Best Child Custody Lawyer in Colorado
Sara Bush
Child Custody Lawyer
Sara was awarded a Bachelor of Political Science from the Florida State University in 2011. Her minors in criminology and communications lead her to pursue a legal education in Colorado where she then attended the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and graduated with a J.D. in May 2016. Since graduating, Sara has worked exclusively and extensively in Family Law in the Denver Metropolitan Area.
Sara has vast experience working in Family Law Practices where she has obtained clear understanding of what it takes to assist her client’s in obtaining their desired goals in dissolution of marriage case, also known as a divorce. Whether it is an uncontested divorce or a trial, Sara zealously advocates for her clients to help them reach their goals.
In addition to her work as an Attorney, Sara has extensive training in domestic violence matters and has worked as a Family Law Mediator and as a Child and Family Investigator for the State of Colorado. Sara’s work as a Mediator and Child and Family Investigator has given Sara a unique perspective into all aspects of a dissolution of marriage case and allows her to analyze legal arguments from all sides. She has also worked within our local Denver District Court alongside Judge Goldberg in the Domestic Relations Division. Her experience in local government affairs has enhanced her ability to negotiate effectively with all involved during a Family Law case.
Education
Bachelor of Political Science from the Florida State University
Juris Doctorate from University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Associations
Member of the Colorado Bar Association
Anica Midthun
Child Custody Lawyer
Anica is an attorney at Brighter Day Law, practicing exclusively Family Law. In 2022, Anica was Nationally Ranked Top 10 Under 40 for Excellence in the Field of Family Law from the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys.
Anica attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a degree in Journalism with a focus in Advertising and a minor in Public Policy in 2018. In 2021, she earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver, where she specialized in labor and employment law.
While in law school and beyond, Anica has been passionate about helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. During her education, Anica started “Law Students Against Sexual and Domestic Violence,” an organization that is the first of its kind in Colorado and is dedicated to law students becoming active members in the legal community and giving back to the victims.
Anica joined the team at Brighter Day Law because of its vision and dedication to its clients. As an attorney, she appreciates the opportunity to take on challenges and help clients reach their goals in a professional and cost-effective way. Anica has a compassion for her clients and desire to go the extra mile to ensure they’re receiving the best assistance in their family law matter. Down the road, Anica hopes to engage in more pro bono work and assist women fleeing abusive relationships without being left destitute.
ALI VANDENBERG
Child Custody Lawyer
Ali is based out of the Colorado Springs office. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and a minor in Criminal Justice. She graduated from Drake University Law School with High Honors.
During law school, Ali worked in the Children’s Rights Clinic where she represented children in Dependency and Neglect cases. She participated in Law Review, Student Bar Association, was a member of the Client Counseling Team, and served as a Legal Writing Fellow.
Prior to relocating and her Colorado Bar Admission, she was admitted to practice law in Iowa. After her Iowa Bar admission, she worked at a general practice firm, focusing on family law, juvenile law, real estate, and business and estate planning.
Ali understands that family law matters present emotional and often high conflict issues. She is committed to being both a compassionate and zealous advocate for each of her clients.
Out of the office, Ali enjoys running, skiing, and spending time with her husband, Gabe and their Husky.
Nicholas Tootalian
Child Custody Lawyer
Nick and his wife moved from Michigan to Colorado in 2011 for Nick to attend the Sturm College of Law of The University of Denver. Nick began practicing with a focus on criminal law and shifted his focus to family law in 2014. Nick has experience in numerous practice areas that provides clients unique insight and guidance to issues peripheral to their family law matter.
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 straightforward with you about your case and the likelihood of success. Nick is exceptionally confident in a courtroom and anticipates that, because of his representation, you will feel confident as well should you decide to take your matter to a hearing or trial.
Nick values integrity and trust and believes that above all else, these are values necessary to succeed in any endeavor. Nick hopes that this sentiment shines through to each individual he encounters.
Laura E. Shapiro
Child Custody Lawyer
Laura Shapiro is one of the top female divorce lawyers in colorado. She has over 40 years of experience in litigation and has been practicing family law exclusively since 1987.
While raising her daughter as a single parent, Laura Shapiro established Shapiro Family Law in 1991, and we’ve been exclusively focused on Family law ever since.
Laura is familiar with both sides of the divorce process and is passionate about helping people resolve their family matters in a way that allows them to move forward with their lives successfully.
Laura takes the time to understand exactly what outcome you want, will be honest with you about your expectations, will develop a legal strategy for your unique situation, and will provide you with strong representation.
With over 40 years of experience, Laura Shapiro is truly an expert when it comes to Colorado Family Law.
Jennifer Knies
Child Custody Lawyer
Jennifer Knies is a highly-experienced family law attorney in Colorado Springs and the Greater Denver Area with thousands of hours of trial experience, and has worked extensively in traditional divorce representation and litigation as well as divorce mediation, which offers a lower-conflict and lower-cost solution for divorcing couples. She has trained and practiced extensively in all areas of domestic relations law.
Jennifer is a retired US Army JAG Officer and combat veteran. Jennifer is a practicing family law attorney in El Paso County, a certified Child and Family Investigator (CFI), Parenting Coordinator and Decision Maker (PCDM) and Child’s Legal Representative (CLR).
Jennifer has over fourteen years of experience as an Army JAG. She is a recognized expert in the areas of sexual assault and crimes against children. Jennifer possesses an in-depth knowledge of military law, as well as a unique understanding of the challenges military members and their families face during military divorce and parenting disputes. She has litigated hundreds of criminal cases and has years of experience in dealing with military commanders on behalf of service members.
