Westminster Family Lawyers

Politics, public policy and solving problems have always been interesting to me. I like debates on important issues in our world. I think that is what led me to study law. The skill of presenting evidence to persuade others to agree with your view is at the core of being a good lawyer. Nearly 30 years of practicing family law has sharpened this skill for me. I don't mind the intense emotions that often accompany divorce and child custody matters. My firm handles many contested cases each year but we always strive to resolve conflicts outside of court....

Danielle graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. She then received her Juris Doctorate with Highest Honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law, and was admitted to practice in Colorado, Oklahoma, and several federal jurisdictions, including the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Danielle has been certified in Family Law Advocacy Skills by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and was selected as one of the Top Ten Family Law Attorneys in Colorado by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. Danielle’s commitment to Client satisfaction has been recognized on...

Nick approaches every matter with compassion. While litigation is Nick’s interest his passions are in people. When you hire an attorney for any matter, particularly one that directly affects your family, you are putting what is most important to you in the hands of someone who is initially a stranger. Nick’s goal in every case is to earn your trust so that you feel confident. Nick will earn your trust through his compassion, his accessibility, and his experience. Nick is a skilled negotiator and will do so aggressively in pursuit of the outcome you are seeking. However, Nick will always be...

Since starting my own firm in 1991, I have committed myself to helping my clients and their families resolve their problems in as positive a way as possible. I provide quality results-oriented legal services for those dealing with a divorce, child custody, child support, need a prenuptial agreement, mediation services or any other family law related issues. My team and I will develop a customized legal strategy that addresses you and your family’s needs and resolves your legal matter in an efficient and timely manner. To schedule a consultation with me call 303-695-0200 or go to...

Born in Chicago and raised in Connecticut, Daniel Zarnowski moved to the Denver metro area after graduating magna cum laude from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami. Prior to entering law school, Daniel was an aviation structural mechanic in the U.S. Navy, serving for five years and through three combat deployments aboard the Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN 69. This experience taught Daniel the value of service to others and how to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Daniel is also an avid golfer and likes to spend weekends hiking in beautiful Colorado with his wife and children! In law school, Daniel...

As one of the co-founders of the Family Law Advocates and Plog & Stein P.C., Stephen J. Plog is a highly skilled divorce lawyer who truly cares about helping his clients successfully resolve family law issues. The Chicago native has handled cases in all the district courts of the Denver metropolitan area, which has allowed him to gain unique and invaluable experience in regards to how judges tend to rule on certain matters. If you need help with a family law case, he is the kind of lawyer you want advocating on your behalf. He is admitted to practice in...

Ms. McDonald focuses her practice on family law and estate planning issues involving divorce, custody, post-decree, and simple estate planning. She represents clients across the state of Colorado, including but not limited to Denver, Arapahoe County, Adams County, and Douglas County. Ms. McDonald handles cases involving high conflict divorce, dissolution of marriage, child custody, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, maintenance, parental relocation, division of marital assets, grandparent rights, paternity, and civil protection orders, from beginning to end. Ms. McDonald earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2011. She has worked in family...

The Law Office of Paul Tenorio, LLC serves its clients one-on-one legal counseling with an attorney and 24/7 availability. Whether it's a family law or an employment law-related issue, call today for an initial free consultation - 303-991-2207.

Dorothy Walsh Ripka is more than a family law attorney—she is a dedicated advocate with over two decades of unwavering commitment to her clients. Known for her innovative legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs, Dorothy thrives in navigating high-conflict and complex family law cases, drawing on her extensive twenty-four years of litigation experience. While licensed in six states and sought after nationwide, Dorothy's passion lies in the Denver Metropolitan area, where she has cultivated her skills and earned a reputation for excellence. Her journey to becoming a powerhouse in family law began with a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from...

