Family Law Attorney   

I graduated from the University of Denver, College of Law in 1983.  During the first part of my law career, I worked for several small firms as a civil litigator, handling a variety of business and real estate matters and lawsuits.  I gained an understanding of how businesses operated and experience resolving business related disputes.  I also gained courtroom experience working as a prosecutor for the City of Lakewood.  In 1988, I started what is now known as Cooper, Tanis & Cohen, P.C. 

Over the years, I started limiting my practice.  I knew that I preferred working with people with issues and disputes, rather than businesses.   Fifteen years ago, I decided to limit my practice solely to divorce and family law related cases.  With my past business related experience, I am able to deal with complex marital estates and enjoy working in cases where there are complex financial issues.

It has been my experience that almost all divorces involve sadness, anger and loss.  These emotional issues often control cases.  To better equip myself with these underlying emotional issues in divorce cases, I returned to school and in 2010 obtained a Master's degree in Psychology Counseling from Regis University.  With this training, I am better able to understand the difficult emotional world the parties and their children are experiencing. 

When children are involved in divorce cases, I view them as the most important part of the case.  Generally speaking, their needs are paramount to the parties' needs.  It is my goal to reduce conflict between parties and, thereby, reduce harm to the children due to their parents' disputes. 

I often tell clients that the legal system is an inefficient, expensive and ineffective way to resolve family disputes.  I therefore try to settle every case.  When parties settle cases, they know what they are getting and lay the groundwork for resolving future disputes and issues.  However, a small number of cases are not resolved out of court.  When clients are forced to have a judge resolve their case, I spend a lot time with them preparing for trial.  Although I seek to avoid the courtroom, I enjoy trying cases.  When settlement between the parties is not possible, going to court is the way disputes are resolved. 

As a lawyer, I view myself as a guide to the legal system.  Over the years, I have gained experience and maturity to handle almost any case.  Even after 28 years of being in the same business, I still really enjoy my work and being a lawyer. 

Contact: rmcooper@broomfieldlaw.com