Jennifer is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary. She also earned a Master of Laws in Criminal Law from the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School.
Trista Price, Esq.
Child Custody Lawyer
Trista McElhaney Price is a founding partner at Price Family Law, LLC. She specializes in high-asset divorce cases and legal matters involving complex business and financial issues as well as complex custody matters involving domestic violence, substance abuse issues, and mental health issues. Additionally, she pursues appellate work, having successfully appealed numerous court rulings.
Trista began her legal career in 2012 working for a men’s/father’s rights law firm. She went on to serve as Senior Managing Associate for two successful family law firms before forming her own law firm, Pomper Price, LLC in 2020, and eventually Price Family Law, LLC in 2021. Trista is skilled in both the law and in business, holding degrees from both the University of Colorado Law School and the University of Denver Daniels College of Business. Her financial knowledge makes her a formidable litigator in high-asset divorce cases. She also has significant experience handling complex custody cases. Due to her strong research and writing skills, Trista is particularly effective at filing successful appeals.
As a family law attorney, Trista is equally adept at negotiating and litigating. While many attorneys are content to settle, she will aggressively argue a case in court if it offers her client the best possible outcome. Many of her divorce cases have gone to litigation.
At the University of Colorado Law School where she earned her Juris Doctorate, Trista was awarded the Anheuser-Busch Minoru Yasui Scholarship, the Joel H. Greenstein Scholarship, and the Harold Taft King Scholarship. She began honing her family law skills even before graduating by participating in the CU family law practice clinic and clerking in the domestic relations division of the 18th Judicial District.
Trista was born in Seoul, South Korea, and joined her adoptive parents in Colorado, where she has lived most of her life. Her family has deep roots in the Denver area, where her father is a business owner, and her mother was a teacher. Trista credits her strong work ethic to the years she worked as a youngster in her father’s business. In her free time, Trista enjoys spending time with her husband and son and their dogs, Lily and Scout.
REBECCA I. GUMAER
REBECCA I. GUMAER graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a BA in International Relations and a minor in French. After graduating from Tulane University, Rebecca taught high school English at Mount Carmel Academy in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Rebecca received her JD from Loyola Law School of New Orleans in May of 2005. Upon graduation, Rebecca received her JD and a Certificate in Civil Law and Common Law. Rebecca also received recognition for serving on the Moot Court Staff. While attending Loyola Law School, Rebecca served as the Student Bar Representative for Phi Alpha Delta. Rebecca argued as a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, now known as the American Association for Justice, and placed within the top ten of her first competition. During the summer of 2003, Rebecca attended the University of Costa Rica Law School in San Jose, Costa Rica and she also studied in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
Rebecca is licensed to practice law in the States of Colorado and Louisiana. Rebecca relocated to the Mile High City in November of 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina. Rebecca practices general civil litigation with the specific focus on guiding families through the issues surrounding divorce, legal separation, child support, and child custody disputes.
Rebecca was selected to sit on the Board of Trustees for the First Judicial District in June of 2008 and she has been recognized for her volunteer work with Metro Volunteer Lawyers.
The need for the best child custody lawyer in Colorado arises from the significance of child custody cases and the complexity of family law matters. Here are the reasons why having the best child custody lawyer is important:
- Protecting the Child’s Best Interests: Child custody cases are centered around the well-being and best interests of the child. The best custody lawyer will advocate for the child’s needs and ensure their safety, stability, and emotional well-being are prioritized.
- Navigating Complex Legal Procedures: Child custody cases involve complex legal procedures, paperwork, and court hearings. A skilled custody lawyer is familiar with the legal intricacies and will guide the client through the process, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
- Understanding State Laws: Child custody laws can vary from state to state. The best custody lawyer in Colorado is well-versed in the state’s family laws, regulations, and precedents, which is crucial for building a strong case.
- Negotiating Custody Arrangements: A competent lawyer can negotiate custody arrangements with the other parent’s attorney, aiming for a favorable outcome for their client while promoting co-parenting when appropriate.
- Presenting Compelling Arguments: In court, the custody lawyer will present persuasive arguments supported by evidence, testimony, and documentation to support their client’s position on custody matters.
- Handling Mediation and Settlements: The best custody lawyers are skilled in mediation and negotiation, seeking amicable resolutions outside of court when possible to reduce stress and legal costs.
- Child Advocacy: The role of a custody lawyer is to act as a child advocate, ensuring the child’s voice is heard and their needs are addressed during custody proceedings.
- Coping with High-Conflict Situations: In contentious custody cases, emotions can run high, making it challenging for parents to navigate the legal process. A skilled custody lawyer can provide level-headed advice and representation, minimizing conflicts and promoting constructive dialogue.
- Gathering Evidence: The lawyer will collect evidence and testimony from witnesses, experts, and relevant parties to support their client’s custody position.
- Advising on Legal Rights: A custody lawyer will explain the legal rights and responsibilities of their client, ensuring they understand the implications of various custody arrangements.
In summary, the best child custody lawyer in Colorado is essential for navigating the complexities of child custody cases, advocating for the child’s best interests, and ensuring their client’s rights are protected throughout the legal process. Their role is to provide expert legal counsel, negotiate custody arrangements, present compelling arguments, and guide their clients to the best possible outcome for the children involved.