Toponas Family Lawyers

As Gavin Halligan grew up in Colorado there was never any question she would be a lawyer one day. Her parents just knew. Early in life, Gavin showed a strong sense of fairness and the seemingly innate ability to articulate it. Often.

A continual refrain in the Halligan home: “It’s not fair!” “Save it for when you’re a judge.”

Gavin attended The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., then the University of Denver Sturm College of Law – where, as predicted, she loved the law while discovering an affinity for litigation. She chose family law because it offered her the chance...

I am a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional with a solid background as a litigation paralegal, particularly in the realm of family law. Throughout my tenure as a paralegal, I developed a deep understanding of the complexities inherent in family law, recognizing the distinctiveness of each case. When Colorado introduced the Licensed Legal Paraprofessional role, I immediately saw it as the perfect opportunity to advance my career. This role allows me to combine my dedication to assisting others with my passion for the legal field. I thrive on solving problems and embrace the challenges that come with the legal profession. My drive is...

Born in Vernal, Utah, Attorney Curtis grew up in Utah but now calls Colorado home with his wife and son. Attorney Curtis founded the Curtis Law firm, LLC with the honest belief that quality legal services should be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy. From the beginning, Curtis Law Firm has been helping its clients resolve their legal problems so they can get on with the business of living.

Mr. Westlund excels in the the practical application of the law to your individual case. For over 37 years, he has served clients in Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Brighton and throughout the greater Denver Metropolitan Area. His Northglenn, Colorado office has convenient access to the courts of Adams, Broomfield, and Denver metropolitan counties.

A wide range of education and experience gives this attorney a unique perspective to your legal and personal issues. His concern, first and foremost, is for his client’s complete needs. It is often difficult to find concern for personal well-being as a client of a large, inhospitable law firm....

My name is Levi Brooks and I’m an experienced, yet reasonably-priced, family law and bankruptcy attorney in Fort Collins, Colorado.

I’ve been practicing family/domestic relations law in Larimer County for about fifteen years and bankruptcy law for approximately eleven years. Although practicing in those areas of law (especially family law) can be challenging, I find it highly rewarding. I appreciate having the opportunity to help people through what is often the most difficult time in their lives. Whether it’s a divorce or a bankruptcy, my goal is to get my client through the process as painlessly as possible and...

Introduction

A resident of Ft. Collins for over 20 years, RD began practicing law in 2008 as an associate of a high volume civil litigation firm. Followed by a few years as Policy Director of a national non-profit and General Council for a start up oil and gas company. Since 2016, RD’s practice has focused on Family Law. RD is divorced himself with a son and understands the difficulties created by ending a marriage or relationship.

Education

RD graduated Colorado State University in 1997 with a degree in Philosophy. Prior to attending law school, RD worked as an arborist, married and started a...

Jason has received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Law. Since 2010 he has specialized in bankruptcy, family, criminal, and landlord tenant law. He is dedicated to customizing solutions to his clients’ specific legal issues. Through the years Jason has helped over a thousand clients to receive the most cost-effective outcome possible. He has experience as an attorney in the Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley areas, litigating a variety of cases at both the state and federal level and he is admitted to practice in all courts in Colorado as well as the 10th Circuit Court of...

Jessica Avis, J.D. (formerly Jessica Trillo) Senior Associate Attorney Growing up in rural Oklahoma, Jessica attended and graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 2015 with her Bachelor of Business Administration. Always ambitious, she graduated with a double major in Supply Chain Management and Marketing. Thereafter, Jessica was conferred a Juris Doctor in 2018 from Roger Williams University, graduating Cum Laude, recognized from among the top legal scholars in her graduating law-school class. After law school, Jessica was selected to clerk for the Honorable Seven Jourd of the 8th Judicial District in Larimer County. Completing her clerkship, Jessica moved on to focus her...

Timothy Edstrom, J.D. Senior Managing Associate Attorney Tim Edstrom is a Senior Managing Associate at the Bagley Law Firm. While his current focus is in criminal defense and family law, he has extensive experience in a wide variety of legal fields that include workers’ compensation, immigration, Social Security, civil litigation for personal injury, business disputes, civil rights violations, sexual harassment, and securities regulation. When looking into Tim’s legal background, one will find that Tim has litigated some of the most high-profile civil rights cases in Colorado history, including the Michael DeHerrera and Juan Vasquez police brutality lawsuits. Tim has done more than 50 jury...

