Attorney James M. Cordes is an experienced Denver divorce and family lawyer who received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder and his law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. James practices family law at both the trial and appellate level. He has successfully tried family law cases in courtrooms in Denver and throughout Colorado, including permanent orders, temporary orders, modification of child support and maintenance, contempt, protection orders, attorney fees, child relocation, and the emergency restriction of parenting time.
Foremost, James' trial experience and knowledge of the courts guide him in negotiating cost-effective, fair, and creative settlements through mediation. He has the experience to guide clients through complicated financial issues, including dividing business interests and pensions (including military pensions and defined benefit plans), determining child support and maintenance obligations, and accomplishing a fair division of property. In addition, James offers guidance through the difficult process of determining child custody (the allocation of parental responsibilities) and child support, and will fight for your parental rights.
Areas of Practice
- 80% Family Law
- 20% Appeals
Litigation Percentage
- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
Education
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Denver, Colorado
- University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
Published Works
- Retroactive Child Support: Conflicting Decisions and Practical Advice, The Colorado Lawyer, 2012
Speaking Engagements
- Annual Family Law Institute | Child Support Essentials (2012)
- Annual Family Law Institute | Attorney's Fees, Liens, and Malpractice: Strategies and Ethical Considerations (2017)
Honors & Awards
- Top 100 Lawyers - The National Advocates, 2015 - 2016
- Rising Starsâ„ 2017
- Rising Starsâ„ 2018
Professional Associations & Memberships
- CBA Family Law Section, Member
- CBA Family Law Section Young Lawyers, Committee Member
Past Employment Positions
- Colorado Department of State, Fellowship