I opened my own law firm immediately after graduating from the University of Denver School of Law in 1994. For more than two decades, I have concentrated my practice on high-conflict cases, earning a reputation as a lawyer who can manage highly contentious cases by focusing the issues and emotions to achieve a successful conclusion. Having personally experienced the effects of a high-conflict divorce, I understand the hidden and often lasting toll these emotionally charged cases can take on families.

Ryan C. Shellady is an associate attorney with Burnham Law and has a practice dedicated to Family law. Before moving to Colorado, Ryan graduated from the University of Iowa in 2016, receiving his B.A., with high distinction and honors, in Ethics and Public Policy. He received his J.D., with distinction, from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2019. During law school, Ryan was involved in the Pro Bono Society, was a Student Writer for the Iowa Law Review, a member of the National Moot Court Team, and a Student Representative for the Iowa Student Bar Association. He received the...

Stephanie joined Burnham Law after being opposing counsel to Todd Burnham on a challenging custody matter, quickly impressing all involved with her knowledgeable advocacy and fearless representation. A quick review of her professional experience shows her minor in legal studies from Milligan College, a paralegal degree and four years as a family law and personal injury litigation paralegal, prior to attending Washburn University School of Law, making her an immediate asset to the firm.

Stephanie has a passion for child advocacy and is listed on the judicial rosters in most Colorado jurisdictions as a Child and Family Investigator. Stephanie...

I graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1979 and practiced law for a year before attending the University of Denver School of Law, where I earned a Master's in Tax Law in 1981. Immediately after graduating, I worked as a tax lawyer for Touche Ross in Denver, Colorado. In 1983, a client invited me to join his real estate company as in-house counsel, and I later started my own firm. Remarkably, I have been practicing law for over 40 years, which is hard to believe, even for me. Whether it's a bankruptcy case of legal malpractice case, I am...

Routinely receiving the highest testimonials from clients and colleagues, Todd Burnham has a long-standing reputation as a tenacious client advocate. He is a strategist who will analyze your case’s strengths and weaknesses, develop a precise game plan, and drive toward a successful resolution. Todd’s successful approach and winning track record has resulted in Burnham Law’s earned reputation as a firm that “Sets the Tone.” Most attorneys tend to either litigate or mediate – very few are proficient at both. Excellent advocacy requires an attorney who can see the “big-picture,” isn’t afraid of a courtroom, but always looks for the...

Lauren Hulse is a Colorado Native, and has been practicing law since 2008. She began her career as a fellow for two distinguished District Court Judges in Douglas and Arapahoe Counties. After completing her fellowship position, she was an associate attorney at a large firm in Colorado Springs, followed by her position as a senior associate attorney at a large firm based in Denver. Both firms focused exclusively on family law matters.

Lauren opened the Hulse Law Firm in October of 2014 to provide highly individualized services to people with family law issues and estate planning matters. She is...

Joe moved to Colorado from Texas in 1969. He is the oldest of 10 siblings. He graduated from Mullen High School, where he was active in Speech and Debate. He finished 3rd nationally at the National Student Congress in 1975. Joe then returned to Texas and obtained a B.B.A in Management in 1977, summa cum laude, at the University of the Incarnate Word located in San Antonio. After two years selling computers and computer services, he attended law school in Boulder at the University of Colorado, receiving a J.D. degree in 1982. Joe was married to Jan O'Mary in 1977. They...

Todd Stahly utilizes a diverse legal background to assist clients in family law. He has practiced in all areas of family law. He has litigated interstate child custody cases in Colorado and in New Mexico (with special permission from the State of New Mexico).

Todd regularly volunteers at Boulder County Legal Services Pro Se Clinics and has been recognized for his legal contributions there and the Women’s Crisis Center. In 2013 and 2014, Todd was honored as a Colorado Super Lawyer Rising Star (only 2.5% of Attorneys in Colorado are selected as Rising Stars).Todd received his B.S. from Michigan Technological University...