Charles E. Liken, J.D. Senior Managing Associate Attorney Charles E. Liken is a Senior Associate Attorney at the Bagley Law Firm. Charles specializes in Family Law, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, & Probate. Charles is also a certified mediator as well as a Child and Family Investigator (i.e., a "CFI"). Graduating from Sturm College of Law in 2002 from Denver University, Charles has built his career on taking the time to listen and giving an honest assessment of where things stand in his clients' cases. Notably, Charles is a former Deputy District Attorney for the Colorado 12th District in Del Norte, Colorado. This brings...

As a Longmont attorney at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., Todd Brownell handles a wide range of cases involving divorce and family law. He is passionate about protecting the rights and interests of the men and women he represents. He also assists clients with divorce-related issues such as child support, child custody, spousal maintenance, and debt division. He helps individuals remain calm during what is bound to be one of the most stressful and emotionally taxing moments in their lives. His well-versed knowledge also allows him to help clients with adoptions, grandparent visitation, and guardianships. Before joining our firm,...

I offer over a decade of trial law experience to serve the men and women of Colorado and the United States military. Upon my graduation from law school with honors in 2001, I spent over five years as an attorney at the Kane County State's Attorney's Office where I handled thousands of criminal cases. In 2006, I joined the Air Force JAG Corps. I received high marks as a prosecuting attorney. The Judge Advocate General of the Air Force then chose me to become a military defense attorney. Despite glowing reviews and a promotion to Major, I decided to leave...

Raised along the Front Range, Donny McClellan is an adventurer at heart. His journey has taken him around the world, with experiences living overseas and across the U.S., but he ultimately chose to settle back in Northern Colorado—because, as he believes, there’s no better place on earth. Donny’s wife, Whitney, a Colorado native, shares his love for the region and is the proud owner of Brick & Vine Real Estate and Property Management, LLC. Together, they enjoy spending quality time with their two children and two dogs, embracing the Colorado lifestyle. Donny’s academic journey is as impressive as his legal career....

Alison Kilmer is a former judicial law clerk and prosecutor with a strong business background. She combines both her legal background and business experience in a practice that centers on providing individualized services for each of her clients based on their specific situation.

Ms. Kilmer focuses on each case individually and strategically analyzes the underlying facts of the case to determine the best possible outcome for her clients. A strong advocate for her clients, Ms. Kilmer seeks to resolve matters through collaboration to the extent possible, but relies on her experience as both a former prosecutor...

Advocate. Counselor. Attorney. I work with residents in Colorado and many nearby communities on legal matters that are critical to their family. After law school, I spent years working with respected legal professionals on various family law matters, honing my skills and learning how to best serve our local community. In 2014 I decided to put my experience to work more directly and opened The Cossitt Law Firm. We provide comprehensive and advocacy with family law and estate planning matters. Are you going through a divorce? Trying to settle child custody disputes? Going through a...

My goal is always the same, to work closely with clients that find themselves in legal proceedings and to help them receive, from that process, the flexibility and options they need to live a meaningful and enriching life. The criminal justice system can stop a life right in its tracks. I try to help people return to that life as quickly and as fully as possible.

Sarah Lamborne received her Bachelor of Science in Biological and Cognitive Psychology with University Honors from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Upon graduation, Ms. Lamborne worked as an au pair in a small village in northern France, and then joined the Peace Corps in Chad, Central Africa. Her experiences abroad have fostered a life-long love of travel. Ms. Lamborne worked as a Legal Assistant prior to law school at law firms in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Boston, Massachusetts. She assisted Attorneys on criminal, domestic relations, insurance defense, and medical malpractice cases. As a...

Jessica Breckenridge has devoted her practice to family law – divorce, custody disputes, child support, and spousal maintenance. She has a passion for helping families during some of the toughest times. Ms. Breckenridge is a fierce advocate for her clients, both in and out of a courtroom. She enjoys being in the court room being able to help tell her client’s stories, but she is also prepared to fight outside of court to try to come to a resolution that meets the needs of the family. Ms. Breckenridge recognizes that every family is different, and every case is different with different...

