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Kelly E. Walsh
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Kelly E. Walsh
Law Office of Kelly E. Walsh
1622 Race St .
Denver, CO 80206
Phone: (303) 991-2388 | Fax: (303) 339-9820
http://www.kelwalsh.com
SETTLE THE ISSUE WITHOUT EMOTIONAL DAMAGE
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with clients who would like to ensure that any agreements they enter into are fair and equitable and meet the needs of their family for the long term. I am willing to meet clients at whatever stage of the legal conflict they are in and assist them in getting to a place of resolution.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Age Discrimination
- Competency Hearings
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Long-Term Care
- Nursing Homes
- Powers of Attorney
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Proxy
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with clients who would like to ensure that any agreements they enter into are fair and equitable and meet the needs of their family for the long term. I am willing to meet clients at whatever stage of the legal conflict they are in and assist them in getting to a place of resolution.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Law
Bar Admissions
CO, Oct 2001
Bar Number: 33313
Other Court Admissions
All Colorado State Courts.
Association Memberships
Colorado Bar Association, Denver Bar Association, Jefferson County Mediation Services, International Academy of Collaborative Practitioners, and Colorado Collaborative Law Practitioners.
Continuing Education
I attend education seminars on the topics of family law, collaborative law, alternative dispute resolution (mediation) and children's issues. I always exceed the required amount of continuing education hours.
Example Cases
One of my most positive case outcomes dealt with a client who had not seen her children in many years due to her drug addiction. She came to me after becoming sober and asked that I help her reestablish her relationship with her two children. We negotiated with child support enforcement to allow her to pay current and past child support and worked with her to find a therapist who specialized in family reunification. This client took responsibility for her actions, had a clear idea of the work she needed to do, and was willing to do it. We worked with her ex-husband to create a new parenting plan. She is in regular contact with her children today.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of Denver
City:
Denver
State:
CO
Year:
2001
Honors:
Top 25% of class.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Member and Secretary for the Preventative Law Journal.
Degree:
M.S.
School:
Colorado State University
City:
Fort Collins
State:
CO
Year:
1998
Focus and Accomplishments:
Assistantship, 2 years, Residence Life; intern with University Conduct Office.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Western Washington University
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Year:
1992
Focus and Accomplishments:
Psychology/Sociology major with an emphasis in marriage and family studies; Minor in Women's Studies.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Colorado
Firm Focus and History
Our focus is on resolving family law conflicts in a way which allows the client to move forward in a positive manner. We represent men and women (with or without children) going through divorce, people who have been through divorce and have post decree conflicts, as well as those who have never been married but need assistance with child-related issues. Our goal is to come to a workable solution without going to a hearing, and with agreements that will assist all parties stay out of court in the future. Our preferred resolution methods are mediation and the collaborative law process.
The firm was established in 2003 out of a desire to work with families going through the tough process of divorce or child custody proceedings. While working with families over the last five years, it has become evident to me that the court system may not be the best arena in which to resolve family disputes, especially those involving children. To this end, mediation and collaborative law have become the central processes by which we focus our resolution efforts.
Previous Employment Summary
Previously I have worked in the trust and estate field of law assisting attorneys who are experts in the field of special needs trusts. Prior to becoming an attorney, I worked in higher education administration at the University of Oregon and Colorado State University. At both campuses I worked with freshman and upper class students and staff in the residence halls. Commonly occurring issues included: transition to college life, first generation college students, drugs and alcohol, sexuality, roommate conflicts, community conflicts, multicultural and class issues, pregnancy, suicide, relationship issues, domestic violence, and learning disabilities. This varied background has given me a chance to work with a variety of issues that I see today with my family law clients.
Activities and Awards
I am a pro bono mediator for Jefferson County Mediation Services. In this capacity I focus on helping parties resolve issues regarding parenting time, decision-making, child support, and protection orders.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage my clients to become informed about their legal matter. I encourage clients to ask lots of questions, read books and articles and educate me on what they want and need. I like to spend time getting him or her acclimated to the legal process and possible outcomes. I also spend time "debunking" myths about the legal system and explaining how every case is different. I also think it is important for clients to know all their options, including representing themselves, using an attorney to review documents and prepare them for hearings (typically called "unbundled" services). Other options in court that clients should know are mediation requirements and collaborative law, which take the client out of the court process until the end when they file their paperwork. Knowing about the legal system and its alternative ways of proceeding through it empowers the client to make the best decision for their circumstances. Sometimes, the best decision is to do nothing, depending on their individual needs and interests.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am always willing to review client's documents to ensure that they reflect the client's intentions and will be received and approved by the court system. In addition, it is my role to problem-solve with clients for potential areas of future conflict and to minimize these areas. I find that, especially with separation agreements and parenting plans, clients come with a preconceived notion of what a "normal" or "average" agreement looks like. If that is the case, I like to talk with clients about if/how these "cookie-cutter" approaches actually meet their needs and interests, and if there are better approaches to meet those needs and interests.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am happy to prepare clients to represent themselves, with the knowledge of my role as they represent themselves and with the variety of options open to them outside of the courtroom setting. I have coached clients going into court and into mediation meetings. I also spend a lot of time coaching clients whom I represent in order to understand and to help them understand what their needs, interests, and values are so that they can best represent them to the other party, regardless of my representation.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I wanted to be a lawyer to challenge myself and to help people going through legal disputes understand the process and be heard. As I have practiced, I have come to know that my clients are the best ones to teach me about what the best resolution is for them. I try to use the skills and knowledge I have to assist them in coming up with their solutions. The best agreements are the ones crafted by the parties in the conflict, and not imposed from outside.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have worked conflict resolution in some form for over 22 years, as a student, teacher, supervisor, mentor, facilitator, mediator and attorney. I have been divorced and know that, while painful, it can be a healing process. As a divorce attorney I have seen the emotional damage that can be done to the parties and their children from a long and protracted court fight. I want to educate my clients to see this and know that there may be a better long term solution for everyone.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoy working with men and women in transition. Divorce and child custody matters can be incredibly challenging, and with this challenge there is also room for growth and a new start. I look forward to helping my clients move into a new phase of their lives.
What do you like best about your career?
I like making a difference in my client's lives. I like watching them become stronger, more self-sufficient people with life skills they can take to their next challenge.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner and share an office with two other family law attorneys. We support each other's efforts and can empathize with the challenges that come from working with clients in crisis. I strive to make my office a warm and welcoming place where my clients feel safe and supported. You may even find friendly dogs welcoming you at the front door of the office!
What are your strengths and style?
My strengths are: 1) my compassion and, 2) my good listening skills. I am not fazed by intense conflict or strong emotions. I listen without judgment and allow my clients to grow and change throughout the process. My style is open and grounded. My goal is to help my clients make their own informed decisions. I find that most of the time, my clients become my friends.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy singing with my choir, playing with my two miniature dachshunds, camping, traveling and hiking with my husband. I have a large extended family in the area that I enjoy spending time with. I also enjoy reading, learning new things, and being with friends.
Fax
(303) 339-9820
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
No.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
No, I do not have fixed prices or fees.
Hourly Rates
$150 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer an initial consultation for $100, with no time limit.
Typical Retainer
Retainers vary depending on the complexity of the case and/or the number of issues. Retainers range from $1,500 to $3,000.
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Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
