Best Lawyers Near You in Denver, Colorado for Family Law
Practice Area Overview
Family law issues are some of the most personal and difficult legal matters a person can face. Whether you're dealing with divorce, custody or financial support, the outcome can shape your life for years.
That's why it’s critical to work with a qualified attorney who understands both the law and the local courts. If you’re looking for trusted legal support, Best Lawyers® connects you with peer-reviewed Denver Colorado family law attorneys recognized for their skill and integrity.
What Do Family Law Attorneys Handle?
Family law attorneys in Denver and across Colorado handle a wide range of sensitive legal matters. These include divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support and spousal maintenance. Many also assist with property division, especially when assets like homes, retirement accounts or business interests are involved.
Attorneys may also represent clients in drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, guiding parents through post-decree modifications and seeking emergency protection orders in domestic violence situations.
With Colorado’s requirement that parents submit a proposed parenting plan and attend mediation in most custody cases, legal representation ensures your interests are protected and agreements are enforceable.
Denver and Colorado-Specific Considerations
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, which means neither spouse must prove wrongdoing to file. The only requirement is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. At least one spouse must also meet the 91-day residency requirement before filing for divorce.
If you live in Denver, your case will likely be heard in the Denver District Court – Domestic Relations Division. Other courts across the state, including those in Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs, handle similar matters within their jurisdictions.
The state's divorce and custody process is guided by the Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act, which promotes equitable treatment and emphasizes the best interests of children in custody decisions.
Colorado also uses advisory guidelines for spousal maintenance, taking into account factors like the length of the marriage and each party’s financial situation. While these guidelines are not binding, courts often use them as a baseline when awarding support.
Commonly Asked Questions in Denver
Denver clients frequently ask the following questions when seeking reputable family law guidance.
When should I hire a family law attorney in Colorado?
Hiring a family law attorney is a smart move any time you're navigating divorce, separation or child-related disputes. You should also seek legal guidance if you're modifying an existing custody or support order, facing enforcement actions or concerned about domestic safety.
Even when parties are cooperative, an experienced attorney helps ensure that all agreements comply with Colorado law and anticipate future complications.
How do I choose the best family lawyer in Denver?
Start by identifying attorneys who have a strong record of practicing in Colorado family courts. Look for peer-reviewed recognition and client testimonials that reflect both skill and compassion.
You want a lawyer who communicates clearly, understands Denver’s local court procedures and has handled cases similar to yours. Best Lawyers makes this easier by listing attorneys who’ve earned professional accolades from their peers.
What does a custody lawyer do in Colorado?
Custody lawyers in Denver help clients understand and navigate both physical and legal custody. Physical custody refers to where the child lives, while legal custody involves decision-making authority for major issues like education, healthcare and religion.
Under Colorado law, courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody decisions.
This means they evaluate factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the ability of the parents to cooperate, the child’s adjustment to home and school and each parent’s willingness to foster a relationship with the other.
Parenting time schedules and co-parenting arrangements must be included in a formal parenting plan, which attorneys help draft and negotiate.
How long do you have to be separated before divorce in Colorado?
Colorado does not require spouses to live separately before filing for divorce. The only mandatory period is the 91-day residency requirement. Once that's met, either party can file for divorce, even if they’re still living in the same home.
Is everything split 50/50 in a divorce in Colorado?
Not necessarily. Colorado follows an equitable distribution model, which means the court divides marital property in a way that it deems fair—not automatically equal. Factors considered include each spouse’s contribution to the marriage, economic circumstances and future earning potential. Separate property, such as gifts, inheritances or assets owned before the marriage, is typically excluded from division unless it was commingled during the marriage.
Who pays attorney fees in a divorce in Colorado?
Typically, each party is responsible for their own legal fees. However, if there’s a significant imbalance in income or financial resources, a Colorado court may order one party to contribute to the other’s fees. The court can also impose fee awards if one party has caused unnecessary delays or acted in bad faith during the proceedings.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Colorado?
Some couples manage uncontested divorces without legal representation, especially when they agree on all major issues. However, hiring an attorney can still be beneficial. Even in amicable cases, a lawyer ensures the paperwork is filed correctly, the terms are legally sound and future disputes are minimized. Colorado’s laws regarding parenting plans, maintenance and asset division are complex—and errors can have lasting consequences.
Explore Peer-Reviewed Legal Support
If you're dealing with a family law issue in Colorado, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you need a child custody lawyer in Denver CO, an experienced divorce lawyer Colorado residents trust or simply want guidance during legal separation Colorado courts oversee, the right attorney can provide critical clarity.