Nick de Castro, J.D. Senior Associate Attorney Nick de Castro is a Senior Associate Attorney at the Bagley Law Firm, where he handles criminal defense, civil litigation, and family law cases. Nick was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA and attended Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, AL, receiving a double B.A. in Political Science and Music in 2017. Nick then earned his J.D. at the University of Alabama School of Law, a top-25 law school, in 2020. Before joining the Bagley Law Firm, Nick served for two years as a Colorado Public Defender. Nick has handled hundreds of cases ranging from misdemeanors to complex...

Sam Townsend, J.D. Senior Associate Attorney Sam Townsend possesses years of experience in family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and grandparent rights, as well as estate planning and probate matters. Sam has practiced in numerous county and district courts across Colorado from the eastern plains to the western slope, as well as in the Colorado Court of Appeals. Having received a B.A. in History at the University of Virginia, Sam went on to graduate from Vermont Law School where he was a committee chairman in the Environmental Law Society. Before attending law school, Sam worked numerous seasons in tourism and the outdoor recreation...

John has practiced law in Boulder Colorado since 1975. John has represented individuals and small businesses in a variety of matters, including divorce, family law, civil litigation and real estate. He has been the co-chair of the Boulder County Family Law Committee and served as associate judge of the Louisville Municipal Court.

Jodi is a founding Partner in Martin Law Office LLC and has 18 years of experience as an attorney. At Martin Law Office LLC, Jodi focuses her energy and legal experience on providing legal services to a diverse client base, to include a focus on legal matters impacting the LGBT community, their allies, and individuals impacted by HIV. Jodi works with clients to strengthen and protect themselves and their families through planning and when necessary, litigation.

Stephanie Bergner was licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado in October, 2012. Shortly after, she started the Bergner Law Office. The Bergner Law Office specializes in family law and civil litigation. We recognize the collateral aspects of divorce and custody disputes and always attempt amicable resolution before heading to the courthouse. Bergner Law Office is focused on addressing the emotional and financial impact that legal proceedings have on both parents and children. We offer income-based fees for legal services and are driven to provide quality, affordable, and efficient legal services that are accessible to...

Scott was born and raised in Riverside, California. He attended Pacific Union College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Scott specialized in psychiatric nursing while advancing his career with a Masters in Business Administration from La Sierra University. Scott earned his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles in 2004. He worked at the prominent civil litigation law firm of Fogel, Feldman, Ostrov, Ringler and Klevens. Scott moved with his wife and two children to Colorado in 2005.

Scott is a specialized attorney dedicated to the effective and efficient management of every individual's...

We are an experienced and knowledgeable team of legal professionals dedicated to effective and aggressive representation of your rights. Whatever your legal challenge my present, you can be assured that justice for our clients is our priority. We have handled hundreds of cases, small to large, and have extensive trial experience in family, civil, criminal and personal injury matters. We are small enough to give you personalized service but strong enough to get the job done right.

Harris & Associates, LLC is a general practice law firm that focuses on family law, divorce, mediation, estate planning, wills, probate, real estate, collections personal injury and small business matters. Our friendly staff and attorneys will be happy to meet with you and discuss options for your legal needs. Call us now at (970) 635-2590!! Thank you!

We realize that you have come to this web site because you are facing or may be facing a family law issue. Whether you are at the beginning of a divorce or child custody issue or modifying prior orders we are here to offer the experience you need to get through this difficult time. Mitch Tacy has been helping people minimize the financial and emotional cost of divorce in Larimer County since 2000. Mitch Tacy will listen to your concerns and negotiate your case with creativity and common sense to earn the results you want. We can...

Alyssa is a Colorado Native, and has been practicing family law for six years. She attended law school in Salem, Oregon at Willamette University College of Law. After law school, Alyssa entered private practice in the area of family law at a small firm in Salem, Oregon. In 2020, she decided it was time to return home to the beautiful state of Colorado and now works in the Fort Collins Office of Modern Family Law.

Alyssa enjoys helping her clients reach amicable resolutions to their family law matters while recognizing that this is often one of...