Robert L. Pomper started his legal career in Chicago and came from one of the largest and most prestigious family law firms where he was director of litigation. Not only did Mr. Pomper have his own full caseload where he successfully litigated or negotiated many complex divorce/custody cases, but he also managed cases for the entire office to ensure that the firm's clients and the attorneys were a successful team. He would meet regularly with the firm's attorneys to help employ effective strategies to suit the particular facts of the case and needs of the client.

Over the 29 years...

Ben King is a Colorado native and third-generation trial attorney. Mr. King attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, Leeds School of Business where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing. Subsequently, he received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Miami’s School of Law in Florida and is licensed to practice law in the state and federal courts of Colorado, and the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS). Mr. King began his legal career with a prestigious Denver family law firm where he specialized in litigating highly-contested divorces and child custody cases. Additionally, he also has...

Scott Melin, J.D., M.A. Senior Managing Associate Attorney A senior managing associate at the Bagley Law Firm, LLC, Scott’s practice focuses on high-value civil matters, where his recent accomplishments include $1.58 million, $1.2 million, and $612,500 recoveries for his clients. Scott’s cases include personal injury, appeals, civil rights issues, business disputes, and other matters which may require complex litigation. Scott also handles high-conflict family matters, to which he brings years of family law experience. Born and raised on the Colorado Front Range, Scott attended Colorado State University, where he studied philosophy and English. Thereafter, Scott received a merit scholarship to attend the University of...

Sean P. Paris focuses his law practice on family law, to include divorce, child custody and support, maintenance/alimony and post-decree modifications. We offer comprehensive legal solutions to meet the needs of businesses and individuals. Pearson & Paris is known for outstanding service to our clients and for our proven ability to solve even the most complex problems.

Sean Paris is known for providing outstanding service to his clients and for his proven ability to solve even the most complex problems. Mr. Paris practices in the areas of family law, commercial litigation, real estate disputes and criminal defense. He also practices...

Trista McElhaney Price began her legal career in 2012 after graduating from the University of Colorado Law School where she was awarded the Anheuser-Busch Minoru Yasui Scholarship, the Joel H. Greenstein Scholarship, and the Harold Taft King Scholarship. Trista began honing her family law skills even before graduating from law school through her participation in the CU family law practice clinic and clerkship in the domestic relations division of the 18th Judicial District. Following graduation, Trista continued her career in family law working for a men's/father's rights firm for the first two years of her legal career. Trista went on...

Meet Jeffrey A. Springer, Denver's premier catastrophic injury attorney and co-founder of Springer and Steinberg. With a profound commitment to justice, Jeffrey is dedicated to delivering unparalleled results for his clients. His strategic approach, negotiation prowess, and aggressive litigation tactics set him apart in the legal realm. Strategic Case Jeffrey A. Springer's commitment to excellence begins with strategic case analysis. He meticulously dissects every detail of a case, identifying key strengths and weaknesses. Leveraging his extensive experience, he crafts a personalized roadmap for each client, ensuring a comprehensive and effective legal strategy. Masterful Negotiation Skills: Recognizing the power of negotiation, Jeffrey is a...

Meagan Moodie is the founder of The Moodie Law Firm. She is a Colorado native who was born and raised in Denver. Ms. Moodie graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2012 and passed the Colorado Bar that same year. She has worked in the appellate division of the Missouri State Public Defender’s office, in family and immigration divisions of the Saint Louis University Legal Clinic, and as a clerk in the Denver District Court. She has a diverse array of experience in criminal, family, civil, and immigration courts.

I've worked with families from all walks of life during some of their greatest personal struggles, which gives me a unique view into the dynamic and complex relationships within families. I provide an empathetic and client-focused practice to help people with family law matters, including divorce and child protection litigation.

