Divorce at Altitude: A Podcast on Colorado Family Law

Financial Planning During and After Divorce in Colorado

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya is joined by Aspen-based financial advisor Allie Phillips, a partner and executive vice president at Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel. Allie shares how she and her husband relocated from investment banking on the East Coast to Colorado’s mountain towns, eventually choosing Aspen as home—and how that transition shaped her approach to guiding clients through major life changes.

The conversation focuses on how a financial advisor can support people during divorce—especially spouses who may not have managed the finances during marriage. Using the podcast’s fictional clients Eric and Melanie Wolff as an example, Ryan and Allie discuss why early financial guidance matters, how to create clarity around budgets and net worth, and how settlement decisions should consider taxes, liquidity, and long-term stability—not just headline numbers. The episode also covers common post-divorce mistakes and ends with the positive side: how divorce can lead to greater financial confidence, independence, and control over future goals.

Guest Information

Allie Phillips is a financial advisor in Aspen, Colorado, and a partner/executive vice president at Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel. She works with individuals and families through major transitions, including divorce, helping clients understand their assets, plan for income needs, and build long-term financial confidence.

Episode Outline

Allie’s Journey to Aspen
How a cross-country road trip led to building a financial career in Colorado.

What a Financial Advisor Really Does
Beyond investments: planning, coaching, and coordinating with attorneys/accountants.

Where a Financial Advisor Fits in Divorce
Why getting financial advice early helps clients feel informed and empowered.

Budgeting and Clarity on Net Worth
How understanding income, expenses, and assets improves settlement decisions.

Settlement Decisions Beyond the “Big Numbers”
Why taxes and liquidity matter when dividing homes, businesses, retirement, and investments.

Common Divorce Mistakes
Emotional decisions about the marital home, rushing big financial changes, and ignoring future costs.

Tax Pitfalls to Watch For
Cost basis, unrealized gains, retirement withdrawals, and coordinating with accountants.

What is Divorce at Altitude? 

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. 

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Marital vs. Separate Property in Colorado Divorce Cases

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya breaks down the difference between marital and separate property in a Colorado divorce, using the podcast’s fictional client, Eric Wolff, to explain how these concepts play out in real cases. Rather than relying on abstract legal theory, Ryan walks through practical examples that show why the timing of an asset’s acquisition can dramatically change the outcome of a property division.

The episode explains Colorado’s equitable distribution framework, the presumption that property acquired during marriage is marital, and why separate property—assets owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance—can still become partially marital over time. Ryan also introduces the concept of appreciation on separate property, a rule that often surprises divorcing spouses, and discusses how joint titling can convert separate assets into marital property. The conversation closes with an overview of tracing, the accounting and legal process used to follow separate property as it changes form, value, or investment over the course of a marriage.

Episode Outline

What Is Marital Property?
How Colorado defines marital property and why timing matters.

What Is Separate Property?
Assets owned before marriage or acquired by gift or inheritance.

Why the Distinction Matters
How a single day can mean the difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Appreciation on Separate Property
Why growth during marriage may be divided—even if the original asset is separate.

Burden of Proof and Presumptions
Who must prove an asset is separate and how courts evaluate the evidence.

Joint Titling and Transmutation
How retitling assets can unintentionally turn separate property into marital property.

Tracing Separate Property
Following assets as they change form, value, or investment over time.

What is Divorce at Altitude? 

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. 

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Post-Divorce Estate Planning: Four Critical Steps Everyone Should Take

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya is joined by estate planning attorney Pamela Maass—known as The Law Mother—for a practical conversation about post-divorce estate planning. Pamela shares her background as a former Boulder County prosecutor and explains how seeing families struggle through messy probate cases led her to focus on proactive estate planning, especially for individuals navigating divorce.

The discussion focuses on four essential estate-planning steps after divorce: updating beneficiary designations, revising financial and medical powers of attorney, updating wills or trusts, and considering long-term asset protection strategies for children. Ryan and Pamela also explore the overlap between divorce law and estate planning, including automatic injunctions during divorce, the risks of outdated documents, and why failing to plan can unintentionally give control to an ex-spouse. The episode highlights how post-divorce planning restores control, protects children, and prevents future conflict.

Guest Information

Pamela Maass is a Colorado-based estate planning attorney and founder of Law Mother. She focuses on trust-based planning, asset protection, and helping families especially those impacted by divorce avoid probate and plan proactively for incapacity and death. Pamela serves clients statewide and is also the host of a podcast supporting working parents.