As a distinguished partner at Novo Legal, Aaron has amassed extensive experience representing clients across a diverse range of legal areas, including Criminal, Family, Immigration, and Civil matters. His litigation expertise spans tribunals from municipal courts to the prestigious 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Aaron's dedication to staying abreast of the latest legal developments ensures that he consistently delivers outstanding results for his clients. Memberships and Affiliations: American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, Member Colorado Bar Association, Member Denver Bar Association, Member Rocky Mountain Immigration Advocacy Network, Pro Bono Attorney Bar Admissions: Colorado Illinois Washington US District Court, Colorado US Bankruptcy Court, Colorado 10th Circuit Court of Appeals Executive Office of...

PAUL M. GAIDE, ESQUIRE

EXPERIENCED | COST EFFECTIVE | THOUGHTFUL | TIMELY | TRUSTWORTHY

For over twenty-nine years Paul M. Gaide’s practice has emphasized superior representation of clients in state and federal courts, and in transactions.

Mr. Gaide’s unique combination of education and vocational experiences in family law, business litigation, commercial transactions, finance, insurance, tax and accounting result in his clients receiving valuable insights and exceptional service.

Mr. Gaide’s general approach, both with his clients and opposing parties / counsel, is to be direct, after gaining a full understanding of the facts, as applied to the applicable law. Mr. Gaide...

Attorney James Frazier received his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School after receiving a bachelor's of science in biopsychology from the University of Michigan. Mr. Frazier worked with the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office in Colorado Springs and clerked for the 1st and 18th Judicial District Courts in Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. Attorney James Frazier has experience with domestic relations matters including allocation of parental responsibility, high conflict divorce, and grandparent visitation. That experience is the result of James Frazier's hard work and extensive knowledge about Colorado's state courts. James feels privileged to apply his legal acumen to help...

Alex started her legal career as a prosecutor in Colorado's 14th Judicial District, handling cases from speeding tickets to homicides. With nearly a decade of experience, she prioritized compassion for victims while ensuring fairness for all parties. Specializing in serious crimes against children, she tried over a hundred cases to juries. Transitioning to family law, Alex brings her negotiation and litigation skills to help families navigate challenging legal situations with empathy and understanding. She's dedicated to providing personalized representation for divorce, child custody, spousal support, and domestic violence cases.

Stephen Vertucci was born and raised in a working class family in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. After graduating high school, Stephen enlisted in the military and served in the U.S. Navy during the first Gulf War. After being honorably discharged, he worked in his family’s restaurant and obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from the University of Illinois. With an interest in public speaking, Stephen attended law school at Chicago-Kent College of Law, a law school with a reputation for their outstanding trial advocacy training program. It was during law school that Stephen discovered his passion:...

Michael V. Switzer is dedicated to helping families in the Denver metro area and front range who are in need of family legal guidance. He handles all cases, big or small, involving divorces, same-sex marriages, modifications, children’s issues, adoption, appeals, mediation, arbitration, and more. Michael is a Colorado native who studied at the University of Northern Colorado for his undergraduate degree in history as a secondary education teacher, and then earned his law degree at the University of Denver in 1998. From 1998 to 2014 Michael was with the well-known firm of Litvak Litvak Mehrtens Epstein &...

Kyra grew up outside of Seattle and attended undergrad at University of Washington, where she majored in sociology. She has worked in the legal field in Washington and Colorado since 2018. Kyra attended law school at University of Wyoming where interned and volunteered for organizations focused on children’s advocacy in the court system and divorce proceedings. She worked as a student attorney for the international human rights clinic, and won best oral advocate for the regional moot court competition. After graduating, Kyra participated in Modern Family Law’s flagship training program, where she spent months training with experienced attorneys to gain hands-on...

After more than 20 years of practicing law in both Indiana and Colorado, Amy Griner decided there had to be a better way to run a law firm. Tired of seeing good people in need of assistance being turned away because of high retainers, inflexible payment options or being over billed, Amy decided that something had to be done. After graduating from Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Amy started a successful 10 year career as a deputy prosecutor before taking her talents to a private practice and finding her passion in criminal defense and family law. She became a...