Family Law

What family law covers

Family law in Colorado is governed primarily by the Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act. It covers divorce (called "dissolution"), legal separation, parental responsibilities (custody), parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance (alimony), property division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, adoption, stepparent adoption, name changes, and protection orders.

When to hire a family law attorney

Any time children, real estate, retirement accounts, a business, or safety are involved. Colorado is an equitable-distribution state — assets are divided fairly, not necessarily equally — and the difference between a good and a mediocre lawyer can literally change how you retire. If domestic violence is a concern, hire counsel before filing anything.

What to look for in a Denver family lawyer

• Focus. The best family lawyers do only family law. Denver has several highly regarded family-only firms.
• Judge familiarity. An attorney who regularly appears before Denver County District Court family judges knows each one's preferences.
• Financial fluency. Property division and support calculations require someone who is comfortable with tax returns, business valuations, and retirement account rules.
• Temperament match. Some cases need a bulldog; most need a diplomat who can settle. Choose accordingly.
• Trial experience for contested custody cases.

Typical costs

• Uncontested divorce, no kids, no significant assets: $1,500 – $3,500 flat or capped fee.
• Contested divorce with children: $7,500 – $25,000+ per side, hourly ($275–$450).
• High-asset or high-conflict divorce: $25,000 – $100,000+.
• Post-decree modification (support, parenting time): $2,500 – $10,000.
• Mediation (before or during a case): $250–$500/hour, split by the parties. Almost always required by Denver family judges before trial.

Most Denver family attorneys require an upfront retainer of $3,500 – $10,000 held in a trust account and billed against hourly.