Episode Outline

Why Estate Planning Matters After Divorce
How divorce creates legal gaps and unintended consequences without updated documents.

Updating Beneficiaries
Life insurance, retirement accounts, workplace benefits, and common oversights.

Powers of Attorney and Health Decisions
Why ex-spouses should not control medical or financial decisions.

Wills vs. Living Trusts
Keeping assets out of probate and protecting children’s inheritances.

Asset Protection for Children
Using dynasty and lifetime trusts to protect future inheritances.

Blended Families and Long-Term Planning
Balancing new relationships with obligations to children from prior marriages.

What is Divorce at Altitude? 

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. 

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Property Division in Colorado Divorce Cases: What Happens to Your Assets?

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya walks through the basics of property division in a Colorado divorce, using the fictional client Eric Wolf to highlight the questions most divorcing spouses ask: What happens to my property? Will I have to start over? And what about my business? The episode provides a practical overview of how Colorado courts divide assets and why property disputes are often more complex than people expect.

Ryan explains that Colorado is an equitable distribution state, meaning courts divide marital property fairly—but not necessarily equally. He addresses common misconceptions about “50/50” division, clarifies that marital fault (such as affairs or misconduct) generally does not affect property division, and outlines the statutory factors judges must consider. The discussion also previews why disputes commonly arise over marital vs. separate property, asset valuation, and high-value items like closely held businesses and the marital home—setting the stage for deeper discussions in future episodes.

Episode Outline

Equitable Distribution in Colorado
What “equitable” means and why it does not always mean equal.

Common Myths About Property Division
Why Colorado courts usually do not consider marital fault.

Factors Courts Must Consider
Spousal contributions, economic circumstances, and changes in property value.

Marital vs. Separate Property
An introduction to how Colorado distinguishes between the two.

Valuation Disputes
Why disagreements over asset values—especially businesses—are common.

Who Gets What
Why even agreed-upon values can still lead to disputes over asset allocation.

What is Divorce at Altitude? 

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. 

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Divorcing a Narcissist in Colorado: Codependency, Boundaries, and Co-Parenting Strategies

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya is joined by divorce coach Karen McMahon, host of the Journey Beyond Divorce podcast, to discuss divorcing a narcissist, codependency, and how to set boundaries in high-conflict divorce and co-parenting. Karen explains what divorce coaching is and how it supports clients (and attorneys) by helping people manage fear, triggers, and decision-making—especially around parenting time and finances.

They break down common narcissistic dynamics like black-and-white thinking, revisionist history, deflection, and blame-shifting, and explain why the codependent partner often feels stuck in constant reactivity.

Guest Information

Karen McMahon is a divorce coach and the host of the Journey Beyond Divorce podcast. She and her team have coached clients worldwide since 2010, helping people navigate divorce transitions with emotional clarity and practical strategy—especially in high-conflict situations involving narcissistic dynamics. Her work focuses on calming reactivity, strengthening boundaries, and supporting healthier decision-making throughout the divorce process.

Episode Outline

What a Divorce Coach Does
How coaching helps people move through divorce emotionally and practically—and supports the attorney-client relationship.

Signs You’re Divorcing a Narcissist
Black-and-white thinking, revisionist history, deflection, blame, and “rent-free” mental space.

Why High-Conflict Divorce Needs a Bigger Support Team
Common professionals involved and why outsiders often see through charisma and manipulation.

Codependency and Self-Love Deficiency
Caretaking, people-pleasing, over-functioning, and why “divorcing the problem” can repeat the pattern.

Boundaries That Actually Work
Internal boundaries (“he made me feel…” vs. “I felt…”), leaving hostile interactions, and limiting engagement.

Co-Parenting With Difficult Exes
Bulletproof agreements, predictable exchange issues, proactive planning, and reducing triggers for kids.

Helping Kids Navigate a Difficult Parent
Building emotional awareness, resilience, and healthy boundaries—without demonizing the other parent.

What is Divorce at Altitude? 

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. 

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Back-to-School Co-Parenting Tips for Colorado Divorce and Custody Cases

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya and cohost Amy Goscha reunite for a practical discussion on back-to-school transitions for divorced and divorcing parents in Colorado. They explain why the shift from summer to the school-year routine often triggers conflict and how a well written parenting plan can reduce stress for both parents and kids. The conversation covers common schedule issues like school year vs summer parenting time, transportation and exchange logistics, and why reviewing the school calendar early can prevent unintended outcomes like one parent receiving three consecutive weeks due to holiday overlaps.

