Westminster Legal Separation Lawyers — Full Legal Resolution, Without a Permanent Decision
Legal separation in Colorado produces a binding court decree resolving property, debt, support, and parenting issues with the same legal force as a divorce — while leaving the marriage technically intact. For Westminster couples where health insurance coverage, financial structure, or personal beliefs make maintaining the legal marriage important, legal separation is a meaningful alternative worth understanding fully before deciding between it and divorce. Burnham Law’s Westminster legal separation attorneys help clients understand exactly what they’re choosing before any filing is made.
Browse our Westminster legal separation attorneys below — advisors who will walk you through both options and make sure you understand the consequences of each before you commit.
She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice before earning her law degree with high honors from Drake University Law School. During her time in law school, she was actively involved in several organizations, including the Children’s Rights Clinic, where she represented children in Dependency and Neglect cases, as well as the Student Bar Association and Law Review. She also gained experience as a Legal Writing Fellow and was a member of the Client Counseling Team. Before joining the Colorado bar, Ali was admitted to practice in Iowa. She worked at a general practice firm, where she gained extensive experience in family law, juvenile law, real estate, and business and estate planning. Ali is dedicated to being a compassionate and zealous advocate for her clients, recognizing the emotional and often high-conflict nature of family law, civil demand letters and probate matters. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys running, skiing, and traveling...
Allison brings a unique blend of business and legal expertise to her practice. After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia, she worked full-time while attending Georgia State University College of Law in the evenings, where she earned her JD. Although born in Texas, Allison’s upbringing included time in Colorado and Georgia. After completing her education in Georgia, she decided to return to Colorado to begin her legal career. She started as a Deputy District Attorney in the 4th Judicial District, prosecuting a variety of cases from misdemeanors to sex offenses. Allison then transitioned to a role as a Senior Contracts Representative at Honeywell, where she worked closely with the United States Air Force. Since 2015, Allison has exclusively practiced family law, a field she discovered to be her true passion. She brings compassion and empathy to her work, ensuring clients understand the legal process every step of the way. While she always strives...
Annie is dedicated to helping clients navigate some of life’s most challenging transitions with clarity and compassion. Her practice focuses primarily on family law, where she represents clients in divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, post-decree disputes, guardianships, DHS finding appeals and child-related matters. Before joining Burnham Law, Annie gained extensive experience representing clients in district court on guardianship, conservatorship, and expungement cases. From that experience, she learned to approach every case with a balance of empathy and assertiveness, understanding that family law matters are deeply personal and often contentious. Outside the office, Annie enjoys exploring Colorado’s hiking trails and discovering local thrift stores.
Barry has over 35 years of experience handling divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, maintenance, high asset property division, and post decree modification cases. Barry successfully handled the landmark case (Spahmer v. Gullette), which changed child relocation law in Colorado. The case serves as the current governing law for relocation cases in Colorado that arise as part of a divorce proceeding. Barry takes great pride in not only delivering the highest quality legal services, but also developing strong and reliable relationships with his clients. He understands how stressful it is to be involved in a divorce or family law proceeding and considers it his responsibility to take care of his clients and be their trusted advisor when resolving their legal issues.
Brooke Shafranek is an experienced family law attorney with a client-focused approach to her practice. She was born and raised on Long Island, New York, and attended North Carolina State University, where she received her bachelor’s in English and graduated as valedictorian of her graduating class. Brooke attended law school at the University of Florida, where she received several awards, honors and scholarships. Brooke has been recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star since 2023, and brings her passion and expertise to every family law matter. Outside of work, Brooke enjoys traveling and watching live music.
Christopher Sutton is an experienced litigator, focusing his current practice on a mix of Criminal Defense and Family Law. He brings over a decade of high-stakes courtroom experience to his practice, having spent nearly ten years as a District Attorney for El Paso County. During this time, he served for three years as a Special Victim's Attorney, handling complex cases including sex crimes, felony child abuse, and multiple homicides. This experience instilled in him a deep commitment to finding justice for clients and giving back to the community. Mr. Sutton's path to law began with a strong interest in the environment. After earning his B.A. in Biology from Washington and Lee University, he worked as an environmental scientist, identifying liabilities in properties. A key experience working on a Superfund site solidified his decision to pursue law. He earned his J.D. from the University of Denver (DU), where he concentrated on environmental and criminal law. Originally from Pottstown, PA, Christopher developed...
