Vail Family Lawyers

Taggart Howard began his legal career working for the Office of the District Attorney in the Fifth Judicial District in April of 1998. As a Deputy District Attorney for the Fifth Judicial District, Mr. Howard gained extensive trial experience. He managed the largest felony docket in the District which involved warrant approval, advisements, motions hearings, jury trials and sentencing hearings. He was in charge of the juvenile docket and worked closely with juveniles and their families for positive change. He also managed a large county court docket which included misdemeanors like domestic violence, wildlife crimes and traffic offenses like...

Claudia Hurtado-Myers brings over two decades of experience working with diverse populations, helping them address their most pressing, violent, and complex needs, ranging from recovery of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, refugee resettlement, asylum representation, protecting abused, abandoned, and neglected children to services for human trafficking victims. Claudia also has an extensive background in family law, has litigated hundreds of cases in court, and is known among her peers as someone who will reach a negation for the child’s best interest. Claudia believes the court system should not be used against a parent in retaliation but instead, find...

Kristen was raised in the Eagle River (Vail) Valley. After being in the mortgage business in the resort town of Vail, Kristen went to law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Kristen does general litigation with an emphasis on family law and divorce. Being a lawyer was in her blood. Her father was one of the first attorneys in Vail and Eagle County. Kristen’s grandfather was also an attorney in Missouri and he was affectionately known as the ”Bootheel Boss.” Kristen went to college at the University of Colorado, Boulder with a double major in...

Courtney Edwards graduated from the University of Wyoming College of Law in May of 2013, with honors, and is a member of the Order of the Coif. During law school she was an active member of the board for the student bar association, the Potter Law Club, and a member of Wyoming Law Students for Equal Justice.

After graduating, Courtney worked as a Deputy District Attorney in Eagle, Colorado, prosecuting traffic, misdemeanor, and felony cases. During her time with the District Attorney’s Office, Courtney acted as the prosecutorial representative on the local Access to Justice Committee as well as the...

Ms. Causey is an attorney and mediator with the law firm of Causey & Howard, LLC and her practice focuses on civil and commercial litigation, employment, business transaction and victim representation. Prior to starting Causey & Howard, LLC, Ms. Causey was in-house counsel to Amware Logistics Services, LLC, an international logistics company, Traer Creek Development Company, a commercial development company, and Bright Future Foundation, a non-profit organization representing the interests of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Ms. Causey was also partner with the law firm of Dunn & Causey, LLC. Ms. Causey is currently the town...

I have nearly two decades of experience in all areas of family law, including divorce, paternity, child custody, child support, relocation, prenuptial agreements, dependency and neglect and appellate proceedings, and I have served as both attorney and mediator. My approach is to work collaboratively with clients and professionals involved in an effort to preserve the family's assets and the family's ability to function as a unit, all the while zealously protecting my clients' interests in court when negotiation is not successful. I co-authored “Parental Rights and Responsibilities of Grandparents and Third Parties,” published in the Colorado Lawyer in...

Sara is a trained mediator and licensed attorney. Sara received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado Law School, located in Boulder, Colorado, in 2001. While attending law school, Sara worked as a law clerk for the Law Office of Stephen J. Harhai, a preeminent family law firm based in Denver, Colorado. After completing law school and passing the Colorado Bar, Sara became an associate with the Law Office of Stephen J. Harhai, where she practiced out of their Denver and Breckenridge offices for the next seven years before joining a local Summit County firm, and then opening...

Originally from Indiana, I have made Colorado my home since graduating from law school in 2006. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona in 3.5 years and then interned for the Arizona State Senate for a legislative session. I received my Juris Doctor degree from the University of Dayton School of Law in Ohio. While in law school I interned for a Madison County, Indiana Circuit Court Judge, and I also interned for an international adoption agency in Colorado. As an attorney, I focus on the client's needs when handling legal matters, and address the...