Jeff focuses on family law and divorce issues and handles every aspect of his clients' cases. He is part of a larger network of select family law and divorce attorneys that share strategies and analysis in more difficult and complex cases. He is a mentor to new family law attorneys and is tough and aggressive when needed and conciliatory when such an approach benefits his clients. He enjoys chess, music (voice and piano); working out (gym); hiking; bicycling; reading; word games (e.g. scrabble, boggle).

Darin's practice is exclusively dedicated to family law since 2005. His practice focuses on all areas of family law, including divorce and post-decree matters, interstate cases involving custody (UCCJEA) and child support (UIFSA), as well as paternity actions, guardianship matters and adoptions. Darin is committed to providing thoughtful, compassionate and sensible representation to his clients facing sensitive and compelling family law issues. Through settlement negotiations, where possible, or trial advocacy, when necessary, Darin strives to meet each client’s unique objectives and to protect each client’s particular needs. Having worked closely with judges as a judicial law clerk, Darin...

Haley Rheaves is an Associate Attorney at the Law Office of Laura E. Shapiro, P.C. Mrs. Rheaves is a passionate litigator driven by her own life experiences and desire to assist families and children in need. In her practice, Mrs. Rheaves recognizes that no two cases are the same and prides herself on her ability to connect with her clients and their unique circumstances. Mrs. Rheaves applies her diverse experience and diligently listens to her clients to ensure thorough representation at all stages of their cases. Mrs. Rheaves is a Colorado transplant and native Michigander. She earned her law degree from the...

Travis Riley's practice focuses on family law, commercial litigation, and construction defect law. Travis is well versed in high conflict litigation, and he has extensive experience preparing complex cases for trial in state and federal court. Prior to joining Heckenbach Law PC, Travis was a trial attorney at Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine, PC, where he represented clients in a wide range of complex business and commercial litigation matters. Travis began his legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. Henry J. Bemporad of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.

Born in New York, Mr. Sisson went on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York where he played Division I ice hockey. Once he completed his military service, he pursued a legal education at the University of Minnesota Law School earning his Juris Doctor. Now a partner at Elkus & Sisson he helps clients with any problems they may have regarding business law, personal injury, family law, criminal defense and more. He has represented clients in a multitude of courts throughout the country and has particularly earned a high level of respect in the Denver...

Sarah T. McCain is a senior associate at Plog & Stein P.C. who has devoted most of her legal career to the practice of family law. As a compassionate Denver divorce attorney, she believes that cementing a solid attorney-client relationship is essential in order to obtain the judgments and orders her clients need to move on with their lives. She derives great satisfaction from being able to help her clients transition into the next chapter or their lives after divorce with the tools and resources they need to be better prepared. She has handled family law matters of varying complexity,...

As a reliable Denver divorce lawyer, Jessica Saldin is an associate at Plog & Stein P.C. who enjoys helping her clients reach their goals in any way that she can. A member of the Colorado Bar Association, she can skillfully handle even the most complex kinds of family law cases, such as those involving property division, enforcement proceedings, and the allocation of parental responsibilities. She ensures that her clients have a comprehensive understanding of their rights throughout the development of their cases. Attorney Saldin carefully listens to their concerns and recommends the strongest course of action that is available. ...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Born and raised in Colorado, Alex Rodriguez graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a B.S. in political science. Alex earned his J.D. from Washburn University Law School where he graduated with Dean’s Honors. Alex was a staff writer for the prestigious Washburn Law Journal during his second year of law school and his legal research comment was picked for publication. Alex also served on the Journal’s board of editors as Executive Comments Editor during his third year, while at the same time working as a Legal Research Assistant for Professor Joseph Mastrosimone, who specialized in employment law.

Alex has been practicing...

I am dedicated to my clients. Having gone through my own divorce, I know how it feels. I am Colorado native and went to the University of Colorado Boulder, before attending Vermont Law school. I began my carrier in criminal defense, probate, and Social Security disability before transitioning to family law. My experience provides the unique ability to look at the big picture of family law cases while addressing the specific needs of each of my clients.

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...