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Reviews

Tanya Moore

We had a great experience with Christopher Kelly taking care of our Trust. He was incredibly helpful and thorough and was able to meet our request in a very timely manner. The virtual signing was also a huge plus with Shari doing a great job with some of our technical issues.

Joseph V James

Nikki Nicholaou is a great attorney when it comes to traffic violations. She pulled off the impossible by standing her ground and not conceding to stubborn prosecution. She knew my case, was familiar with precedent and would not backdown until I got the best possible outcome. I highly recommend her. Nikki will make Partner in the not so distant future… I’m sure of it. Thank you Nikki!

Shannon Travis Dettmer

Attorney Chris Fry helped me with a prenuptial agreement, and he was fantastic. We were working with a shorter timeline, and he handled everything efficiently and professionally. He was incredibly knowledgeable, easy to work with, and made the whole process smooth. The entire firm was great to work with as well. Highly recommend!

Neill Holloman

I recently worked with Nikki Nicholaou to take care of an old traffic ticket in Colorado after I’d already moved away. She handled everything in court on my behalf and kept me informed every step of the way. Thanks to her excellent work, I only had to pay court costs—no extra fines or penalties. I appreciate her rofessionalism and highly recommend her services.

David K.

We were very happy with our decision to go with Flatiron Legal after doing a lot of research. We worked with Chris Kelly for our estate planning. Chris was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions. Chris was quick to respond to anything we needed and guided us through the process. Based on our experience, we would highly recommend Chris and Flatiron Legal!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is child custody decided in Colorado?

Custody—called “parental responsibilities” in Colorado—is based on the best interests of the child. Courts look at a range of factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, their ability to provide a stable home, and how well they support the child’s emotional and physical needs. Parenting time and decision-making responsibilities can be shared or divided, and the child’s own preferences may also be considered, depending on their age and maturity.

How long does it take to get divorced in Colorado?

Colorado requires a minimum 91-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. However, if the case involves contested issues—like child custody, property division, or spousal support—the process can take several months or longer. The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and how willing both parties are to reach an agreement.

Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?

Even if you and your spouse agree on everything, having a lawyer can help ensure your paperwork is accurate and legally enforceable. A poorly written agreement may not protect your interests, and issues could arise later. Legal guidance helps finalize things properly the first time—so you can move on with confidence.

What should I do if I'm arrested in Colorado?

The most important thing you can do is remain silent and request a lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you, and law enforcement is trained to gather evidence—not to help you. Politely assert your right to remain silent, don’t answer questions, and wait for your attorney before saying anything else.

Can a criminal charge be reduced or dismissed?

Yes—many criminal charges can be reduced or even dismissed, depending on the facts of the case, available evidence, and your criminal history. Your attorney may negotiate with prosecutors, challenge the arrest or evidence, or pursue diversion programs or alternative resolutions that avoid harsh penalties.

Will a criminal conviction stay on my record forever?

Not necessarily. Colorado allows certain convictions and dismissed charges to be sealed after a waiting period. Once sealed, they don’t show up on most background checks. The process depends on the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and how long it’s been since the case was resolved.

When should I start estate planning?

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family, assets, and future. Whether you’re single, married, a new parent, or a small business owner, having a plan in place ensures your wishes are followed and your loved ones aren’t left with confusion or court battles.

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will outlines how you want your assets distributed after death and must go through probate court. A trust, on the other hand, can manage and distribute your assets while you’re alive or after death—and it usually avoids probate. Trusts also offer more control and privacy, especially for more complex estates.

Do all estates have to go through probate in Colorado?

No. Smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures or be exempt from probate altogether if assets are jointly owned or have named beneficiaries. However, if the estate includes real estate or lacks proper planning, probate may still be required to legally transfer ownership.

How do I handle a boundary dispute with a neighbor?

Start by reviewing your property’s survey and legal description. In many cases, disputes arise from misunderstandings or unclear records. If informal conversations don’t resolve it, you may need legal counsel to negotiate or file a quiet title action. The right lawyer can help you assert your rights without escalating the situation.

Can a real estate contract be canceled?

Yes, under certain conditions. If the contract includes contingencies—like financing, inspection, or appraisal—and one isn’t met, either party may have the right to cancel. Contracts can also be voided due to fraud, misrepresentation, or mutual agreement. If you’re unsure, it’s best to have an attorney review the contract before making a move.

Do I need a lawyer to start a business in Colorado?

It’s not required, but legal help can prevent costly mistakes—especially with entity formation, contracts, and licensing.