Before entering private practice, Heidi Troxell spent seven years at the Colorado Public Defender's Office representing clients charged with all manner of felonies and misdemeanors. Ms. Troxell has negotiated thousands of cases, conducted 40+ jury trials, drafted and argued countless motions, and defended clients against everything from DUI's to homicides and sex offenses. She has also negotiated multiple dismissals and deferred sentences. Being charged with a crime can be an embarrassing and stressful experience. Through plea negotiation, cases are often resolved quickly and quietly. However, in some cases justice can only be achieved by going to...

A native Coloradan, I was born and raised in Boulder where I attended Fairview High School. In 2001, I graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in History. My first assignment was at Vance Air Force Base in Enid Oklahoma. While there, I attended flight school; and, through a twist of fate, I found myself working in the Judge Advocate Office as a Legal Assistance Clerk. I immediately fell in love with the law, especially the human interaction aspects. In 2003 I moved to...

Allison Mahoney is the Founder and Managing Attorney at ALM Law, a civil rights and victims' right law firm. She has over a decade’s worth of experience litigating on behalf of survivors of civil rights violations, intimate partner violence (IPV), child abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Allison began her legal career at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, where she was a member of the firm’s pro bono committee and represented survivors of sexual abuse and IPV. She was later a prosecutor in New York City and investigated sex crimes, public corruption, and human trafficking rings. For the next...

Stephanie Bergner was licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado in October, 2012. Shortly after, she started the Bergner Law Office. The Bergner Law Office specializes in family law and civil litigation. We recognize the collateral aspects of divorce and custody disputes and always attempt amicable resolution before heading to the courthouse. Bergner Law Office is focused on addressing the emotional and financial impact that legal proceedings have on both parents and children. We offer income-based fees for legal services and are driven to provide quality, affordable, and efficient legal services that are accessible to...

Kylie repeatedly gets results for her clients by passionately fighting for clients charged with criminal offenses and clients going through a divorce or child custody battle. Kylie spent seven years as a prosecutor prior to going into private practice giving her extensive trial experience. She is a a great in the courtroom and experienced in negotiating and settling cases. Kylie has an inside knowledge of the local courts, which gives her clients a leg up. Kylie maintains close personal contact with her clients throughout the pendency of their case. Let Kylie help you with your DUI, domestic violence, assault, or...

Lawrence has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen since 2002, and currently serves as Of Counsel for Feldman Wertz. He has years of experience advocating for his clients, practicing law at several prominent litigation, property, and family law firms. Prior to joining Feldman/Wertz, Lawrence worked at Balcomb and Green, P.C., in Glenwood Springs, for the firm’s litigation division, where he maintained a primary focus on family law, real estate, and business development. Experience • Feldman / Wertz, P.C., Of Counsel, 2021-Present • Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, 2016 - 2021 • Balcomb & Green, P.C., 2014-2016 • Whatley Kallas, P.C., 2013-2014 • Skoloff and Wolfe, P.C. 2010-2013 • Tax Court...

Billie Jo L. Sowinski is a Colorado-based family law attorney. She has been practicing exclusively in this field since 2018 after completing her Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of South Dakota. With experience in high estate and high conflict dissolution matters, Billie Jo handles various aspects of family law, including dissolutions of marriage, child custody cases, legal separation, modifications, contempt cases, and adoptions. Billie Jo's passion for family law developed when she reviewed her parents' dissolution papers after high school. Witnessing the stress it caused, she strives to provide utmost care, responsiveness, and guidance to her...

Brian J. Bagley, J.D., M.B.A. Chief Executive Officer & Senior Partner The founder and chief counsel of the Bagley Law Firm, LLC, Brian provides legal representation to businesses, families, and individuals. He specializes in the areas of family law, divorce, criminal law, personal injury, business law, and civil litigation. In addition to the practice of law, Brian served on City Council and as the Mayor of Longmont, CO for a decade of public service. Brian's other community activities include teaching at the University of Colorado at Boulder's Leeds School of Business, as well as a professor for the university's prestigious Presidents Leadership Class,...

