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RETAINING THE ATTORNEY & CLIENT DOCUMENTS
Colorado Springs Attorney - Criminal & Family
Law Trial Practice 25+ Years in Colorado State Courts
El Paso County & Surrounding Colorado
Counties -
Attorney Trade Area |
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SOME DOCUMENTS LINKED ON THIS PAGE ARE RESTRICTED BY PASSWORD
TO CLIENTS WHO HAVE RETAINED
If you are using a 56K modem,
patience may be required. Some documents are lengthy
Number of pages and KB size are indicated at each
document link
INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE READ THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5 or later is
required to view .pdf files 
Free Download
All below information to the best of your knowledge is needed to prepare a
written retainer (fee) agreement, supporting authorizations to third persons
for release of information to counsel and to open file. Please be thorough, complete each
item requested, and use FULL LEGAL NAMES - NOT INITIALS.
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Retainer agreement
hardcopy can be provided in
person or .pdf file can be sent via email
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Waiver & authorization to release criminal, driving,
medical, financial, employment or
other confidential records
hardcopy can be provided in
person or .pdf file can be sent via email
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Permission for release of Colorado DMV records
hardcopy can be provided in
person or .pdf file can be sent via email
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Written information packets regarding facts relevant to the
litigation - password required
The
information packet educates me regarding the facts of your case
this enables quality representation.
If you are using a 56K modem,
patience may be required. Some documents are lengthy
Number of pages and KB size are indicated at each
document link.
Access password will be included with retainer agreement
email.
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Retaining counsel can begin with a
simple 
email to the attorney
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This allows:
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Rapid attorney response.
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Time for the prospective
client to consider the terms of the fee agreement in the privacy of his or
her own home or office without pressures of time or my presence.
In 25+ years of practice I’ve
never had a client decline terms of a written fee agreement.
The prospective client has no
obligation at this point, and that’s a comfortable feeling.
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Our first physical meeting
will consist of document execution, receipt of trust deposit, interview
regarding relevant facts. This permits rapid commencement of representation
or litigation after counsel has been retained - there is no delay gathering
facts.
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Completed documents may be returned to counsel by personal delivery,
fax, U.S. Mail or Fed-X. Client assumes the risk of interception if
sent by email image attachment - eg. .jpg .gif or .pdf.
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With fax of executed documents &
subsequent mailing, if the retainer trust deposit is paid by MasterCard,
VISA, Discover Card or American Express, or by deposit to my account in a
national bank, retaining counsel can be accomplished in real time by out of
town, out of state or other clients. Fed-X is not necessary. This
ease of business made possible by electronic transmission is essentially
on-demand or instant gratification.
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Please feel free to call if you are retaining
and have any questions. I have not yet agreed to accept
representation, and I am not your attorney until we have each executed the
retainer (fee) agreement and payment or trust deposit has been received toward
fees and costs. By finding this page you are well on your way to having
the assistance of legal
counsel.
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DOMESTIC ABUSE RESTRAINING ORDERS
AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRIMINAL DEFENSE
ATTORNEY - CLIENT
DOCUMENTS |
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Adobe
Acrobat Reader version 5 or later is required to view .pdf files 
Free Download |
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RETAINER
DATA FORM - Domestic
Abuse Restraining Orders and Domestic Violence Criminal Defense
3 Pages - Approximate Size
31 KB
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NO PASSWORD - ACCESS UNRESTRICTED
This form would be used
for restraining orders retainer preparation + criminal defense
With a call, this
information may also be provided by phone
FACT
SHEET -
Domestic Abuse Restraining Orders and
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense
38 Pages - Approximate Size 102 KB
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ACCESS RESTRICTED BY PASSWORD
This form would be used
for restraining orders case preparation + criminal defense
I ask that clients be thorough with informational responses on
the linked fact sheet I set criminal defense in person factual
interviews during business
hours 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Monday - Friday, or the interview may be conducted by
telephone during the above stated times. To allow sufficient time that we
are not rushed, I ask clients to allow 3 hours on their calendar which will
permit sufficient time to explore all relevant facts, including history of the
relationship and the client's and alleged victim's prior history. I prefer to set
domestic violence criminal defense factual interviews no later
than 2:00 pm and do not offer evening or weekend interviews. |
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SEALING CRIMINAL JUSTICE
RECORDS
ATTORNEY - CLIENT
DOCUMENTS |
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Adobe
Acrobat Reader version 5 or later is required to view .pdf files
Free Download |
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RETAINER DATA FORM
- Sealing Criminal Justice Records
2
Pages - Approximate Size 30 KB -
NO PASSWORD - ACCESS UNRESTRICTED
With a call, this information may
also be provided by phone
FACT SHEET
- Sealing Criminal Justice Records
3 Pages - Approximate Size 33 KB -
ACCESS RESTRICTED BY PASSWORD
I ask that clients be thorough with
informational responses on the linked fact sheet. Between the client's
information, litigation history I obtain from the internet and physical
retrieval of relevant files at the courthouse, I generally have sufficient
information that any questions arising during preparation of the sealing
lawsuit can be answered in a brief phone conversation.
