Best Divorce Lawyers Fort collins
Sarah E. Lamborne
Divorce Lawyers
Sarah E. 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 Legal Assistant, Ms. Lamborne developed a passion for the law.
Ms. Lamborne attended law school at the University of Colorado School of Law. In law school, Ms. Lamborne received the Juvenile and Family Law Certificate with Honors for focusing her coursework on juvenile and family law issues and for completing additional credits above the requirements for graduation. She participated in the Juvenile Law Clinic, where she represented children as a Guardian ad litem in Dependency and Neglect cases. In addition to her focus on family law, Ms. Lamborne received the Public Service Pledge Program Award for completing over 50 hours of law-related public service, and studied abroad with Seton Hall University in Cairo, Egypt.
Ms. Lamborne focuses her career exclusively on family law matters. She has practiced in Larimer, Boulder, Weld, Jefferson, Adams, and Denver Counties, but now focuses her practice primarily in Larimer County.
Ms. Lamborne is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, the Larimer County Bar Association, the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, and the Young Lawyers Division.
Douglas A. Thomas
Divorce Lawyers
As a founder of Divorce Matters®, my team of attorneys works with families in Colorado to help them achieve optimal outcomes in the highly emotional, individual, and sensitive area of family law, particularly divorce, child custody, and child support.
Divorce in Colorado is difficult – once a divorce proceeding enters the court process, the system brings complex schedules, filing deadlines, and legal challenges that can frustrate even the most diligent and attentive individual.
And while our courts allow divorce without legal representation, we believe people facing this emotionally difficult experience need the legal strength and trusted advice an experienced attorney can bring – at a price that allows everyday people access to legal representation.
When decisions you make today about your transitioning family will impact you and your children for a lifetime, turn to my team at Divorce Matters® for strength and confidence. We can help you chart a course to resolution that reflects your financial situation while preserving your rights and protecting your future.
Brooke Alexander
Divorce Lawyers
Brooke is an attorney in Fort Collins, Colorado, specializing in all areas of family law. She is licensed to practice in both Colorado and New Mexico. Brooke has personally experienced many of the different family law cases – from being adopted, being the child of divorced parents, and having a custody case of her own, which is why she dedicates herself to these types of cases.
Brooke is passionate about giving back to her community. She is a member of the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, and the Family Law Section of the Colorado State Bar, and regularly spends her time volunteering in various capacities. In an effort to give to the community, Brooke provides legal help to victims of domestic violence in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Victim’s Law Center.
Brooke graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in the Spring of 2015. Brooke spent many hours in school participating in practical experience courses prior to graduation. Brooke prosecuted cases under the supervision of Special Council with the Second Judicial District District Attorney’s office in addition to cultivating an enriching experiencing assisting faculty in providing meaningful representation to low income families through the law school’s clinical program.
Brooke is exceptionally knowledgeable in areas of child custody and child support across state lines. She also has experience with high asset divorces, including forensic recreation of stock accounts and bank accounts, and is familiar with high conflict divorce and custody matters. Outside of family law, Brooke has experience with contract law, collections law, criminal law, and worker’s compensation
Karlee Stoppenhagen
Divorce Lawyers
A Colorado native, Karlee began her practice at a multi-discipline law firm where she handled cases in the areas of family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation. Karlee’s diverse background gives her a strong understanding of the diverse issues presented in domestic relations cases. Karlee has dedicated her practice exclusively to family law and related matters including:
- Allocation of Parental Responsibilities/Custody
- Common Law Marriage
- Child Support
- Divorce and Legal Separation
- Domestic Violence Issues (Petitioner and Defendant)
- Paternity
- Protection Orders
- Relocation
- Same-Sex Divorce and LGBT+ Family Matters
Karlee is a natural competitor and fierce advocate. She understands that no two families or marriages are the same; therefore, the best legal representation is adaptive. As a (former) collegiate athlete, Karlee uses a team dynamic in representing her clients. She works closely with her clients to identify their goals and achieve the best possible results.