Cindy graduated cum laude from The Pennsylvania State University before earning her law degree from Penn State Law. During her time in law school, she gained invaluable practical experience as a student attorney for the Penn State Family Law Clinic, where she successfully represented clients on a variety of complex family law issues. Throughout her legal career, Cindy has distinguished herself as a highly skilled Family Law strategist and a zealous litigator. Her extensive experience has given her a unique ability to navigate the complexities of family law and provide powerful advocacy for her clients. Cindy understands the profound emotional and financial strain that contentious family disputes inflict on families. She is deeply committed to being a steady, supportive force during these tumultuous times. Cindy is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of her clients; she provides individualized representation, developing unique and thoughtful strategies to help clients achieve their specific case objectives and find stability. Committed to...
Daniel is an experienced litigator who has solely focused on family law since 2012 and has significant experience handling complex and high-conflict cases. Daniel started practicing law at a large family law firm in Florida, where he represented hundreds of clients over the years, before moving to Colorado. He has extensive experience in virtually all areas of family law, ranging from original dissolution actions, allocation of parental responsibilities actions, relocation actions, modifications of parenting time, child support and maintenance. Daniel is a proud alum of Florida State University, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the state with his wife and daughter.
Jennifer brings two decades of family law paralegal experience to her role as a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional. She began her legal career as a legal assistant at a well-established New York firm specializing in foster care and adoption, where her passion for supporting families and children in vulnerable circumstances took root. After dedicating time to raise a family and complete her Bachelor of Social Work, she returned to the legal environment in 2011, working with a seasoned Colorado family law attorney and further honing her skills in domestic litigation. Jennifer is proud to be part of Colorado’s inaugural class of Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs), a groundbreaking initiative expanding access to legal services in family law. She believes in a cooperative, client-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication, practical solutions, and compassionate advocacy. Her social work background reinforces her ability to guide clients through emotionally charged legal matters with both tenacity and empathy. Outside the office, Jennifer enjoys exploring Colorado’s backcountry trails with...
Jennifer is a Partner at Burnham Law. She is an accomplished litigator with expertise in domestic relations law and is often called upon to handle complex dissolutions and post-decree matters. She received the Super Lawyers Rising Star award, a distinction that fewer than 2.5% of lawyers in the state meet. Jennifer got her start practicing criminal law as an Associate Criminal Defense Attorney and she represented clients in court throughout the state of Colorado on a daily basis. Jennifer joined Willoughby and Associates, a premier family law firm in downtown Denver, and has specialized in family law ever since. She is experienced in cases of domestic violence, restrictions and modifications of parenting time, child support, decision making, high conflict APR/dissolution cases, and both pre-decree and post-decree relocation cases. Jennifer enjoys being a source of comfort and guidance to families going through difficult times. She is sensitive to client’s needs while firmly managing their expectations. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending...
Jeremy Wooten, is a seasoned trial attorney who specializes in criminal defense and family law, leveraging a wealth of experience honed over five years at the Colorado State Public Defenders’ Office. Rising to Senior Deputy Public Defender, he successfully managed a diverse caseload, including serious charges like first-degree homicide, drug distribution, and economic crimes, always maintaining an unwavering commitment to client advocacy. Licensed in both Texas and Colorado, Jeremy's legal expertise is defined by strategic planning—meticulously crafting and executing well-thought-out trial strategies—and remarkable resourcefulness in finding innovative solutions to complex legal challenges in both the criminal and family law arenas. His practice is characterized by agile, client-centered advocacy, which relies on adaptability, active listening, and quick thinking essential for effective trial work. Jeremy prioritizes thoroughly understanding his clients' objectives and adapting his strategies dynamically to the evolving nature of trials. His resilience and strategic agility allow him to confidently navigate unexpected developments in the courtroom, ensuring each case is expertly...
Julian Rosielle has been licensed to practice law in Colorado since 2006. Julian is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Law, where he was on the Dean’s List and an associate editor of the University of Colorado Law Review. Julian practiced exclusively in the area of criminal law for the first thirteen years of his career and has several notable case outcomes to include not guilty verdicts on charges of homicide and assault. Julian has extensive trial experience, ranging from Death Penalty cases to misdemeanor domestic violence to driving under the influence. Beginning in 2019, Julian’s practice has expanded to include domestic relations litigation and civil protection orders. Julian has lived in Colorado since 2004 and when not in Court enjoys hiking with his family and dogs.
Kaliegh is a dedicated family law attorney who understands that every family is unique. Whether she is helping clients reach an amicable solution or advocating in the courtroom, Kaliegh ensures that her clients understand the legal process and can make the best decisions for their families. Both a compassionate advisor and a zealous litigator, Kaliegh knows there is no “one size fits all” approach to representation. Kaliegh began her legal career as a staff attorney for the El Paso and Teller County Child Support Services Office. Kaliegh worked in private practice for several years before joining Burnham Law, navigating clients through divorces, child custody determinations, and post-decree modifications. Kaliegh brings a well-rounded approach centered on each client’s individual needs. In her free time, Kaliegh enjoys traveling, photography, reading, and spending time with her family.
