Boulder Family Law Attorney Serving the 20th Judicial District

Boulder sits at the intersection of progressive values and complex family dynamics, and Boulder County family court reflects that complexity. I'm Susan Marie Pesch, and I've practiced exclusively family law since 1993. I represent individuals and families throughout Boulder County, including Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, and Superior, from my Denver office with virtual consultations available so distance is never a barrier to experienced counsel.

Why Boulder Families Choose Pesch Law Office

Boulder County's 20th Judicial District has its own procedural culture, local rules, and judicial expectations. Navigating it well requires more than general legal knowledge. It requires a practitioner who has spent decades inside Colorado family courts, understands how judges approach parenting time and decision-making disputes, and knows how to build a case that holds up whether it settles in mediation or goes to hearing. That's the work I've done for over 30 years, and it's the only work I do.

 

Every case at Pesch Law Office is handled personally by me. There are no associates who run your hearing while you wonder who your attorney actually is. When you hire me, you get me, from the first consultation through final order.

Susan Pesch
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Family Law Services for Boulder County Residents

Divorce in Boulder County

Whether your divorce is straightforward or involves contested property, a family business, or long-term spousal maintenance, I handle every stage of the process. Colorado is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, and the analysis can be nuanced. I help clients understand what that means for their specific financial picture before any agreements are signed.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

Colorado no longer uses the term "custody." The legal framework is allocation of parental responsibilities, which covers both parenting time and decision-making authority over education, healthcare, and religion. These are distinct issues, and the outcome of each can shape your child's daily life for years. I work to build parenting plans that reflect your child's best interests and hold up under scrutiny.

Child Support Calculations and Modifications

Colorado child support is calculated using a statutory formula, but the inputs to that formula are where disputes arise. Income attribution, self-employment, variable compensation, and shared parenting time percentages all affect the outcome. I handle initial support determinations, modifications when circumstances change, and enforcement when a parent stops paying.

Spousal Maintenance

Maintenance in Colorado is determined by a combination of statutory guidelines and judicial discretion. Duration of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage all factor in. I help clients on both sides of this issue, whether you are seeking maintenance or contesting an unreasonable claim.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Boulder County residents with significant assets, business interests, or inherited wealth increasingly recognize the value of a well-drafted marital agreement. I draft and review both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that are designed to hold up in court, not just look good on paper.

Grandparents' Family Time

Under Colorado's Aaliyah and Myah Act, codified at CRS 14-10-124.4, grandparents may petition for court-ordered family time when a parent has died, the family has gone through divorce, or a child's welfare is at risk. This is a narrow but meaningful right, and the petition process requires careful preparation. I represent grandparents throughout Boulder County seeking to preserve their relationship with their grandchildren.

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Serving Boulder County Communities

My practice reaches clients throughout Boulder County and the surrounding region. Whether you are in the city of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, or Superior, I can represent you in the 20th Judicial District. Virtual consultations make it straightforward to work with me regardless of where in the county you are located.

 

Boulder County families dealing with complex parenting disputes, high-asset divorce, or cross-jurisdictional issues involving other states will find that my combination of litigation experience and mediation training is well suited to the range of outcomes these cases can require. I also serve clients in neighboring Adams County and the Denver metro.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boulder County Family Law

  • What court handles family law cases in Boulder County?

    Family law cases in Boulder County are heard in the 20th Judicial District Court, located in Boulder. This district has its own local rules and procedural expectations that can affect how cases are managed and scheduled.

  • Do I have to appear in person at Boulder County family court?

    Not always. Many hearings, including status conferences and uncontested matters, can be handled remotely. I offer virtual consultations and can advise you on which proceedings require your physical presence at the Boulder courthouse.

  • How does Colorado determine parenting time in Boulder County divorces?

    Colorado courts use a best interests of the child standard, evaluating factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to home and school, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. There is no automatic presumption favoring either parent.

  • Can I use a Boulder divorce mediator instead of going to court?

    Mediation is encouraged in Colorado family law cases and is often required before a contested hearing. A trained mediator can help you and your spouse reach agreements on property, parenting, and support without a judge deciding the outcome. I provide mediation services and can discuss whether it is appropriate for your situation.

  • How long does a divorce take in Boulder County?

    An uncontested divorce with no children and straightforward finances can be finalized in as little as 91 days, which is Colorado's mandatory waiting period. Contested cases involving custody disputes, business valuation, or complex assets typically take longer, often six months to over a year depending on the issues involved.