Although Karlee has devoted her legal practice to family law, she has experience in criminal defense and general civil litigation. She has spent countless hours in the courtroom and understands what it takes to successfully litigate a case.
Karlee believes it is important to “walk in her client’s shoes” and guide them through the most challenging time of their life. She knows when to collaborate with the opposing party/counsel to reach an amicable settlement and when to aggressively pursue litigation.
Karlee enjoys helping her clients regroup and build a better life.
Stephen Vertucci
Divorce Lawyers
Born and raised in south suburban Chicago, Illinois, Stephen Vertucci served aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln while on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1990-1994 during the first Gulf War. Upon being honorably discharged, Stephen enrolled at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 1998.
Stephen’s interests in public speaking and litigation led to his decision to attend Chicago-Kent College of Law, largely due its outstanding reputation for having one of the top trial advocacy programs in the nation. Through this course of study and his internship with the Cook County Illinois Public Defender’s Office, Stephen discovered his passion: advocating for client’s rights in the Courtroom. Stephen earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Chicago-Kent in 2001.
While attending Chicago-Kent and after being admitted to the Illinois Bar, Stephen worked for Schiff & Hulbert, a top-rated employment litigation firm. Seeking courtroom experience, he transitioned to family law, working at the law firm of Sullivan, Taylor & Gumina. His experience at STG Divorce Law taught him trial preparedness, client compassion, and to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct.
In 2004, Stephen sought an opportunity to advance his trial skills. After being admitted to the Arizona Bar, he found this opportunity working as a felony prosecutor for the state of Arizona at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. This career move provided invaluable experience litigating jury trials against some of the best criminal defense attorneys in the State of Arizona.
After gaining experience as a felony prosecutor, Stephen partnered with a colleague and friend from law school to establish the law firm of Stewart & Vertucci, a successful family law practice in Phoenix.
In 2007, Stephen moved to Colorado to start a new personal and professional chapter in his life. He was admitted to the Colorado Bar, relocated to Fort Collins, married and started a family. He elevated himself from Associate to Partner in one of the largest family law firms in Denver prior to making the decision to open his own firm. The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci, LLC was established in 2016 to serve the communities of northern Colorado.
LEVI A. BROOKS
Divorce Lawyers
I’ve been practicing family/domestic relations law in Larimer County for about 15 years and bankruptcy law for approximately 11 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 give them the fresh start that they need.
I’ve been married for about 17 years. I have four children, all boys. When I’m not spending time with my wife and kids (which is what I spend most of my time doing), I enjoy working out and playing softball and basketball.
As a local Fort Collins attorney, I have the experience to help you navigate your bankruptcy or family legal matters in the Colorado legal system. I will take the time to sit down with you to discuss your case and lay out your options.
Michael M. O’Brien
Divorce Lawyers
Graduated from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.
1993 Law degree from the University of Denver Strum College of Law.
Michael M. “Mike” O’Brien is originally from Durango, Colorado, graduated from Colorado State University and then the University of Denver Strum College of Law in 1993. During law school Mike was a law clerk of The Honorable Herbert L. Stern III, Denver District Court Judge and was instrumental in the establishment of The University of Denver Water Law Review. He is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, The Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, The Larimer County Bar and is licensed to practice in all Colorado and Federal and State Courts.
Mike has been practicing in Fort Collins, Colorado, since 1994, in the Northern Colorado judicial districts of Larimer and Weld Counties. His specialization, since 1994, has been in all aspects of Family Law, including divorce cases involving complex property division and tracing of funds. Mike also represents clients in parental responsibility cases (children born out of wedlock) He strives for settlement in all cases in the best interests of his client. Settlement in any case, however, is often determined by the reasonableness of the other party’s position and if you need an experienced attorney to protect your rights an represent you aggressively, Mike has the track record to do so.
