Adams County Family Law Attorney Serving Brighton, Thornton, and Westminster

Navigating a divorce or custody matter in the 17th Judicial District is easier when you have an attorney who knows Colorado family law inside and out — and who will handle your case personally from start to finish.

Family Law Representation Rooted in 30 Years of Colorado Practice

Adams County families going through divorce, custody disputes, or support modifications deserve more than a case number at a large firm. I'm Susan Marie Pesch, and I've practiced exclusively in Colorado family law since 1993. My practice is intentionally small — every client I take on works directly with me, not a paralegal or junior associate. Whether you're in Brighton, Thornton, Westminster, or anywhere else in Adams County, I'm prepared to represent you in the 17th Judicial District courts with the same depth of preparation I bring to every case.

Susan Pesch
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Family Law Services Available to Adams County Residents

Divorce in Adams County

Whether your divorce is straightforward or involves contested property, business interests, or a long marriage, I work with you to understand what a fair outcome looks like — and how to get there. I handle both contested and uncontested divorces in the 17th Judicial District, including gray divorce for couples over 50 and high-asset matters where equitable distribution requires careful analysis. My goal is to move your case forward efficiently while making sure you understand every decision along the way.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

Colorado courts don't use the term "custody" — they allocate parental responsibilities, which includes both parenting time and decision-making authority. I help Adams County parents build parenting plans that reflect their children's actual needs, and I represent parents in contested hearings when agreements can't be reached. For unmarried parents in Thornton or Westminster dealing with paternity and parental responsibilities outside of marriage, I provide the same level of focused representation.

Child Support

Colorado's child support guidelines are formula-based, but the inputs — income, parenting time, special expenses — can be disputed in ways that significantly affect the outcome. I work with Adams County parents to calculate support accurately, address complex income situations, and pursue or defend modifications when circumstances change. College expense disputes and enforcement matters are also within my scope of representation.

Modifications and Contempt

Court orders don't always keep pace with life. If your parenting plan, support order, or maintenance arrangement no longer reflects your circumstances, I can help you file for a modification in Adams County. I also represent parties when an existing order is being violated — whether that means pursuing a contempt action or defending against one.

Grandparents' Family Time

Colorado's Aaliyah and Myah Act (CRS 14-10-124.4) created a specific legal pathway for grandparents seeking court-ordered family time after a divorce, death of a parent, or a finding of parental unfitness. This area of law is nuanced, and the burden of proof matters. I represent grandparents in Adams County who are trying to maintain a meaningful relationship with their grandchildren through the proper legal channels.

Civil Protection Orders

I represent both petitioners seeking a civil protection order and respondents who have been served with one. In Adams County, these matters move quickly, and having an attorney who understands the procedural requirements of the 17th Judicial District can make a significant difference in the outcome. I approach protection order cases with care and without judgment — the facts matter, and I take the time to understand them.

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Why Adams County Families Choose Pesch Law Office

Choosing a family law attorney in Adams County means choosing who will represent you in one of the most consequential legal processes of your life. Here is what distinguishes my practice:

 

  • Licensed since 1991, practicing exclusively in Colorado family law since 1993
  • Solo, low-volume practice — your case is handled personally by me, not delegated
  • Trained mediator in Colorado and Illinois, with strong courtroom litigation skills
  • Child-focused approach grounded in the best-interests standard Colorado courts apply
  • Competitive pricing relative to large Denver firms with comparable experience
  • Virtual consultations available for clients throughout Adams County who prefer remote access
  • Recognized by ALIGHT, a trafficking-victim advocacy organization, for community commitment

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Adams County

  • Which court handles family law cases in Adams County?

    Family law matters in Adams County are filed in the 17th Judicial District Court, located in Brighton. This court handles divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, protection orders, and related matters for residents of Adams County.

  • Do I need a Brighton or Thornton divorce mediator, or can I work with an attorney from Denver?

    You are not required to hire a local attorney to handle your Adams County case. I practice throughout the Denver metro area and the 17th Judicial District, and I offer virtual consultations so distance is rarely a barrier. As a trained Thornton divorce mediator and litigation attorney, I can serve you in either capacity regardless of where you're located in Adams County.

  • How does Colorado determine parenting time in Adams County divorce cases?

    Colorado courts allocate parenting time based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, each parent's ability to encourage a relationship with the other, and the child's adjustment to home, school, and community. The court does not automatically favor either parent — both parents start on equal footing, and the outcome depends on the specific facts of the case.

  • What is the difference between parental responsibilities and custody in Colorado?

    Colorado replaced the term "custody" with "allocation of parental responsibilities," which covers two distinct components: parenting time (the physical schedule) and decision-making responsibility (authority over education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities). These two components can be allocated differently — one parent may have more parenting time while both share decision-making, for example.

  • Can I modify a child support order if my income has changed significantly?

    Yes. Colorado allows modification of a child support order when there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, which typically means the recalculated support amount would differ from the current order by at least 10 percent. I help Adams County parents assess whether their situation qualifies and file the appropriate motion in the 17th Judicial District.