denver custody cases typically run 9 to 18 months from filing to final order.
Why Burnham Law for Child Custody in Denver
Denver District Court familiarity. We know how CFI appointments work in Denver, what the court’s current expectations are for parenting plan detail and specificity, and how Denver judges evaluate the best-interests factors in contested cases.
Urban parenting plan expertise. Denver parenting plans require attention to school district logistics, commute realities, neighborhood specifics, and the practical co-parenting dynamics of two urban households. We draft plans that work for Denver families specifically.
High-conflict case experience. Denver District Court sees a high volume of complex, high-conflict custody cases. Our attorneys have the experience to handle domestic violence history, alienation concerns, and substance abuse issues in ways that protect our clients and their children.
Evidence-first case building. CFI investigations are shaped by documentation. We help clients build the parenting log, communication archive, and school and medical record organization that produces a strong CFI record.
Frequently Asked Questions — Denver Child Custody
What school district considerations affect Denver custody cases?
Denver’s varied school district options — including DPS schools, magnet programs, charter schools, and private schools across different neighborhoods — are a frequent source of custody-related disputes. Parents who live in different neighborhoods or different suburbs may be unable to share a school district, which affects parenting time logistics significantly. Decision-making provisions around school choice should be addressed explicitly in Denver parenting plans.
How does a parent’s work travel schedule affect parenting time in Denver?
Frequent work travel is a practical reality for many Denver professionals. Denver parenting plans often include provisions for makeup time when a parent’s travel schedule causes missed parenting time, virtual visitation requirements during travel, and flexibility provisions that allow schedule adjustments by mutual agreement. Courts understand that Denver’s professional environment creates variable schedules and build parenting plans accordingly.
Can I move within Denver with my child without notifying the other parent?
Colorado’s relocation statute requires advance written notice when a parent intends to relocate in a way that substantially affects the existing parenting arrangement. Moving across town within Denver may or may not trigger the statute depending on the distance and the impact on parenting logistics — school, commute, and exchange point considerations are all relevant. When in doubt, consult an attorney before relocating.
How are social media and text messages used in Denver custody cases?
Electronic communications — text messages, social media posts, emails, and messaging app records — are frequently used as evidence in Denver custody cases. Communications that document parenting involvement, demonstrate communication style between co-parents, or reflect concerning behavior are all relevant. Courts in Denver consider this type of evidence regularly. How you communicate with your co-parent and what you post publicly matters throughout a custody proceeding.
What is the difference between a CFI and a PRE in Denver District Court?
A Child and Family Investigator (CFI) conducts a fact-based investigation and makes parenting recommendations. A Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) conducts a more in-depth clinical evaluation, typically including psychological testing of both parents, and is used in the most complex or high-conflict cases. PRE evaluations are more time-consuming and expensive than CFI investigations. Denver District Court uses both depending on the nature and complexity of the custody dispute.
Schedule a Consultation with a Denver Child Custody Lawyer
Custody arrangements established in Denver District Court shape your children’s lives and your relationship with them for years. Getting experienced Denver-specific legal representation from the start gives you the foundation for the outcome your family deserves.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Denver child custody attorneys will walk you through your options and help you build the case your family needs.
