Family Lawyers in Denver, CO: Where to Start
Updated 2026-10-06
Family legal problems are personal and often stressful. A divorce, a disagreement over parenting time, or a question about child support can affect your home, your money, and your children. This guide explains where to start if you are looking for a family lawyer in Denver, how to check a Colorado license, and what to ask at a first meeting.
What family lawyers handle
Family lawyers work on legal matters between spouses, partners, parents, and children. Common matters include:
- Divorce and legal separation, including dividing property and debts
- Parenting time and decision-making for children
- Child support and spousal support (often called maintenance)
- Changes to existing court orders when circumstances change
- Protection orders in cases of domestic violence
- Adoption and paternity questions
Some family lawyers handle all of these. Others focus on a few, such as divorces with complex finances or cases involving children. Before you call anyone, write a short description of your situation and what you hope to resolve. It will help you find a lawyer who works on matters like yours.
How Denver's courts fit together
Denver is unusual because it is a combined city and county. The local government calls itself the City and County of Denver, and the city and county share one set of boundaries.
That affects which court you deal with. The Denver County Court is both a municipal and a state court. According to its website, it handles matters such as protection orders, small claims, and civil cases up to a set dollar limit, along with many criminal and traffic cases. Divorce and most other family cases in Colorado are generally handled by the state district courts, not the county court.
The Colorado Judicial Branch's divorce and separation page explains how to start or respond to a divorce or legal separation, including for civil unions, and links to the standard court forms. Reading it before your first meeting can help you understand the basic steps and the words the court uses.
Check the lawyer's Colorado license
Lawyers in Colorado are licensed and regulated under the Colorado Supreme Court. The Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel offers an attorney search and disciplinary history tool where you can look up a lawyer by name. Check that the lawyer's status allows them to practice and whether there is any public disciplinary history.
Ask the lawyer for their full name and registration number, then search it yourself. A firm's website or a review page is not a substitute for the official record.
When you may need a lawyer and when you may not
Some people handle simple, uncontested divorces without a lawyer, using the court's self-help forms. This can work when both spouses agree on everything and there are few assets.
A lawyer is often helpful when:
- You and the other parent disagree about the children
- There is a house, a business, retirement accounts, or significant debt to divide
- There has been domestic violence or you feel unsafe
- The other side already has a lawyer
- You are unsure what you might be giving up by signing an agreement
Even if you plan to handle the case yourself, a one-time consultation can help you spot problems early. Some lawyers offer limited help, such as reviewing papers you have prepared. Ask whether that is available.
How family lawyers charge
Family lawyers usually charge by the hour and often ask for an upfront payment called a retainer. The retainer is held and used as work is done. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for defined tasks, such as preparing an agreement. Contingency fees are generally not used in divorce or custody cases.
Ask for the fee agreement in writing, and ask:
- What is your hourly rate, and what do staff and other lawyers charge?
- How is the retainer used, and what happens if it runs out?
- Do you bill for phone calls and emails?
- How often will I receive a bill?
Family cases can last months. Clear fee terms help you plan.
Questions to ask at the first meeting
Bring a short timeline of events, copies of any court papers, and a summary of your income, debts, and property. Then ask:
- How much of your work involves cases like mine?
- Who will handle my case day to day?
- What are the main steps and likely timeline in Denver?
- Do you think mediation could work in my situation?
- How will we communicate, and how quickly do you usually respond?
Pay attention to whether the lawyer listens and explains things clearly. You may be working with this person for a long time.
Free and low-cost help
If your income is limited, legal aid programs may be able to help. The USAGov legal aid page lists programs that offer free legal advice and low-cost lawyers. The Colorado Judicial Branch's self-help pages also provide forms and instructions for people who represent themselves.
To browse local options, see family lawyers in Denver, all lawyers in Denver, or our overview of family law.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a divorce in Denver without a lawyer?
Some people do, especially when both spouses agree on everything. The Colorado Judicial Branch provides forms and instructions. A consultation can still help you understand what you are agreeing to.
Which court handles divorce in Denver?
Divorce and most family cases in Colorado are generally handled by the state district courts. The Denver County Court handles other matters, such as small claims and protection orders.
How do I check a Colorado lawyer's license?
Use the attorney search on the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel website. It shows a lawyer's status and any public disciplinary history.
Do family lawyers work on contingency?
Generally not. Most family lawyers charge by the hour or a flat fee for specific tasks. Ask for the fee terms in writing.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Colorado attorney about your situation.