Denver Family Law Attorney

Thirty years of Denver County courtroom experience, delivered personally, not passed to a junior associate.

Family Law in Denver Requires a Specific Kind of Experience

Denver County family court operates under the 2nd Judicial District, with its own procedural rhythms, judicial expectations, and local rules. Knowing the law is necessary. Knowing how Denver courts actually move a case through the system is what separates adequate representation from effective representation.

 

I have practiced exclusively in Colorado family law since 1993. In that time, I have represented clients in Denver County through contested divorces, high-asset property disputes, parenting time modifications, child support calculations, civil protection orders, and contempt proceedings. That depth of experience is what I bring to every Denver case I accept.

 

I keep my practice intentionally small. When you hire Pesch Law Office, you work with me directly from the first consultation through resolution. Your case is not a file that gets handed off.

Susan Pesch
Teal watercolor sprig with slender leaves on a white background

Family Law Services Available to Denver Clients

Divorce

From uncontested filings to contested trials involving complex marital estates, I guide Denver clients through every stage of the divorce process. High-asset divorce, gray divorce, and cases involving business ownership each require a different analytical approach — and I have handled all of them.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

Colorado does not use the term "custody" in its statutes. Courts allocate parental responsibilities, which includes both parenting time and decision-making authority. I help Denver parents understand what that distinction means for their specific family and how to pursue an arrangement that serves their children's best interests.

Child Support

Colorado child support is calculated using a statutory formula, but income verification, self-employment, and shared parenting schedules can all complicate the numbers significantly. I handle initial support orders, modifications, and disputes over college expense contributions.

Modifications and Enforcement

Life changes after a court order is entered. If your parenting plan, support obligation, or spousal maintenance order no longer reflects your circumstances, I can help you pursue a modification. If the other party is not complying with an existing order, contempt proceedings may be the appropriate path.

Civil Protection Orders

I represent both petitioners seeking protection and respondents who need to defend against an order. Protection order proceedings in Denver move quickly, and having counsel who understands the process from both sides makes a material difference.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

A well-drafted marital agreement protects both parties and reduces conflict if the relationship ends. I prepare prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for Denver clients with complex assets, prior marriages, family businesses, or inherited wealth they want to keep separate.

Family walking together through a sunlit grassy field

What Sets My Practice Apart in a City Full of Family Law Firms

Denver has no shortage of family law attorneys. What it has fewer of are solo practitioners with 30 years of exclusive family law experience who still handle every client personally.

 

  • Licensed since 1991, practicing exclusively family law since 1993
  • Every case handled directly by Susan — no associates, no hand-offs
  • Child-focused approach grounded in the best interests standard Colorado courts apply
  • Trained mediator, able to advocate in litigation and facilitate negotiated resolution
  • Competitive fees relative to large Denver firms with comparable experience and credentials
  • Virtual consultations available for clients who cannot come to the downtown Denver office

Frequently Asked Questions About Denver Family Law

  • What court handles family law cases in Denver?

    Family law cases filed in Denver are heard in Denver County District Court, which is part of Colorado's 2nd Judicial District. The court is located at 1437 Bannock Street. Most hearings involve matters like divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, and protection orders.

  • How long does a divorce take in Denver County?

    Colorado requires a mandatory 91-day waiting period from the date the respondent is served before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces with a signed separation agreement can be completed relatively close to that window. Contested cases involving disputed property, parenting time, or support typically take longer, depending on the complexity of the issues and court scheduling.

  • Do I need a Denver family law attorney if my divorce is uncontested?

    Even when both parties agree on the major issues, an attorney can help ensure your separation agreement is legally sound, properly addresses all marital assets and debts, and will hold up if circumstances change. Agreements that leave gaps or contain ambiguous language often return to court as modification or contempt disputes.

  • What does "allocation of parental responsibilities" mean in Colorado?

    Colorado courts allocate parental responsibilities rather than award "custody." This covers two distinct issues: parenting time, which is the schedule each parent has with the children, and decision-making responsibility, which determines who has authority over major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion. Courts decide both based on the best interests of the child.

  • Can I meet with you in person if I am in Denver?

    Yes. My office is located at 730 17th Street, Suite 700, in downtown Denver, and I am available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Virtual consultations are also available for clients who prefer to meet remotely or who are located outside the Denver metro area. Do you handle family law cases outside of Denver? Yes. I represent clients throughout Colorado, including Boulder, Colorado Springs, Weld County, Adams County, Park County, Fremont County, and the mountain communities of Summit, Eagle, and Grand Counties. Virtual consultations make it practical to work with clients statewide.