Refer to my primary website for
information regarding sealing criminal justice records. |
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Adobe
Acrobat Reader version 5 or later is required to view .pdf files
Free Download |
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A great deal of information must be learned to
provide effective representation in family law matters. Dredging the
facts by oral interview would result in prohibitive attorney's fees. I
insist that family law clients be thorough with informational responses on
the linked fact sheets and produce documents to the extent possible.
Thereafter, I generally have sufficient information that any questions
arising during preparation of the lawsuit can be answered in a few brief
phone conversations.
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| DIVORCE AND SEPARATION |
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RETAINER
DATA FORM - Divorce, Legal Separation & Annulment
2 Pages - Approximate Size 33
KB -
NO PASSWORD - ACCESS UNRESTRICTED
With a call, this information may
also be provided by phone
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST - Divorce, Legal
Separation & Annulment
5 Pages - Approximate Size 40 KB
- NO PASSWORD - ACCESS UNRESTRICTED
A quick checklist of documents and information to
gather for your litigation
FACT
SHEET - Divorce - Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation
60 Pages - Approximate Size 211
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ACCESS RESTRICTED BY PASSWORD
FACT
SHEET -
Divorce - Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation - Children
27 Pages - Approximate Size
83 KB -
ACCESS RESTRICTED BY PASSWORD |
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SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT |
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RETAINER
DATA FORM - Enforcement of Child Support & Spousal Maintenance
3 Pages - Approximate Size 35 KB
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NO PASSWORD - ACCESS UNRESTRICTED
With a call, this information
may also be provided by phone
FACT
SHEET - Enforcement of Child Support & Spousal Maintenance
27 Pages - Approximate Size 95 KB
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ACCESS RESTRICTED BY PASSWORD |
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MODIFICATION OF
SUPPORT |
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RETAINER
DATA FORM - Modification - Support
3
Pages - Approximate Size 35 KB
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NO PASSWORD - ACCESS UNRESTRICTED
With a call, this information
may also be provided by phone
FACT SHEET - Modification - Support
64 Pages - Approximate Size
195 KB
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ACCESS RESTRICTED BY PASSWORD |
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MODIFICATION OF
CUSTODY & VISITATION |
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RETAINER
DATA FORM - Modification - Parental Responsibility & Parenting Time
aka Custody &
Visitation
3
Pages - Approximate Size 35 KB
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NO PASSWORD - ACCESS UNRESTRICTED
With a call, this information
may also be provided by phone
FACT SHEET - Modification - Parental Responsibility & Parenting
Time
aka Custody &
Visitation
39 Pages - Approximate
Size 130 KB
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ACCESS RESTRICTED BY PASSWORD |
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PATERNITY - LEGAL
PARENTAGE |
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RETAINER
DATA FORM - Paternity - Legal Parentage
4 Pages - Approximate Size 36 KB
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NO PASSWORD - ACCESS UNRESTRICTED
With a call, this information
may also be provided by phone
FACT
SHEET - Paternity - Legal Parentage
98 Pages - Approximate Size 275
KB -
ACCESS RESTRICTED BY PASSWORD |
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STEP PARENT ADOPTION &
GRAND PARENT ADOPTION |
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RETAINER
DATA FORM - Step Parent Adoption
4 Pages - Approximate Size 36 KB
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NO PASSWORD - ACCESS UNRESTRICTED
With a call, this
information may also be provided by phone
FACT
SHEET - Step Parent Adoption
43 Pages - Approximate Size 117
KB
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ACCESS RESTRICTED BY PASSWORD |
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FAMILY LAW PROMISSORY
NOTE |
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PROMISSORY NOTE -
Family Law
1
Page - Approximate Size 17 KB
- NO PASSWORD - ACCESS UNRESTRICTED
A promissory note is frequently
relevant in family law cases evidencing debt to family members or friends
who have given financial assistance. A promissory note may foreclose
the opposing party's argument that the loan was a gift. |
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ATTORNEY
REPRESENTATION
AND DECLINED MATTERS
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FIRST CONSULTATION - NOTICE |
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Attorney
welcomes representation
inquiries however the
purpose is not to provide free legal advice to the general public.
Unless seeking to retain counsel, please do not email or call.
Attorney does not provide legal opinions, answers or information
in response to questions submitted from non-clients, and attorney
is not the phone company 411 center for telephone number
information. Given the scope of internet accessibility, I
can not be the free "Colorado answer man" and will politely
decline requests of this nature. |
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Restraining
Order
cases occur across Colorado -
refer to travel. |
Travel Policies & Trade Area
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Itemized Expenses
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Colo Map |
common fees have been
quoted and information provided
attorney
is prepared to provide legal representation |
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attorney
comparison is understandable, but before calling
please be prepared to retain if I am counsel of your choice |
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ALTERNATIVES |
FIND
A LAWYER |
if
you are seeking the below
please refer to above links for helpful information |
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sole practitioner
attorney does not accept these matters |
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a. a pro-bono (free) lawyer
b. an attorney who may take
lower fees - economic hardship
c. an attorney who may take installment payments |
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MID-LITIGATION
REPRESENTATION
alternatives and find a
lawyer links provided as a courtesy
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Attorney
Policies
Litigant Pro Se - Attempt to
Prepare or Defend Own Family Law Case |
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1.