What should I do if I’ve been sued for a debt?

Don’t ignore it. Once you’ve been served, you have a limited time—typically 21 days in Colorado—to file a response. If you miss that deadline, the court may enter a default judgment against you. There may be defenses available, such as mistaken identity, incorrect amounts, or lack of documentation. A lawyer can help you understand your options and push back against aggressive or unfair debt collection practices.

Can a creditor garnish my wages or bank account?

Only after getting a judgment. If a creditor wins in court, they can seek a garnishment order to take a portion of your paycheck or seize funds from your bank account. But there are limits to what they can take, and you may be able to challenge the garnishment or negotiate a better outcome. Acting early gives you more control over the process and helps protect your income.

Can I apply for a green card while living in the U.S.?

Yes, through a process called Adjustment of Status. If you’re eligible—typically through family, employment, or humanitarian programs—you can apply for lawful permanent residency without leaving the country. It’s important to ensure your visa status, criminal history, and immigration background won’t interfere with your application. A mistake or delay can set you back months, or even years, so it’s wise to consult with an immigration attorney before filing.

The Team Behind Your Case

Behind every successful case is a lawyer who knows how to get results. At Flatiron Legal Advisors, our team brings sharp legal insight and a practical approach to solving problems. We focus on what moves the needle—strong advocacy, smart strategy, and a commitment to getting the best possible outcome for you.

Dave Rich
Dave Rich
Founder and Attorney

Dave Rich is the founder and managing attorney of Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC. Mr. Rich has been practicing since 2008, in the areas of estate planning, divorce, real estate and probate law.

Michael Milazzo
Michael Milazzo
Chief Operating Officer and Attorney

Michael Milazzo is our Chief Operating Officer (COO) and an attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC. Mr. Milazzo is a former Ranger qualified U.S. Army Paratrooper who keeps the day to day operations at Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC running tightly and maintains the firm’s focus on providing exceptional client service.

Alexandra M. Archilla Rodriguez Bynum
Alexandra M. Archilla Rodriguez Bynum
Contract Attorney

Alexandra (“Alex”) M. Archilla Rodriguez Bynum is a Family Law and Criminal Law contract attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC. Alex was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She attended Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.

Bart Balis
Bart Balis
Contract Bankruptcy Attorney

Bart Balis is a contract bankruptcy attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC. Bart has been practicing bankruptcy law for over thirty years. He represents both Debtors and Creditors, and files Chapter 7 liquidation cases, as well as Chapter 13 Plan cases for Debtors and Chapter 11 cases for business reorganizations.

Rachel Connor
Rachel Connor
Contract Family Law Attorney

Rachel Connor is a passionate contract family law attorney who zealously represents her clients throughout all stages of a case. Rachel is a skilled advocate and a compassionate representative able to skillfully navigate the emotionally charged issues that often arise within family law cases.

Andrea Corvin
Andrea Corvin
Contract Attorney

Andrea Corvin is an contract attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC with extensive divorce and family law and criminal trial and litigation experience. Andrea attended the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law where she was awarded Excellence Awards in Advanced Trial Practice, Civil Litigation, and Estate Planning.

Hollis Ann Crawford
Hollis Ann Crawford
Contract Criminal Law and Traffic Attorney

Hollis Ann Crawford is an independent contract Criminal Law and Traffic Attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC. Hollis was born and raised in the Denver area and graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in philosophy.

Cheryl Dial
Cheryl Dial
Accounts Manager

Cheryl Dial is the accounts receivable and accounts payable manager at Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC. Cheryl is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to delivering top-tier bookkeeping services. She specializes in managing accounts receivable.

Christopher W. Fry
Christopher W. Fry
Contract Attorney

Christopher Wellington Fry is a contract attorney working on behalf of Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC. Mr. Fry has practical experience in resolving a wide variety of family law and divorce matters, as well as child support and debt collection.

Lee Gelman
Lee Gelman
Real Estate and Litigation Contract Attorney

Lee Gelman is a Real Estate and Litigation contract attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC. Lee has been practicing law since 1989. He has a Geology degree with concentration in Civil Engineering from the University of Vermont and received his JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law in Chicago.

Dave Rich
Michael Milazzo
Alexandra M. Archilla Rodriguez Bynum
Bart Balis
Rachel Connor
Andrea Corvin
Hollis Ann Crawford
Cheryl Dial
Christopher W. Fry
Lee Gelman
Meet the team

Serving Colorado Communities

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