Westminster Child Custody Lawyers — Protecting Your Relationship With Your Children in Adams and Jefferson County
Custody decisions in Westminster move through either Adams County District Court or Jefferson County District Court — two active family law jurisdictions that share the same Colorado APR standards but have their own procedural rhythms and judicial expectations. Burnham Law’s Westminster child custody attorneys know how custody cases work in both courts, how the CFI process unfolds in each jurisdiction, and how to build the parenting plan and evidentiary record that gives your family the best possible outcome.
Our Westminster custody attorneys bring dual-county experience, 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 Westminster, Colorado
Colorado’s family law framework addresses child custody through the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR) — a structure separating decision-making authority from parenting time. Decision-making covers major choices about education, medical care, and religious upbringing. Parenting time governs the physical schedule. Both components are determined independently and can be allocated differently depending on what best serves the child.
All APR decisions in Westminster-area cases are governed by the best-interests-of-the-child standard applied by Adams or Jefferson County District Court. The court weighs each parent’s relationship with and involvement in the child’s life, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, each parent’s ability 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. Neither court can prefer either parent based on gender.
Westminster’s suburban geography — spanning two counties with distinct school district structures, neighborhood configurations, and community resources — creates specific parenting logistics that affect how plans are drafted and how disputes are resolved. Adams Twelve Five Star Schools on one side of Westminster, Jefferson County Schools on the other, and the cross-county commutes that many Westminster families navigate daily all affect what functional parenting plans for this community actually look like.
What Our Westminster Child Custody Attorneys Handle
Initial parenting plan development for Westminster parents establishing custody for the first time — whether through divorce or a standalone APR action. We build detailed plans that account for Adams Twelve and Jefferson County school calendars, both parents’ work schedules, and the child’s specific community connections in the northern Denver metro.
Contested APR litigation in Adams or Jefferson County District Court when co-parents cannot reach agreement. We prepare clients for the CFI investigation process in their specific jurisdiction, build the evidentiary record, and advocate through mediation and hearing.
Cross-county custody cases when Westminster parents reside in different counties. Jurisdiction, venue, and the practical logistics of parenting across the Adams/Jefferson County line all require attention when co-parents live on opposite sides of Westminster.
CFI process navigation in both Adams and Jefferson County — helping Westminster parents understand what investigators in each jurisdiction look for, how to document parenting involvement effectively, and how to present their parenting relationship compellingly during the investigation.
Parenting time enforcement when a co-parent is denying scheduled time, interfering with the parent-child relationship, or violating the terms of an existing order in Adams or Jefferson County. We document violations systematically and pursue enforcement motions when informal resolution fails.
Relocation disputes when a Westminster parent seeks to move with the children in a way that substantially affects the existing parenting arrangement — whether within the metro area or out of state.
Post-decree custody modifications when a substantial and continuing change in circumstances has occurred since the last order. Westminster families in the active northern metro market face modification situations regularly — employment changes, neighborhood moves, school transitions, and evolving co-parenting dynamics.
How Westminster Child Custody Cases Work
Custody cases in Westminster are filed in Adams County District Court (Brighton) or Jefferson County District Court (Golden) depending on the filing party’s county of residence. Both parties submit proposed parenting plans, and in contested cases, the court appoints a Child and Family Investigator. Both Adams and Jefferson County have well-established CFI processes, though the specific CFI roster and appointment practices differ between courts.
The CFI investigation involves interviews with both parents, the children (age-appropriately), teachers, coaches, and other relevant third parties. In Westminster cases that span school districts or involve parents on opposite sides of the Adams/Jefferson County line, the CFI’s investigation often addresses the logistical realities of that geography directly — how parenting exchanges work, where the child’s primary school community is, and what the practical impact of each proposed parenting plan looks like on the ground.
After the CFI submits their report, mediation is required before a contested hearing is scheduled. The combination of CFI findings and complete financial disclosure leads most Westminster contested custody cases to settle at mediation. Cases that proceed to hearing are decided by the judge based on the full evidentiary record. Contested Westminster custody cases typically run 6 to 18 months from filing to final order.
Why Burnham Law for Child Custody in Westminster
Adams and Jefferson County court familiarity. We know how CFI appointments work in both jurisdictions, what each court’s judges prioritize in APR hearings, and how to navigate the procedural differences between Adams and Jefferson County — knowledge that directly shapes how we build and present Westminster custody cases.
Westminster community context. School district logistics, cross-county parenting exchanges, and the suburban family realities of the northern Denver metro are dimensions of Westminster custody cases we address directly — not with generic templates.
Evidence-first case building. CFI investigations are shaped by documentation. We help Westminster parents build the parenting log, school and medical record organization, and communication archive that produces a strong CFI record from day one.
Child-centered advocacy. Both Adams and Jefferson County judges respond to arguments framed around what genuinely serves the child’s interests. We frame every custody argument in terms that resonate with how each court evaluates APR cases.
My co-parent lives in a different county than I do — which court handles our custody case?
When Westminster co-parents reside in different counties, the court that handles the case depends on where the child primarily lives, where the case is first filed, and whether either party challenges venue. In general, the child’s home county has priority jurisdiction. If both counties could assert jurisdiction, the first-filed case typically proceeds. Our attorneys resolve these venue questions at the outset so the case proceeds in the right court from the start.
How does the Adams/Jefferson school district divide affect Westminster parenting plans?
Westminster straddles two school district systems — Adams Twelve Five Star Schools primarily serves the Adams County portion, while Jefferson County Schools serves the Jefferson County portion. When co-parents live on opposite sides of this line, school district enrollment decisions become a source of potential conflict. Well-drafted Westminster parenting plans address school district enrollment explicitly, including how the decision is made and what happens if parents disagree.
What if my co-parent and I disagree about which school the child should attend?
School choice disputes fall under the decision-making authority component of APR. If parents share joint decision-making and can’t agree on a school, either party can ask the court to resolve the specific decision. Courts in both Adams and Jefferson County will consider the child’s best interests in evaluating competing school proposals — including proximity to each parent, school quality, the child’s established friendships, and transportation logistics.
Can I modify our Westminster custody order if I move within the metro area?
A move within the metro area may or may not trigger the relocation statute depending on whether the move substantially affects the existing parenting arrangement. Moving from one part of Westminster to another nearby neighborhood likely doesn’t. Moving from Westminster to a part of the metro significantly farther from the other parent — even within Adams or Jefferson County — might. The question is whether the move substantially affects the current parenting plan’s viability.
How does each county’s CFI process differ in Westminster cases?
Adams County and Jefferson County both use the CFI appointment system, but each maintains its own approved CFI roster and has its own assignment practices. The substantive investigation process — interviews, record review, home visits — is similar across both courts. Attorneys who practice in both courts understand the specific CFIs active in each jurisdiction and can help clients understand what to expect from the process in their specific case.
Schedule a Consultation with a Westminster Child Custody Lawyer
Custody arrangements established in Adams or Jefferson County District Court shape your children’s lives and your relationship with them for years. Getting experienced Westminster-specific legal representation from the start gives you the best foundation for the outcome your family deserves.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Westminster child custody attorneys will walk you through your options and help you build the case your family needs.
