Denver Family Lawyers — Experienced Representation in Colorado’s Largest Family Law Market
Denver is Colorado’s largest city and its most active family law jurisdiction. The cases filed in Denver District Court range from straightforward uncontested divorces to high-conflict custody battles and multi-million dollar asset divisions. Whatever your situation looks like, the quality of your legal representation in that courthouse determines your outcome. Burnham Law’s Denver family attorneys bring deep Colorado family law knowledge, direct Denver District Court experience, and the preparation your case deserves — from the first filing to the final decree.
Meet our Denver family law team below — attorneys with diverse backgrounds across every area of domestic relations, ready to handle your case with the depth it requires.
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....
Family Law in Denver, Colorado
Family law cases in Denver are heard in Denver District Court, located at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse at 520 W. Colfax Avenue. Denver District Court handles the full range of domestic relations matters — divorce, legal separation, child custody, spousal maintenance, adoption, guardianship, domestic violence protection orders, and post-decree modifications. As Colorado’s largest family law docket, this court sees a high volume and wide variety of cases, and its judges have established, consistent expectations for how cases should be prepared and presented.
Colorado family law operates on a no-fault framework. Neither spouse needs to allege or prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce, and the court does not weigh fault in dividing property or awarding maintenance. The legal focus is entirely on financial facts, asset valuation, and — where children are involved — what arrangement serves their best interests. Denver’s economy — one of the most dynamic in the Mountain West, with strong concentrations in technology, finance, healthcare, energy, and real estate — means that the financial issues in Denver family law cases are frequently complex and high-stakes.
Denver’s diversity and size mean that family law cases here reflect a broad range of financial situations, cultural backgrounds, and family structures. Burnham Law’s Denver team is equipped to handle that variety — from clients navigating divorce on straightforward terms to those dealing with multi-entity business interests, cryptocurrency holdings, deferred compensation, and investment real estate portfolios that require sophisticated financial analysis before any fair division can be reached.
What Our Denver Family Law Attorneys Handle
Divorce and Legal Separation across the full spectrum of complexity. From uncontested dissolutions to highly contested cases involving significant assets and parenting disputes, our Denver attorneys guide clients through every stage of the process — petition, financial disclosure, mediation, and final decree in Denver District Court.
Child Custody and Parenting Time cases require local court knowledge, understanding of Denver’s CFI appointment process, and the ability to build parenting plans that reflect real family schedules. We handle initial APR cases, contested modifications, and enforcement actions in Denver District Court.
Spousal Maintenance and Child Support involve financial calculations where the details matter significantly. Colorado’s statutory guidelines provide a starting point, but the specific facts of each case — income sources, earning capacity, career history, and the financial needs of both spouses post-divorce — determine whether the formula produces the right outcome.
High-Asset and Complex Divorce is a defining feature of Denver’s family law landscape. Tech equity, cryptocurrency, investment real estate, business interests, and executive compensation packages appear regularly in Denver District Court. Our attorneys handle the financial analysis, expert coordination, and strategic advocacy that complex asset division demands.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements drafted and reviewed with enforceability as the primary objective. Denver professionals, business owners, and investors have concrete reasons to establish clear financial terms before marriage, and we help them do that correctly.
Father’s Rights cases require attorneys who push back against unwarranted assumptions, build the evidentiary record, and advocate in Denver District Court for parenting arrangements that reflect a father’s actual involvement and capability.
Military Divorce affecting servicemembers and veterans in the Denver metro area — including those connected to Buckley Space Force Base and the broader Front Range military community — requires attorneys who understand the federal statutes that intersect with Colorado family law.
Legal Separation in Denver allows couples to resolve key issues like property division, child custody, and spousal support without finalizing a divorce. This process requires knowledgeable legal guidance to protect your rights and financial future. Our Denver legal separation attorneys handle every detail with precision under Colorado family law.
Domestic Violence and Protective Orders require immediate, knowledgeable action. Denver’s protection order process moves quickly, and having an attorney at the PPO hearing — whether petitioner or respondent — changes outcomes.
