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Jeffrey Alter
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Jeffrey Alter
Alter Family Law
8101 East Prentice Ave.
Suite 1000
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Phone: (720) 934-0901 | Fax: (303) 322-9574
http://alterfamilylaw.com
http://alter-family-law.com
Tough, Dedicated, Smart Family Law Attorney
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Any matters involving Colorado divorce or Colorado family law, including parenting time (visitation and/or custody), child support, maintenance (alimony), premarital agreements, separation agreements, mediation, grandparents' rights, domestic partnerships, name changes, post-decree modifications and contempts.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Any matters involving Colorado divorce or Colorado family law, including parenting time (visitation and/or custody), child support, maintenance (alimony), premarital agreements, separation agreements, mediation, grandparents' rights, domestic partnerships, name changes, post-decree modifications and contempts.
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
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Bar Admissions
CT, Oct 1997
Bar Number: 414471
CO, Aug 2006
Bar Number: 37708
Other Court Admissions
Colorado - State and Federal; Connecticut - State and Federal.
Association Memberships
Continuing Education
I regularly exceed the required amount of continuing legal education, focusing on family law and ethics issues. I attend live lectures, video presentations, webinars, and "home studies." I further participate in meetings and seminars with judges and attorneys involved in family law issues.
Papers and Publications
I have published legal articles and references for attorneys and judges across the nation in various publications including Washington Court Rules; Alabama Statutes Annotated; Michigan Statutes Annotated; Mississippi Statutes Annotated; South Carolina Statutes Annotated; Vermont and Virgin Islands Reports; United States Code Service, Lawyers Edition; Consolidated Law Service (New York); Couch on Insurance; Annotated Law Reports; American Jurisprudence; Standard Pennsylvania Practice; Code of Federal Regulations (Title 37 ) on CD-ROM. I am also listed as an expert family law author in Ezines @rticles.
Example Cases
I successfully defended an out-of-state client who could not come to Colorado and was facing jail on a contempt citation for failure to follow a court order regarding child support. I managed to get the citation procedurally quashed. I also gained 50/50 parenting time for my client who before the trial had no visitation rights because the father unilaterally would not let her have the child on the basis that he believed she was unfit. This was a highly contested issue with many witnesses on both sides.
I regularly handle contested and uncontested divorce cases, parenting time, child support, maintenance (alimony), and asset/debt division issues, post-judgment modifications and contempts, domestic partnership issues, grandparent rights, name changes, pre-marital and marital agreements. Litigation, mediation, settlement and reconciliation are regularly discussed. I believe each case has aspects unique to the client.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
California Western School of Law
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
1992
Focus and Accomplishments:
Scored in top 5% nationally on law school aptitude test (LSAT); Honors Instructor for first-year law students in Legal Skills class; American Jurisprudence Award for Legal Skills; Completed 3-year degree program in 2 ½ years; Academic Scholarship - Tuition Waiver.
My focus was litigation and mediation.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Colorado and Connecticut
Firm Focus and History
I started focusing exclusively on Colorado divorce and Colorado family law matters in 2006. I regularly participate in family law education as well as social and professional functions with local family law attorneys and judges. I've drafted premarital, marital and post-marital agreements, mediated and negotiated settlements, litigated pre-trial, trial and post-trial matters, and have provided consultation and research in well-settled and unsettled areas of family law. I also participate with a select group of family law attorneys who share professional opinions in a collegial environment in order to better serve their clients.
Previous Employment Summary
2003-2006: Law clerk for Colorado District Court - Consulted with magistrates and judges, drafted opinions and orders, and conducted legal research leading to determination of case outcomes.
1999-2003: Judicial officer for Connecticut District Court - Assisted judges in bench and jury trials, conducted case-specific legal research, guided attorneys and pro se parties in pleadings and case management.
1993-1999: Legal author and editor - Contributed legal articles and analysis national in scope which are relied upon by judges and attorneys.