Ryan and Amy also dig into the real-world challenges that show up once school starts: extracurricular activities, therapy and special-needs services, and the cost sharing questions that can spark disputes. They discuss strategies for consistency between households, coordinating with teachers and school counselors, and keeping both parents equally informed. For higher-conflict situations especially where school choice, medical decisions, or activities become ongoing battlegrounds they outline alternative dispute resolution tools like parenting coordinators/decision-makers (PCDMs), arbitration, and parenting coaches, which can provide faster resolutions than the court system.

Episode Outline

Why Back-to-School Creates Conflict After Divorce
Transition stress, routine changes, and how parenting plans should address school-year schedules.

Parenting Plans and Calendars That Actually Work
School calendars, holiday overlaps, and why mapping parenting time avoids “accidental” long stretches.

Extracurricular Activities and Cost Sharing
Sports, therapy, special services, and setting clear expectations for agreed expenses.

School Choice Disputes and Time-Sensitive Decisions
Why these conflicts must be addressed early and what happens when parties disagree.

Using PCDMs, Arbitration, and Other Professionals
Faster solutions for disputes about school, sports, medical issues, and activities.

Special Needs and Consistency Between Homes
Routines, coordination, and preventing conflict from disrupting services.

Social Media, Phones, and Bullying Risks
Creating consistent rules across households and avoiding online conflict that impacts kids.

What is Divorce at Altitude? 

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. 

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Domestic Violence and Parenting Decisions in Colorado Custody Cases

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya breaks down how allegations or findings of domestic violence can directly impact custody, parenting time, and decision-making in Colorado divorce cases. Ryan explains how domestic violence is defined under Colorado law, why the standard of proof in family court is different from criminal court, and how these distinctions affect parenting disputes even when no criminal conviction exists.

The episode walks through the specific statutory framework courts must follow when domestic violence is alleged, including how it influences joint vs. sole decision-making, parenting time restrictions, communication limits, and safety focused court orders. Ryan also addresses common misconceptions about Fifth Amendment rights in custody cases, explains how courts evaluate patterns of coercive control versus isolated incidents, and outlines the practical safeguards courts may impose to protect children while preserving parent-child relationships where appropriate.

Episode Outline

Domestic Violence in Colorado Custody Law
How Colorado statutes define domestic violence and why it matters in parenting disputes.

Civil vs. Criminal Standards of Proof
Why family courts use a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard and how it differs from criminal cases.

Fifth Amendment Considerations
How invoking the right against self-incrimination can affect custody determinations.

Decision-Making Authority and Domestic Violence
Why joint decision-making is generally disfavored when domestic violence is found.

Parenting Time Restrictions and Safety Measures
Supervised parenting time, exchange locations, communication limits, and substance restrictions.

Evaluating Patterns vs. Isolated Incidents
How courts distinguish long-term coercive control from one-time incidents.

Best Interests of the Children
Balancing child safety with each parent’s role in a Colorado custody case.

What is Divorce at Altitude? 

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. 

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Surrogacy, Fertility Law, and Parentage in Colorado Divorce Cases

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Amy Goscha is joined by colleague and fertility-law specialist Laura Koupal for an in-depth discussion on surrogacy, assisted reproduction, and how evolving fertility laws intersect with Colorado family law and divorce. Laura shares her path from traditional family law practice to founding Koupal Law Firm, where she focuses exclusively on fertility law representing intended parents, surrogates, and donors around the world.

The conversation breaks down genetic vs. gestational surrogacy, explains why Colorado has become a national fertility hub, and walks through the Colorado Surrogacy Agreement Act, a recently enacted statute that provides clear legal protections for surrogates, intended parents, and children. Amy and Laura also explore how surrogacy agreements, parentage determinations, cryopreserved embryos, and assisted reproduction can create unique issues in divorce cases including how embryos are treated as “special property,” what happens if parties divorce mid-surrogacy, and why family law attorneys must ask clients how their families were formed.

Guest Information

Laura Koupal is a Colorado-based attorney and founder of Koupal Law Firm, where she practices exclusively in fertility law. She represents intended parents, surrogates, and donors in surrogacy agreements, assisted reproduction matters, and parentage actions, and also handles step-parent and second-parent adoptions. Laura regularly works with clients nationwide and internationally who pursue fertility treatment in Colorado.