Ron Salas
Divorce Lawyers
Ron Salas has a passion for helping clients protect their legal rights and financial assets and for that reason he has established the Salas Law Firm, LLC. Ron is a native Coloradoan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Colorado State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado Law School.
Prior to founding the Salas Law Firm, LLC, Ron served various roles for both IBM and Hewlett-Packard. Additionally, over the past decade, Ron has prepared thousands of individual and corporate tax returns.
When not helping clients achieve their goals, Ron enjoys spending time with his wife and two children as well as camping, skiing, golfing and cheering for Colorado Sports teams, especially the Denver Broncos and the Colorado State Rams.
Bar Admissions
Colorado
Education
J.D. – University of Colorado Law School
B.A. – Colorado State University
Business Administration
Certainly, let’s first explore the benefits of having the best divorce lawyer in Fort Collins, Colorado:
Expertise in Colorado Divorce Laws: The best divorce lawyer in Fort Collins will possess a deep understanding of the specific divorce laws and regulations in Colorado. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring that your rights are protected and that the legal process is followed correctly.
Local Court Knowledge: Experienced divorce lawyers in Fort Collins will be familiar with the local court system, judges, and procedures. This familiarity can be instrumental in predicting how a case might unfold and in crafting strategies tailored to the local legal environment.
Specialization in Family Law Matters: Top divorce lawyers are well-versed in various aspects of family law, including child custody, visitation rights, child support, spousal support, and property division. They can provide expert advice and representation in these critical areas.
Strong Negotiation Skills: A skilled divorce lawyer is an adept negotiator. They can advocate on your behalf to achieve favorable settlements, ensuring that your interests are protected and that you receive a fair share of marital assets.
Emotional Support and Objectivity: Divorce can be an emotionally trying process. A divorce lawyer can offer objective advice and support, helping you make rational decisions that are in your best interest, even when emotions are running high.
Preventing Costly Mistakes: Without legal representation, individuals may make costly errors in their divorce proceedings. A skilled lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls, potentially saving you money and stress in the long run.
Child Custody and Support Advocacy: If children are involved, a top divorce lawyer will work tirelessly to protect your rights as a parent. They’ll aim to establish custody arrangements that are in the best interests of the children and ensure that child support is determined accurately.
Asset and Property Division: Dividing assets and property can be a complex process. A skilled divorce lawyer will work to ensure that this is done fairly and that you receive an equitable share of the marital assets.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: A top divorce lawyer can facilitate mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods, which can lead to a more amicable and cost-effective resolution, especially in cases where a trial may be avoided.
Post-Divorce Support: Even after the divorce is finalized, a good lawyer can provide guidance and support, especially in situations where modifications or enforcement of court orders may be necessary.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Going through a divorce is inherently stressful. Having a skilled lawyer can alleviate some of that stress by handling the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on your emotional well-being and other important matters.
Now, let’s discuss the impact of divorce on families:
Divorce can have various effects on family members, including:
Emotional Impact: Divorce can lead to a range of emotions for all family members, including sadness, anger, confusion, and anxiety.
Changes in Family Dynamics: The structure and routines of the family may change, leading to adjustments in roles and responsibilities.
Impact on Children: Children may experience emotional distress, including feelings of sadness, anger, and confusion. They may also face challenges in adjusting to new living arrangements.
Financial Changes: Divorce often leads to financial adjustments, including changes in income, expenses, and potential support payments.
Parent-Child Relationships: Depending on custody arrangements, the relationship between parents and children may evolve. Effective co-parenting can help maintain healthy relationships.
Potential for Conflict: Divorce can sometimes lead to ongoing conflicts between ex-spouses, which can further impact family members, especially children.
Long-term Adjustment: It may take time for the family to adjust to the changes brought about by divorce. Therapy or counseling can be beneficial for individuals and families in this process.
It’s important to approach divorce with sensitivity and consideration for the well-being of all family members. Seeking professional support, such as counseling or therapy, can be invaluable in helping individuals and families navigate the emotional challenges that often accompany divorce.