Visit the Best Lawyers directory to compare peer-reviewed divorce lawyers Denver residents recommend. From Boulder to Colorado Springs, you’ll find trusted legal professionals ready to help.
Family Law Legal Guide 2025
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David A. Lamb is a founding Shareholder and CTO of Sherr Puttmann Akins Lamb PC. Prior to opening Sherr Puttmann Akins Lamb PC, David practiced at a major family law firm from 2008 to 2010, and was a prosecutor at the Denver District Attorney’s Office from 2001 to 2008. He also worked, previously, at Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell handling complex corporate and financial matters earlier in his career. David loves the practice of family law. He has focused most of his career on helping fa...
Steven B. Epstein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Steven B., who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Megan is the President and CEO, as well as a founding shareholder of Sherr Puttmann Akins Lamb PC. She is a seasoned attorney with an extensive background in family law. Megan served as a Deputy District Attorney, where she earned an appointment from District Attorney Bill Ritter to lead a juvenile federal grant program. Through the grant program she managed a team of professionals from multiple agencies and departments. Megan has litigated, mediated, and settled all types of family law cases...
Michelle Brinner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Michelle, who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michelle is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Luke focuses his law practice exclusively on domestic relations issues. He has practiced family law since 2005, first in Virginia and then in Colorado since 2012. Luke is a strong advocate for his clients. He is adept at negotiating resolutions out of court, but is a skilled trial attorney and prepared to go to trial when the circumstances dictate. Luke enjoys finding creative solutions to difficult problems and remains focused on achieving the best outcomes for his clients. Luke has represen...
Kristi Anderson Wells is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Kristi Anderson, who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kristi Anderson is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Emily Warren is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law, Family Law Arbitration and Family Law Mediation. Emily, who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Emily is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Niceta E. Bradburn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Juvenile Practice. Niceta E., who practices law in Denver, Colorado, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Niceta E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ms. Huston practices exclusively in family law matters with extensive experience in discovery of assets, settlement negotiation, mediation, and complex litigation. She started her family law practice in boutique law firms in and around Chicago, Cook County, Illinois and built a reputation for thoroughly preparing cases for trial and treating clients, opposing counsel, and the courts with dignity and respect throughout the process. Jennifer strongly believes that flexibility in approach is ess...
Ashley advocates for outcomes that enable families to make the smoothest possible transition during an otherwise stressful time of life. She is committed to seeking peaceful resolutions while also zealously advocating for her clients. Whether clients are going through a divorce, custody dispute, financial disputes, or any other family law matter, it is Ashley’s goal that her clients feel as though their issue has been resolved with dignity. While not all cases can be resolved outside of...
Marc J. Kaplan is a practicing trial lawyer, special master and arbitrator. Having been certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Mr. Kaplan is a formidable advocate in court. Mr. Kaplan provides to the firm expertise in civil litigation and appeals, including complex divorces. Mr. Kaplan practices in all civil areas of the law, but primarily in the areas of family law and legal malpractice. Kaplan is the Immediate Past President of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, represented...
About Banafsheh Banafsheh Lari is an associate attorney with Ciancio Ciancio Brown, P.C. and a member of the Family Law Team. Banafsheh earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs with an emphasis on the Middle East from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2012. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2015. Banafsheh began her legal career as a law clerk in Adams County District Court primarily for the Honorable Jac...
About Loren Loren M. Brown is a founding shareholder and managing shareholder with Ciancio Ciancio Brown, P.C. Loren’s practice is focused 100% on litigation, providing representation along the Front Range, and throughout the State of Colorado. Loren focuses on Wrongful Death and Personal Injury, Criminal Defense (ranging from traffic violations to homicide), Liquor Licensing, and Commercial Litigation. Loren is also actively involved in the Colorado Bar Association. Loren served as the...
Elizabeth practices exclusively in family law, having served hundreds of clients during her tenure with their divorces, parenting, and child support cases. Elizabeth’s family law practice has focused on asset and business valuation, income valuation, complex divorce, parental responsibilities, child relocation, and child support matters, among others. Elizabeth speaks both Spanish and Italian and uses these skills to assist non-native speakers in navigating through domestic matters. Eli...
Halleh T. Omidi counsels clients on the various aspects of dissolution of marriage cases, including complex asset division, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, maintenance, paternity, post-decree modifications, appeals, and the like. Halleh is experienced in litigation as often it is necessary for a case to be litigated. In 2013, Halleh completed the Houston Family Law Trial Institute, an elite family law trial seminar. However, when litigation is not required, she negotia...
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.