How Denver Family Law Cases Work
Family law cases in Denver are filed in Denver District Court at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse. After filing and service, both parties exchange mandatory sworn financial disclosures within 42 days of the case being at issue. These disclosures — covering income, assets, debts, and expenses — are the factual foundation of every financial determination in the case. In Denver’s complex financial environment, these disclosures are often extensive and require careful review.
If children are involved, both parties submit proposed parenting plans. Denver District Court expects detailed plans that address the regular schedule, holidays, school-year provisions, decision-making protocols, and communication procedures. In contested custody cases, the court appoints Child and Family Investigators whose reports and recommendations carry significant weight in the judge’s final determination.
Mediation is required in most contested Denver family law cases before a permanent orders hearing is scheduled. Most cases settle at or before mediation once both sides understand the financial picture and the court’s likely range of outcomes. Cases that don’t settle proceed to a permanent orders hearing or trial before a Denver District Court judge. Colorado’s 91-day waiting period applies from the date of service regardless of how quickly parties reach agreement.
Why Burnham Law for Family Law in Denver
Denver District Court experience. Our Denver attorneys appear at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse regularly. We know the court’s procedures, its docket practices, and how Denver District Court judges approach the full range of family law issues. That local knowledge is built into our strategy from day one.
Equipped for Denver’s financial complexity. Tech equity, cryptocurrency, multi-entity business interests, investment real estate — these are the financial issues that define Denver high-asset divorce. Our attorneys and the expert teams we work with are prepared for that complexity.
Genuine litigation capability. The Denver family law market is competitive and sophisticated. Our attorneys have real courtroom experience in Denver District Court and use it — not just as leverage in negotiation, but when cases genuinely need to be tried.
Direct, honest case assessments. Denver clients deserve attorneys who tell them what their case actually looks like. We give honest assessments at every stage — including the parts that aren’t favorable — so clients make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions — Denver Family Law
Where are family law cases filed in Denver?
Family law cases in Denver are filed in Denver District Court at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, 520 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204. This court handles all domestic relations matters for Denver County, including divorce, custody, support, adoption, and protection orders.
How does Denver’s cost of living affect family law cases?
Denver’s high cost of living — particularly housing costs — is relevant to maintenance calculations, property division strategy, and child support determinations. When the marital home has appreciated significantly, equity division becomes a central issue. When one spouse cannot afford equivalent housing on their post-divorce income, that affects maintenance arguments. Denver’s economic reality is a factual backdrop that experienced attorneys work with explicitly.
How are cryptocurrency and tech equity handled in Denver divorces?
Cryptocurrency holdings and tech company equity — including RSUs, stock options, and vested shares — are treated as marital property in Colorado to the extent acquired during the marriage. Cryptocurrency valuations fluctuate significantly, which creates timing questions in how division is structured. Tech equity requires analysis of grant dates, vesting schedules, and the marital portion of each award. Both asset types are increasingly common in Denver family law cases.
How long does a family law case take in Denver District Court?
Uncontested divorces can finalize shortly after the mandatory 91-day waiting period. Contested cases in Denver — particularly those involving custody disputes, high-value assets, or complex financial situations — typically run 12 to 18 months. Cases requiring expert testimony on business valuation or forensic accounting can take longer. Denver’s docket is active and well-managed, but contested cases require time to prepare properly.
Do I need a Denver-based attorney for a Denver family law case?
Having attorneys who appear regularly in Denver District Court provides meaningful advantages — familiarity with the court’s local rules, docket practices, and the practical expectations of Denver judges. Burnham Law’s Denver attorneys practice in this courthouse consistently, which translates directly into better-prepared filings and more effective hearings.
Schedule a Consultation with a Denver Family Lawyer
If you’re facing a family law matter in Denver, getting experienced legal counsel from attorneys who know Denver District Court is the foundation of a well-positioned case.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule online. Our Denver family law attorneys are ready to give you a direct, honest assessment of your situation and what the path forward looks like.