Episode Outline

What Is Surrogacy?
Genetic vs. gestational surrogacy and key assisted reproduction terms.

Why Colorado Is a Fertility Hub
The role of leading fertility clinics and high IVF success rates.

The Colorado Surrogacy Agreement Act
How the new statute protects surrogates, intended parents, and children.

The Surrogacy Process Step-by-Step
Contracts, legal clearance, pregnancy, and parentage orders.

Surrogacy and Divorce
What happens if intended parents separate during or after surrogacy.

Embryos and Divorce
How cryopreserved embryos are treated and why they must be addressed in separation agreements.

Adoption and Parentage Options
Step-parent and second-parent adoptions for families formed through assisted reproduction.

What is Divorce at Altitude? 

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. 

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Criminal Protection Orders and Divorce in Colorado

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya explains what happens after a heated domestic dispute leads to an arrest—and how criminal protection orders can dramatically affect divorce, custody, and co-parenting cases in Colorado. Ryan breaks down a common misconception: criminal domestic violence is not a standalone charge, but a sentence enhancer attached to offenses like assault, harassment, stalking, child abuse, or menacing when an intimate relationship exists.

Ryan walks through the mandatory protection order that is automatically issued after an arrest, explaining why it immediately restricts the defendant from contacting the protected party, even if the protected party initiates contact. He discusses the real-world complications these orders create when children, shared businesses, or ongoing divorce proceedings are involved, and why violations can lead to new criminal charges. Drawing on his experience as a former prosecutor, Ryan explains how and when these orders may be modified, the role of prosecutors and victim advocates, how long criminal protection orders can last, and how tools like attorney intermediaries and civil standbys allow limited communication or property retrieval while a case is pending.

Episode Outline

What Triggers a Criminal Protection Order
How arrests for domestic-related offenses automatically lead to mandatory protection orders.

Criminal vs. Civil Protection Orders
Key differences and why criminal orders operate under stricter rules.

No-Contact Rules and Violations
Why contact is one-sided and how violations can result in jail time.

Modifying a Mandatory Protection Order
The role of prosecutors, victim advocates, and attorneys in seeking limited modifications.

Impact on Divorce and Custody Cases
How criminal cases intersect with family court, parenting time, and exchanges.

Duration and Long-Term Consequences
How long protection orders can last and what happens after a guilty plea or probation.

What is Divorce at Altitude? 

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. 

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Mitigating Parenting Evaluations in Colorado Divorce Cases (CFIs & PREs)

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya is joined by John Zervopoulos for a practical, strategy-focused discussion on mitigating adverse parenting evaluations in Colorado divorce and custody disputes. They break down what happens when a court-appointed Child and Family Investigator (CFI) or Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) issues a report that could seriously impact parenting time or decision-making—and what lawyers and clients can do next.

The episode covers key procedural and litigation tools (discovery, evaluator-file requests, subpoenas, depositions, consulting experts, and the realities of motions to strike), along with John’s structured approach for analyzing evaluator work. Using frameworks like the “three-legged stool” (interviews, testing/questionnaires, and collateral sources) and the PLAN Model (qualifications, methods, reasoning, and the link between data and recommendations), they explain how to spot gaps, bias, and weak support for conclusions—while keeping the court’s perspective in mind and using the evaluation record to reinforce your client’s narrative.

Guest Information

John Zervopoulos is a board-certified forensic psychologist and attorney who consults nationwide with family law attorneys on mental health issues, expert testimony, and litigation strategy. Through his practice, he assists lawyers with deposition preparation, cross-examination, motion drafting, and understanding psychological evaluations in custody and parenting disputes. He is also an author published by the American Bar Association on examining mental health experts.

Episode Outline

When Parenting Evaluations Go Wrong
The reality of adverse CFI and PRE recommendations.

Procedural Options After a Bad Report
Discovery, depositions, motions to strike, and consulting experts.

Looking Under the Hood
Why evaluator files, billing records, and timelines matter.

Conceptual vs. Practical Frameworks
Understanding best-interest analysis and evaluation structure.

The PLAN Model Explained
Qualifications, methods, reasoning, and opinion reliability.

Bias and Analytical Gaps
Identifying confirmation bias, overconfidence, and missed alternatives.

Effective Examination Strategy
How to challenge or support evaluators while persuading the court.

What is Divorce at Altitude? 

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. 

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.