Golden Family Law & Divorce Attorneys
Family Law Practice Areas:
- Divorce Mediation
- Collaborative Divorce
- Uncontested Divorce
- Contested Divorce
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Alimony
- Property Division
- Paternity
- Military Divorce
About The Drake Law Firm, PC
At The Drake Law Firm, PC, we provide focused family law services to the Golden, Colorado community and clients throughout Jefferson County. We understand that legal issues involving your family are deeply personal and often stressful. Our practice is centered on providing a blend of high-level legal skill and genuine, compassionate support for every client we serve.
The Difference Family Law Focus Makes
Our firm exclusively practices family law—this isn’t a side practice or secondary focus. This focus means we understand Colorado’s family law statutes with exceptional depth and stay current with every legislative change. While general practice attorneys might handle a divorce case occasionally, our team lives and breathes family law daily. This knowledge translates to more efficient case management, sharper strategic thinking, and ultimately better outcomes for you and your family.
Comprehensive Family Law Services
We guide clients in Golden, CO through all aspects of family law. Our practice includes divorce representation across all approaches such as collaborative divorce for couples seeking cooperative solutions, mediation for structured negotiation, and full litigation preparation when courtroom advocacy becomes necessary. We handle both uncontested divorces where agreements exist and contested matters requiring strategic negotiation or trial.
Colorado uses the term “parenting time” for custody arrangements, and we help parents develop plans that serve their children’s best interests while protecting parental rights. This includes initial custody determinations during divorce, modifications when circumstances change, and relocation cases when one parent plans to move.
Our team also manages child support calculations and disputes, spousal maintenance (alimony) negotiations, property and debt division in divorces of all asset levels, paternity establishment, military divorce with its unique federal and state law considerations, and enforcement actions when court orders aren’t being followed. If you need to modify an existing order due to changed circumstances, we handle those proceedings as well.
How Our Team Approaches Your Case
Experience can make all the difference in family law. Our divorce services in Golden bring substantial courtroom and negotiation background to each case. We understand that effective representation requires both legal skill and strategic thinking—knowing when settlement serves your interests and when courtroom advocacy becomes essential.
What distinguishes our approach is the time we invest in understanding your specific situation before developing strategy. A parenting plan that works for one family may be entirely wrong for another. A property division approach suitable for a couple with simple assets doesn’t apply to cases involving business interests or complex retirement accounts. We ask detailed questions about your priorities, your concerns, and your goals for post-divorce life because those answers shape everything we do.
We’ve also built working relationships throughout the Jefferson County legal community with mediators, parenting evaluators, financial experts, and other professionals who frequently contribute to family law cases. These connections benefit our clients across all locations we serve when we need to bring in specialized expertise.
Take the First Step
Schedule a consultation with one of our Golden family law attorneys. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain how we can help you move forward. Whether you’re considering divorce, facing a custody matter, or dealing with another family law issue, we’re here to provide the professional, compassionate representation you need.
Directions to Our Golden Office
Our office is conveniently located in Golden, with easy access for clients from Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Morrison, Evergreen, and throughout Jefferson County. We are situated near the Jefferson County Courthouse. Click here for directions using Google Maps.
Where to Park
Ample visitor parking is available in the lot adjacent to our building, providing convenient access to our suite.
How to Get to Our Golden Office:
Coming from Apple Meadows
- Head east on W 61st Place and turn right onto Crestone Street
- Turn right onto W 58th Avenue and continue for about 0.7 miles
- Use any lane to turn left onto CO-93 South and follow for approximately 1.7 miles
- Turn left onto Pine Ridge Road, then immediately turn right onto N Ford Street
- Continue on N Ford Street for about 1.9 miles (the road becomes Jackson Street after passing Burger King)
- At the traffic circle, take the fifth exit to continue on Ford Street
- Turn right onto 22nd Street, then make a left turn
- The office will be on your left at 2117 Ford Street, Golden, CO 80401
Coming from Applewood
- Head east and turn left onto Indiana Street
- Turn left onto W 32nd Avenue and continue for approximately 3.2 miles
- Continue straight as the road becomes 13th Street, then turn left onto East Street
- Follow East Street for about half a mile, then turn right onto 21st Street
- Make a left turn – the office will be on your right at 2117 Ford Street, Golden, CO 80401
Coming from Genesee
- Head northeast on Genesee Ridge Road toward Meadowrose Drive for about 1.9 miles
- Turn left, then immediately turn right to merge onto I-70 East
- Stay on I-70 East for approximately 3 miles, then take exit 260 toward US-6 West/6th Avenue
- Merge onto CO-470 West and continue for about 0.4 miles
- Take the US-6 East exit toward 6th Avenue
- Continue straight onto Johnson Road for about 1.2 miles
- At the first traffic circle, take the third exit onto S Golden Road
- At the next traffic circle, take the second exit onto Ford Street
- Turn right onto 22nd Street, then make a left turn
- The office will be on your left at 2117 Ford Street, Golden, CO 80401
Golden Family Law Attorney FAQs
How can a Golden family law attorney help me with divorce or custody?
A Golden family law attorney assists clients with legal matters that affect their families, including divorce, child custody, parenting plans, child support, and dividing property. At The Drake Law Firm, we work closely with clients to understand their goals and take practical steps to protect their future. Whether you’re starting a divorce, adjusting custody arrangements, or handling support issues, a family lawyer guides you through your rights, paperwork, and agreements.
Will I need to appear in court for a family law case in Golden?
Not every family law case in Golden requires an in-person court appearance. Most cases start with a virtual Initial Status Conference. Many matters, such as custody schedules, support agreements, or property division, can often be resolved through negotiation or mediation. If both parties cooperate, your Golden family law attorney can help create legally binding agreements without stepping into a courtroom. If disputes arise, your lawyer is ready to represent you at hearings to protect your interests.
What is the timeline for getting a divorce in Colorado?
Colorado requires a 91-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized, beginning after your spouse is served or immediately if you file jointly. Beyond this mandatory period, the divorce timeline depends on how quickly you and your spouse reach agreements on issues like child custody, support, and property division. A Golden family lawyer can help ensure your case moves efficiently and all legal requirements are handled correctly.
What if my spouse and I already agree on all divorce terms?
If both spouses agree on parenting schedules, asset division, and support, you can submit your settlement to the court for approval. This is called an uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces in Golden are generally faster and more affordable than contested cases. A Golden family law attorney will review your financial disclosures, parenting plan, and agreements to ensure everything meets Colorado law, then file the necessary documents to finalize your divorce smoothly.
Can child custody or support orders be changed in later?
Yes. Custody and child support orders can be modified in Golden if circumstances change, such as a job loss, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs. To request a modification, you must show that the new situation significantly affects the original order. A Golden family law attorney can help prepare and file your request and advocate for adjustments that reflect your current reality.