Combining zealous advocacy and compassion

Amy L. Petersen believes that helping her clients start over and reach positive outcomes is rewarding and continues to motivate her in her practice.  

Amy understands that many family law issues are exacerbated by a tremendous amount of emotion. Clients need a trusted and compassionate attorney to help them get through a very difficult time in their lives.  Amy prides herself on giving her clients personal attention and keeping them informed throughout the legal process.  Amy strives to keep legal costs low for her clients by helping them handle their family law issues as cooperatively, respectfully, and sensibly as possible.   

As one of Colorado’s foremost child advocates, Amy L. Petersen has conducted over 500 child and family investigations. As an investigative arm of the Court, Amy makes recommendations to the court regarding the best interests of children involved in high conflict domestic cases. 

Amy L. Petersen provides mediation services that help families reach thoughtful, lasting agreements without the financial and emotional burden of prolonged litigation. Her collaborative approach focuses on understanding each party’s perspective and addressing underlying concerns—offering an effective, professional solution at a more accessible cost than many alternatives.

Amy L. Petersen serves in the role of Parenting Coordinator/Decision-Maker (PC/DM) in domestic relations cases to assist Parties with implementing or clarifying current Court Orders. As Decision-Maker, Amy makes decisions for high-conflict Parties without the necessity or expense of going back to Court. 

Amy L. Petersen serves in the role of Arbitrator to resolve issues between Parties without the necessity or expense of going back to Court. 

In Colorado, custody is now called “parental responsibilities.” One of the reasons for this change is because the word custody is inflammatory and implies possession. Colorado has also adopted the term “parenting time” instead of visitation. According to Colorado law, both parents should have frequent and continuing contact with their child unless time with one parent would endanger the child or significantly impair his/her emotional development. You would need to prove that your child’s other parent is unfit, but his/her bad behavior must have a direct effect on your child.  

No.  Despite common beliefs, children in Colorado cannot make their own decisions regarding parenting time. The Court takes into consideration the wishes of children, but makes the final decision based on the best interests of the children. Courts often appoint a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) to assess factors including the interrelationship between the children and the parents, the mental and physical health of the parties, and the ability of the parents to place the needs of the minor children ahead of their own. 

As a general rule, family courts do not want children to go through the stress of testifying.  In rare cases, children are allowed to meet with a judicial officer in chambers. More commonly, a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) or Special Master is appointed to meet with the child and report back to the Court as to the child’s wishes.

It's important to feel that your story is really heard by your attorney, and with Ms. Petersen I always felt that. She took notes as we spoke, making me feel like my case was important to her, and I wasn't just another client.  She was always upfront with me on her professional opinions of the outcome of my case, never sugar-coating it, so that I could make better decisions of my own as far as the direction for my case. Thanks to Ms. Petersen, I felt very prepared for questioning and court, and the outcome could not have been better!  If ever I need a Colorado attorney again, she will be the one I call! 

- Jennifer C.

I worked with Ms. Petersen on a long-standing divorce issue that I could not get resolved with other attorneys.  My ex had agreed to the terms I was asking for and as outlandish as it sounds, my prior attorneys could not get the deal done.  I tried for the better part of a year before I reached Ms. Petersen.  She took my case and had the entire issue resolved within weeks!  I found her to be very friendly and very professional.  I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I was to have my case resolved, and so quickly.  My ex had also become a little agitated due to the length of the process and Ms. Petersen’s demeanor, although very firm, really helped defuse the situation.  I am grateful to her and would use her again if any other legal needs arose.

- Mandy M.