Harkess & Salter, LLC

Divorce, Custody, Bankruptcy - We're On Your Side.

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Colorado and has no record of discipline from the Colorado bar association.*

Firm Overview

The primary areas of focus are consumer bankruptcy (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13) and family law. These areas account for over 80% of the work we do. Our attorneys also handle divorce and child custody cases, civil litigation, and wills and estate planning.

Example cases

We have handled contested divorce and custody cases and successfully obtained permission to relocate children out of state. We have handled litigation of cases involving as little as $2 and as much as $2 million. We have been successful in stopping garnishments, ending creditor harassment, removing second or third mortgages from houses, saving homes from foreclosure, and giving people the peace of mind and fresh start that the bankruptcy code was created to provide.

Main Office

Main
1075 S. Yukon Street
Suite 305
Lakewood CO 80226

Phone

(303) 531-5380

Fax

(866) 332-8697

Websites

http://www.harkess-salter.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

We provide a free 30 minute consultation for all legal issues except for landlord — tenant matters. Consultations on landlord — tenant matters are $60.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases are generally handled as a fixed-price service. The price is set based on the complexity of the case and the assets and debts at issue. Anyone who mentions Nolo will be given a 25% discount off our standard hourly rates.

Hourly Rates

Depends on the type of case. Call for details.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Evenings and weekends by appointment.

Office Manager

Rebecca Medina

Emergency After Hours

Languages Spoken

Arabic

Is your firm willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?

In state court cases, including divorce and custody cases, we can provide advice and document drafting without entering an appearance in court for clients who are interested in limited representation. Federal court rules will not allow for less than full representation in bankruptcy court or other federal matters.

What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

Our attorneys oversee every aspect of a client's representation, but where a task can be handled effectively and more cost efficiently by a paralegal or legal assistant it helps keep effective legal representation affordable.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

Mediation is very important, particularly in family law where mediation is often mandated by the courts. Mediated agreements can reduce conflict and are more likely to be followed by the parties than court orders. Both of the firm's partners are experienced mediators and our attorneys can represent clients through the process.

Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?

Our attorneys work with organizations, including Colorado Legal Services and Metro Volunteer Lawyers to provide help to indigent Coloradans. People seeking pro bono services can find contact information for both organizations on our website: www.harkess-salter.com/forms-and-links

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

We keep in mind that the proper role of an attorney is as a trusted advisor. The issues we deal with, especially bankruptcy and family law, affect your family, your finances — affect your life. We are not looking to push you to take action that you are not comfortable with or force you into a once size fits all solution. The goal is to ensure that you understand your options and can make the decision that is best for your situation. With that goal in mind, we do our best to take the time to answer questions, to help you understand your options and then to help you execute on your decisions for the direction of your life.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

An attorney is an adviser and an educator. Ultimately, the client is in control. It is important for people to get as much information as they can and to understand their situation and their options. Our firm prides itself on our ability to make complex issues understandable.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Due to the bankruptcy laws and federal court rules discouraging less than full representation, we do not review bankruptcy documents prepared by clients. We will, however, review other types of documents, including contracts, estate planning documents and state court pleadings and documents.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

State courts do allow unbundled legal services and we are willing to provide advice and coaching on state court cases — including divorce and custody cases, on an hourly basis for clients who are not seeking full representation. Federal courts, including the bankruptcy court, discourage ghost writing and unbundled legal services. Competent legal representation in bankruptcy is relatively inexpensive compared to the benefits, and mistakes can be very costly. We do not provide coaching for clients in federal court.

Stephen Harkess

Stephen Harkess has been serving clients in his own firm since 2002. In 2006, he was joined by Robert Salter. Stephen spends the bulk of his time handling real estate, consumer rights and consumer bankruptcy cases. Rob's primary focus is estate planning and family law.

License

Bar Number: 30968
Colorado , 1999

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.