Scott D. Goldman is the managing member of Goldman Law, LLC. Mr. Goldman founded Goldman Law, LLC on the principle that everyone deserves professional and ethical representation. Scott was born in Detroit, MI and lived there for 26 years before moving to Denver, Colorado for better weather and great skiing. Scott is a Colorado Lawyer that has practice that focuses primarily on family law issues such as divorce and child custody. Scott will take the time to explain your case to you to ensure you are fully aware of what is going on in your case. Scott’s experience with jury...

Politics, public policy and solving problems have always been interesting to me. I like debates on important issues in our world. I think that is what led me to study law. The skill of presenting evidence to persuade others to agree with your view is at the core of being a good lawyer. Nearly 30 years of practicing family law has sharpened this skill for me. I don't mind the intense emotions that often accompany divorce and child custody matters. My firm handles many contested cases each year but we always strive to resolve conflicts outside of court....

Danielle graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. She then received her Juris Doctorate with Highest Honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law, and was admitted to practice in Colorado, Oklahoma, and several federal jurisdictions, including the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Danielle has been certified in Family Law Advocacy Skills by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and was selected as one of the Top Ten Family Law Attorneys in Colorado by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. Danielle’s commitment to Client satisfaction has been recognized on...

Nick approaches every matter with compassion. While litigation is Nick’s interest his passions are in people. When you hire an attorney for any matter, particularly one that directly affects your family, you are putting what is most important to you in the hands of someone who is initially a stranger. Nick’s goal in every case is to earn your trust so that you feel confident. Nick will earn your trust through his compassion, his accessibility, and his experience. Nick is a skilled negotiator and will do so aggressively in pursuit of the outcome you are seeking. However, Nick will always be...

I am a former prosecutor in both Sarasota, Florida and Maui, Hawaii. I have prosecuted and defended some of the most serious crimes.

My focus is provided the highest caliber legal representation to all of my clients in contested legal matters. Your right to a trial by jury is a fundamental right if you have been injured in an accident, accused of a crime or suffered a wrong at the result of someone else's behavior. I differentiate my practice in that I routinely try cases before juries and courts.

I am authorized to practice in all state and federal courts for...

I am a former Colorado felony prosecutor with over 25 years legal experience. I am and here here to listen and help you with your criminal defense, family law issues and child custody cases. I take pride in getting to know about my clients and their lives, so the prosecution and courts don't just treat them like a number. I don't shuffle my clients off to younger associates. I personally handle all my cases. I am a zealous and passionate advocate for all my clients, many of whom stay in contact with me after their...

Stephanie joined Burnham Law after being opposing counsel to Todd Burnham on a challenging custody matter, quickly impressing all involved with her knowledgeable advocacy and fearless representation. A quick review of her professional experience shows her minor in legal studies from Milligan College, a paralegal degree and four years as a family law and personal injury litigation paralegal, prior to attending Washburn University School of Law, making her an immediate asset to the firm.

Stephanie has a passion for child advocacy and is listed on the judicial rosters in most Colorado jurisdictions as a Child and Family Investigator. Stephanie...

Focusing my practice in the areas of Criminal Law, Estate Law and Family Law. I was born in Peoria, Illinois in 1970 and was raised in Galesburg, Illinois. I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Lawrence University in 1992. I earned my Juris Doctorate degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from Northern Illinois University in 1998, where I was a member of the Northern Illinois University Moot Court Team and editor of the Northern Illinois Law Review. I am admitted to Colorado and Illinois State Bars and a member of the...

Born in Chicago and raised in Connecticut, Daniel Zarnowski moved to the Denver metro area after graduating magna cum laude from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami. Prior to entering law school, Daniel was an aviation structural mechanic in the U.S. Navy, serving for five years and through three combat deployments aboard the Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN 69. This experience taught Daniel the value of service to others and how to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Daniel is also an avid golfer and likes to spend weekends hiking in beautiful Colorado with his wife and children! In law school, Daniel...