Adequate Time. If sufficient time exists to adequately prepare your
restraining order case or
defense and if prospective client approves this
attorney's fees and costs structure, attorney will
likely accept representation. This shall
not constitute an offer of representation; attorney and
prospective client retain discretion through
first
consultation. |
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Insufficient Time. If you've waited until the eleventh hour and there is not
sufficient time to adequately prepare your case or defense before a contested
court proceeding, please do not call. I decline. |
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3.
Limited Assistance.
Please do not call requesting instruction, directions, legal theory,
forms completion or limited document drafting, partial representation, or an explanation of
applicable law to assist you in preparation or defense of your own case. I decline. |
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Attorney
Policies
Representation
by Previous Attorney
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1.
Current Attorney.
Until an order has entered withdrawing representation by an
attorney, an ethical rule violation exists if counsel
knowingly speaks to another attorney's client without current
attorney's consent. This ethical rule governs all
attorneys. Please do not call until after
you have terminated representation by a former attorney.
PRO final orders hearings are set very close to the TRO date -
usually within 10 days from initial filing. After
other counsel's withdrawal it may take significant effort for the the new attorney to "catch up."
Please be aware fees and costs will be associated with procuring the court
file and coming up to speed in the case. |
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Adequate Time.
If prospective client terminates employment of the
former attorney, if sufficient time exists to adequately prepare your
restraining order case or defense, and if prospective client approves this
attorney's fees and costs structure, attorney will
likely accept representation. This shall
not constitute an offer of representation; attorney and
prospective client retain discretion through
first
consultation. |
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Insufficient Time.
If you've waited until the eleventh hour and there is
not sufficient time to adequately prepare your case or
defense before a contested court proceeding, please do
not call. I decline. |
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4.
Second Opinion.
I will not arm chair quarterback another
attorney's case preparation, trial tactics or theory of
the case. Please do not call for a second
opinion or an opinion regarding the competence
of preparation or defense in your current
restraining order case. I decline. |
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POST
DECREE MATTERS
alternatives and find a
lawyer links provided as a courtesy
former clients are naturally welcome to call anytime
regarding any legal matter |
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1.
Post PRO Contempt, Support, Property or Debt Enforcement. I accept most post
PRO requests
to
enforce
a prior court order with respect to child support,
spousal maintenance, property or debt or to enforce the
restraining order via contempt proceedings. This shall
not constitute an offer of representation; attorney and
prospective client retain discretion through
first
consultation. |
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Post PRO Modification or
Termination. If the case qualifies statutorily, I will consider post PRO
modification or termination, however I do consider the amount of time elapsed
since last order, circumstances surrounding the termination and
number of prior attorneys retained by a prospective
client. This shall
not constitute an offer of representation; attorney and
prospective client retain discretion through
first
consultation. |
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Appeals. I
do not accept appellate matters unless I provided
representation at hearing or trial and am familiar with the facts,
testimony and exhibits received into evidence, rulings and meritorious issues for appeal. That's been my policy for
years. Please do not
call or inquire regarding appellate matters if you are not a
former client. |
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ATTORNEY
TRADE AREA & TRAVEL
OUTSIDE EL PASO COUNTY
GEOGRAPHIC
DISTANCE
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS |
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Colorado is a big state. Ease of internet access, email and toll free
phone doesn't change that fact. Due to need for trial preparation
and speed with which restraining orders cases come on for hearing,
travel beyond nearby counties is not feasible. |
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time & travel cost considerations limit trade area. |
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Attorney is very willing to travel
outside the Colorado Springs area to present or defend a case,
but please be aware travel time, mileage and expense would
apply. If you are from out of state or are unfamiliar with
Colorado geography, refer to the map to determine where
Colorado Springs
is located in relation to the county of your court case or
hearing. |
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| COUNTIES |
CITIES / TOWNS |
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If travel is
necessary, a
trust deposit
would be required to cover anticipated travel time, mileage &
expenses. If it is not economically justifiable to retain
my services with travel, please contact counsel in the locale of
your case. |
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El Paso County |
Colorado Springs / Manitou
Springs / Fountain |
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Arapahoe County |
Littleton / Centennial /
Englewood |
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Douglas County |
Castle Rock |
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Elbert County |
Kiowa / Simla |
I welcome new cases. Intent is not to be harsh
or to discard potential new business, but to be practical. |
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Crowley County |
Ordway |
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Fremont County |
Canon City / Florence / Penrose |
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Pueblo County |
Pueblo |
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Teller County |
Cripple Creek / Woodland Park |
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Adobe
Acrobat Reader version 5 or later is required to view .pdf files 
Free Download
| please feel free
to call or email if you are a client or are seeking representation |
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