Miguel C. Mondragon is a tenacious and dedicated attorney who is fiercely committed to his clients and their legal outcomes. Recognizing that clients facing divorce or criminal charges are often in their most vulnerable state, Miguel acts as a passionate advocate, ensuring they have a voice within the legal system. Growing up in southern Colorado, Miguel developed a strong work ethic by working in construction, lumber, and brickyards while attending college. Before becoming an attorney, his interest in law was sparked by his work within the Larimer County Corrections system. While attending the University of South Dakota School of Law, he gained valuable experience working with East River Legal Services, the Colorado State Public Defenders Office, and Samuelson Law. Upon graduation, Miguel honed his skills first as a solo practitioner, then at Weaver & Associates, P.C., before founding Mondragon Law, where he specialized in criminal defense and family law. He brings this deep experience and tenacity to his current role...
Mikayla assists clients on a variety of family law matters, such as dissolution of marriage, allocation of parental responsibilities, and child support enforcement. Mikayla began her legal career as a child support attorney for El Paso County where she helped parents obtain financial support for their children. While Mikayla has worked in private practice for a number of years, she draws on her experiences as a public child support attorney to help her current clients achieve the best possible results. Clients can expect an honest and tenacious legal advocate in Mikayla’s representation. She understands the sensitive and stressful nature of family law cases, and Mikayla will be there to guide her clients through the legal process. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and camping with her family.
Patrick has experience in the areas of family law, dependency and neglect, and juvenile delinquency. His practice currently focuses on domestic relations, dependency and neglect, and family law matters. Patrick received his Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado Law School where he earned a Juvenile and Family Law Certificate for demonstrated dedication to these fields of law. While attending CU, he also clerked for the 20th Judicial District as a judicial intern and was a student attorney with the Juvenile and Family Law Clinic, assisting low-income clients with a variety of legal issues, including adoptions, divorces, and custody disputes.
Theresa graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in political science and minor in communications in 2014. She went on to graduate third in her class at Western Michigan University Law School in 2018. While in law school she clerked for a judge in the second district court of appeals in Florida. After moving to Colorado she worked for a cannabis law firm assisting cannabis business owners with licensing and compliance/regulations. She then found her passion working in domestic relations and has practiced family law exclusively ever since. Theresa handles all issues related to custody including dependency and neglect, custody disputes, allocation of parental responsibilities, guardianship, and adoptions. Theresa also has experience with high asset cases and division of complex assets. Both in and out of the courtroom, Theresa has a reputation as a strong advocate for those she represents. She is skilled at seeing the big picture, and effectively navigates clients to their best possible outcome....
Legal Separation in Westminster, Colorado
Legal separation in Colorado is a formal court proceeding — not simply choosing to live apart. It produces a legally binding decree that resolves marital property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, and child support in the same way as a divorce decree. The only thing it doesn’t do is end the marriage. Both parties remain legally married following entry of the decree, and neither can remarry.
In Westminster, legal separation proceedings are handled in Adams County District Court (Brighton) or Jefferson County District Court (Golden) depending on which county the filing party resides in — the same courts and the same procedural framework as divorce. The filing process, financial disclosure requirements, parenting plan submissions, mediation requirements, and the mandatory 91-day waiting period are all identical to dissolution. The substantive difference is the final marital status.
Colorado’s legal separation statute includes a conversion provision: either party can file to convert the separation to a full divorce at any time after six months from the date the separation decree is entered. The conversion is handled by motion and adopts the existing financial and parenting terms unless changed circumstances justify modification. For Westminster couples who aren’t certain they want to permanently end the marriage, legal separation functions as a legally decisive but reversible step.
What Our Westminster Legal Separation Attorneys Handle
Filing and managing legal separation proceedings in Adams or Jefferson County District Court from petition through decree. We handle all procedural steps, represent clients in hearings, and ensure the decree resolves all issues comprehensively and correctly.
Property and debt division in separation under Colorado’s equitable distribution framework — including the Westminster-specific assets that appear in local cases: aerospace equity, PERA benefits, investment real estate, and business interests.
Parenting arrangements and child support resolved in the separation decree with the same legal force as in divorce. These orders are immediately binding and enforceable in Adams or Jefferson County District Court.