Ryan C. Shellady is an associate attorney with Burnham Law and has a practice dedicated to Family law. Before moving to Colorado, Ryan graduated from the University of Iowa in 2016, receiving his B.A., with high distinction and honors, in Ethics and Public Policy. He received his J.D., with distinction, from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2019. During law school, Ryan was involved in the Pro Bono Society, was a Student Writer for the Iowa Law Review, a member of the National Moot Court Team, and a Student Representative for the Iowa Student Bar Association. He received the...

Peter Goldstein serves as special counsel for The Harris Law Firm. Since the beginning of his career in 1983, Peter has been a CEO and general counsel of a healthcare company; a founder and managing partner of his own law firm specializing in business law and litigation; a management consultant in the healthcare consulting practice of Ernst & Young; and a subject matter specialist and consultant on HIPAA. Among his many achievements, Peter is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, member of both State and Federal Bars, and is currently the CBA Chair of the CBA/DBA Professionalism Coordinating Council.

We strive to provide high quality representation for clients experiencing family law issues or who faces criminal charges. I have developed this firm to be a resource and ally in navigating a very complex legal system. I started my courtroom career as a deputy district attorney representing the county of Riverside, California. When I made the decision to leave the district attorney's office I had the knowledge of an insider on how a district attorney would view and consider cases. I have represented and tried many different types of cases from DUI-aclohol, DUI-drugs, marijuana impairment, domestic...

Will Ellison is a Longmont attorney specializing in divorce and family law. In his career, Will has had the opportunity to represent clients in complex divorce and child custody disputes, probate cases, real estate lawsuits, construction lawsuits, and business lawsuits in courts in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. Since 2018, Will has focused primarily on family law in Northern Colorado. With experience counseling clients facing complicated situations, he can remove the legal jargon that complicates understanding. He focuses on the practical outcome of your case and is sensitive to maximizing your financial resources. Will listens to what your goals are in your case...

Mr. Johnson opened his own law firm upon graduation from University of Denver School of law in 1994. For over 20 years, he’s focused his practice on high-conflict cases and developed a reputation as a lawyer who can take a highly contentious case and focus the issues and emotions to reach a successful conclusion. As the product of a high conflict divorce himself, Mr. Johnson knows all too well the hidden and often permanent costs suffered by families in these highly emotional cases.

A client-focused attorney, Mr. Little is a passionate advocate who offers quality legal services and ensures that his clients’ best interests are upheld, no matter what. He doesn’t shy away from tough cases; he is a very thorough attorney who keeps his clients informed of each step in the process and spends the time to get to know them. Graduating from the Colorado Mesa University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2013, Mr. Little earned his law degree from Drake University Law School in 2016, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University in 2023. After law...

The Law Office of Paul Tenorio, LLC serves its clients one-on-one legal counseling with an attorney and 24/7 availability. Whether it's a family law or an employment law-related issue, call today for an initial free consultation - 303-991-2207.

Jennie R. Wray is Partner at The Harris Law Firm. Nationally recognized in Divorce and Family Law, Attorney Wray has been named to the Colorado Super Lawyers® list of Rising Stars™ seven years in a row. Selection to the Rising Stars list is earned by just 2.5% of all practicing attorneys in each state. She is a passionate advocate, dedicated to her professional career and making the law clear and accessible to those who need it most. Additionally, Ms. Wray has helped numerous individuals and families protect their rights in high-stakes family law cases. When not advocating for clients,...

Emily is a passionate advocate who sincerely cares about her clients. She understands that each situation is unique and will listen carefully to your needs. To help make legal access available to more people, her rates are more affordable than other attorneys in the area. Call Emily today to find out how she can guide you to obtain the best outcome in your case.

As the managing attorney at the Jones Law Firm, PC April D. Jones is highly committed to serving families who are facing divorce and other contentious family law issues.

Attorney Jones graduated with her Juris Doctorate in 1991 from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. She is admitted to practice law in both California and in Colorado.

Attorney Jones is highly respected and esteemed by her colleagues, the bar, her peers and her clients due to her high level of professionalism and her passion for the law.

With years of experience in the field, Attorney Jones has assist...