I have practiced in Boulder County for thirty-five (35) years, and have served as a mediator for twenty-five (25) years. I have appeared before the Court thousands of times, and have served as a mediator in more than a thousand cases. But this experience has convinced me that the last choice in any family law matter should be to turn the decision over to the Court. Although judges are hard-working and well-meaning, trying their best to enter verdicts, they are mere mortals nonetheless. Despite their best efforts, they often enter awards that do not seem "fair" to either of the litigants. Thus, I encourage my clients to take all reasonable efforts to negotiate a mutually agreeable resolution of their case that relieves them of the anxiety, hostility, and associated with taking a matter all the way to trial. However, if a reasonable settlement cannot be negotiated, I am experienced, willing and able to present my client's case to the Court with persuasion and conviction.