Spousal maintenance in separation ordered under the same statutory framework as divorce — including both the guideline formula and the broader statutory factor analysis for above-guideline income cases.
Negotiating separation agreements when both parties want to resolve the proceeding without contested hearings. We represent one party in negotiating terms that are comprehensive, fair, and hold up as enforceable court orders.
Conversion to divorce when a party subsequently decides to formally end the marriage. We file the conversion motion in Adams or Jefferson County and manage the transition from separation to dissolution.
How Westminster Legal Separation Cases Work
Legal separation cases in Westminster begin with one spouse filing a Petition for Legal Separation in the appropriate county court — Adams for Adams County residents, Jefferson for Jefferson County residents. The case proceeds identically to divorce — service, financial disclosure, parenting plan submission if children are involved, mediation in contested cases, and either a negotiated resolution or a permanent orders hearing.
The most practically significant threshold question for most Westminster couples is health insurance. Many employer health plans — including those offered by aerospace and technology employers along the US-36 corridor — treat legal separation as a qualifying life event that terminates spousal coverage, just as divorce does. Some plans, however, continue coverage for legally separated spouses. For Westminster households where the separating spouse’s health coverage depends on the other’s employer plan, verifying the specific plan’s treatment of legal separation before filing is a critical step our attorneys address with every legal separation client.
Final separation decrees are enforceable court orders subject to modification through the same procedures that apply to divorce decrees. After six months from entry of the decree, either party can petition to convert the separation to divorce. The conversion adopts the existing financial and parenting terms unless changed circumstances justify modification.
Why Burnham Law for Legal Separation in Westminster
Full information before any filing. The choice between divorce and legal separation has real legal and financial consequences that vary by individual situation. We make sure Westminster clients understand both options — including the insurance question, the Social Security implications, and the conversion process — before recommending any approach.
Westminster asset expertise in separation cases. Aerospace equity, PERA benefits, investment real estate, and business interests appear in legal separation cases as much as divorce cases. We bring the same financial preparation to separation proceedings.
Dual-county court familiarity. We file and appear in both Adams and Jefferson County courts regularly. Our procedural familiarity in each courthouse benefits legal separation clients exactly as it benefits our divorce clients.
Conversion planning. For Westminster clients who may ultimately convert their separation to divorce, we draft separation agreements with that possibility in mind — ensuring the terms translate cleanly when conversion occurs.
Why would a Westminster couple choose legal separation over divorce?
Common reasons include maintaining health insurance coverage on a spouse’s employer plan (subject to plan terms), preserving Social Security spousal benefits tied to a marriage of 10 or more years, satisfying religious or personal objections to divorce, or maintaining legal flexibility to reconcile without a new marriage. Some Westminster couples also use separation when they’re genuinely uncertain about permanently ending the marriage but need legal clarity on financial and parenting issues now.
How does legal separation affect benefits from a Westminster aerospace employer?
Employer benefits — including health insurance — vary significantly in how they treat legal separation. Some aerospace and technology employer plans in Westminster continue coverage for legally separated spouses; others treat separation as a qualifying life event ending spousal coverage. The answer depends entirely on the specific employer’s plan documents. Verifying the plan’s treatment before filing is something we address directly with every legal separation client before any recommendation is made.
Does legal separation affect my PERA benefits or my spouse’s PERA benefits?
The PERA employee’s own pension accrual continues unaffected by legal separation — PERA benefits are individual and continue based on continued employment and contribution. The separation decree may divide the marital component of PERA accrual, requiring a COAP. Survivor benefit elections under PERA may also be affected by the change in marital status — these benefit implications should be reviewed before finalizing a separation agreement.
What if we reconcile after the separation decree is entered in Adams or Jefferson County?
A separation decree can be set aside by mutual agreement of both parties if the court approves the request. If the couple reconciles without formally addressing the decree, the financial and parenting terms remain legally in effect — potentially creating complications. Couples considering reconciliation after a separation decree should consult an attorney about formally resolving the decree’s status.
Is legal separation faster or cheaper than divorce in Westminster?
No — the procedural timeline and costs are essentially identical. The same 91-day waiting period applies, the same disclosure requirements apply, and the same mediation requirement applies. The choice between legal separation and divorce is driven by substantive legal, financial, and personal considerations — not by timeline or cost advantages, because neither exists.
Schedule a Consultation with a Westminster Legal Separation Lawyer
If you’re considering legal separation in Westminster — or trying to decide between separation and divorce — getting clear, situation-specific legal advice is the right first step. We handle both Adams and Jefferson County proceedings.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Westminster legal separation attorneys will walk you through both options and help you make the decision that actually fits your circumstances.