Activities and Awards
American Jurisprudence Award for Legal Skills; Metro Family Volunteer Lawyers; Expert Family Law Author for Ezine @rticles; Member of Colorado Family Law Listserve; Participant of "Lawyers at the Library" for Colorado residents needing family law advice and help.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe educated clients are in a better position to make informed decisions about their cases and issues. This includes choice of counsel, mediation or litigation, as well as directions to take with respect to a particular case given existing weaknesses, strengths, legal applications, and the proclivities of the judge.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review these documents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I offer advice and consultation on self-representation (pro se) cases.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I had a wealth of training in analysis, communication, and presentation through undergraduate and graduate philosophy coursework, and had at one time decided to become a professor. However, I wanted to leverage those skills in a more practical way than the field of philosophy allows. After scoring among the highest in the nation on the law school entrance exam, I decided to attend law school, and later wrote legal analysis publications for judges and lawyers. After a time, I wanted to have an even more direct and practical outlet for my training and decided that I enjoyed being an effective advocate and representative for those with family law issues.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have spent many years in academia analyzing, researching, and resolving issues and have experience and training in all levels of divorce and family law matters. I likewise have spent many years working directly in the judicial branch of government with magistrates and judges as they heard arguments, reviewed issues, and rendered judgments on cases affecting the lives of individuals. I have acted as a judge for high school, college, and law school "moot court" trials. Throughout, the most important aspect I have seen that separates those attorneys who are effective from those who are not is preparation, a trait that I take very seriously and incorporate into my practice at every juncture.
I have experience and training in all levels of divorce and family law matters. I've drafted premarital, marital and post-marital agreements, mediated and negotiated settlements, litigated pre-trial, trial and post-trial matters, and have provided consultation and research in well-settled and unsettled areas of family law. I participate with a select group of family law attorneys who share professional opinions in a collegial environment in order to better serve their clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Divorce and family law melds the psychological, emotional, intellectual, and social aspects of law perhaps more than any other area of law. My training and approach allow me to merge objectivity with compassion, and counseling with litigation, all of which allowed me to excel at optimizing a client's position in a frustrating environment.
What do you like best about your career?
I value the ability to positively impact clients' lives and successfully help them navigate the complexities of legal issues affecting their case. Most aspects of divorce and family law aren't pretty. Many times, it's a war in which most of my clients did not volunteer themselves to be soldiers, but nonetheless find themselves confronted with rules, tactics and strategies with which they are not familiar, and who also find themselves in danger of losing their children, property, money, and self. To me, there is no greater calling than to rise to a client's cause and protect that client with strong and effective legal representation.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner and I handle every aspect of my clients' cases. However, I am part of a larger network of select family law and divorce attorneys that share strategies and analysis in more difficult and complex cases. In this way, cases are not "farmed" out to associates looking to "cut their teeth" in order to get experience and a case is not divided between different attorneys and paralegals resulting in no particular attorney knowing all aspects of the case.
What are your strengths and style?
I am tough and aggressive when needed and conciliatory when such an approach benefits my clients. Each case has unique aspects, and what works for some does not work for others. Many factors, such as the assigned judge, opposing counsel, the type of case, and the procedural posture of the issues determine what approach I use. There is no "one size fits all" approach - Essentially, I adapt to whatever is in my client's best interest at the time. That is what I believe I am retained to do.
I give each client personal attention and am familiar with court procedure, motion practice and the tactics of opposing counsel. I offer guidance, support and uncompromising representation. I have a no-nonsense approach, and a straight-forward and honest communication style which gives clients assurances that they are told upfront when something doesn't look good. I'm calm and objective, and put my clients to work when necessary to help their own case.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy music (voice and piano); working out (gym); hiking; bicycling; reading; word games (e.g. Scrabble, Boggle).
Fax
(303) 322-9574
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes, depending on the nature of the case.
Hourly Rates
$200 per hour. Associates are $150 per hour. Rates are sometimes negotiable depending on the circumstances of the parties and case.
Free Initial Consultation?
Potential clients should mention they found me through Nolo.com.
Typical Retainer
$2,500 to $3,500 depending on the circumstances.
Nolo's Licensing Check
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.
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