Divorce at Altitude: A Podcast on Colorado Family Law

In this "how-to" episode, Ryan dives into high-income scenarios and how they impact child support in Colorado. Using the case of hypothetical clients, Eric and Melanie Wolf, Ryan breaks down what happens when combined incomes exceed $30,000 per month, the legal floor for child support. Drawing on the Colorado Supreme Court case of In re Marriage of Boettcher, Ryan explains how courts determine child support in high-income cases, focusing on lifestyle disparities between parents and the needs of the children.

Episode Highlights:

• Income & Child Support: How high incomes, such as Eric’s million-dollar salary, affect child support calculations.
• The Boettcher Case: Insights from the In re Marriage of Boettcher decision, establishing that the $30,000 monthly income guideline is a floor, not a cap, for child support.
• Lifestyle Considerations: The court's role in ensuring children maintain a similar lifestyle with both parents, including covering expenses like private school, vacations, and extracurricular activities.
• Disparity in Incomes: How income disparity between parents influences child support, and what courts consider when determining fair support in above-guideline situations.

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• Phone: 970.315.2365 
• Email: [email protected] 

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who may benefit from the insights. Be sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube for more episodes on navigating divorce and child support in Colorado.

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.

Divorce 2.0: When a Divorce Settlement Gets Reopened

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha explore what happens when a finalized divorce is reopened—something Ryan refers to as “Divorce 2.0” or “Divorce Remorse.” Using their hypothetical clients Eric and Melanie Wolf, they discuss situations where one spouse later believes they received an unfair deal, discovers undisclosed assets, or believes financial information was not properly shared during the divorce process.

Ryan and Amy explain that Colorado law requires mandatory financial disclosures in every divorce case under Rule 16.2. These disclosures are designed to ensure transparency between spouses who may have handled different aspects of the household finances during the marriage. The episode also covers major Colorado court cases that clarify when a divorce settlement can be revisited—particularly when one party fails to disclose important financial documents or assets.

Episode Highlights

What “Divorce 2.0” Means
Ryan introduces the concept of reopening a finalized divorce when one spouse later believes the settlement was unfair or incomplete due to undisclosed financial information.

Mandatory Financial Disclosures in Colorado Divorces
Amy explains Colorado’s Rule 16.2 disclosure requirements, which include sworn financial statements, tax returns, bank statements, business records, and other key financial documents.

The Hunt Case and Business Valuation Disputes
Ryan and Amy review the landmark In re Marriage of Hunt case, where a divorce agreement was reopened because required financial documents related to a business were never disclosed.

Material Misstatements and the Five-Year Rule
Colorado courts can reallocate property for up to five years after a divorce if one party omitted or misstated significant assets or debts.

When Courts Allow Discovery After Divorce
The episode also covers the Durie case, which clarified when courts may allow additional discovery if a spouse suspects undisclosed information after the divorce.

Avoiding Divorce Remorse
Ryan emphasizes that the best way to prevent reopening a divorce is by ensuring thorough financial disclosures and clear documentation during the initial divorce process.

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.

Extraordinary Medical and Extracurricular Expenses in Colorado Child Support

In this “how-to” episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya explains how extraordinary medical expenses and extracurricular costs for children can impact child support in a Colorado divorce or custody case. While Colorado’s child support guidelines already account for the basic costs of raising children—such as food, housing, and routine medical care—certain expenses fall outside the standard calculation. These include significant medical costs like braces, surgeries, therapy, or emergency care, as well as extracurricular activities such as private school, competitive sports, or specialized training programs.

Ryan walks listeners through how these additional expenses are typically shared between parents in proportion to their income, often based on the same percentage split used in the child support calculation. Using the hypothetical example of Eric and Melanie Wolf, he explains how courts evaluate whether expenses like private school or travel sports are reasonable and appropriate based on the child’s needs, the family’s financial resources, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the marriage had not ended.

Episode Highlights

What Counts as Extraordinary Medical Expenses
Ryan explains how costs beyond routine medical care—such as braces, surgeries, therapy, or emergency treatment—are typically shared between parents based on their percentage of income.

How These Costs Are Divided Between Parents
Extraordinary medical expenses are usually split proportionally, meaning each parent pays a share based on their income or child support percentage.

Extracurricular Activities and Competitive Sports
Ryan explores how expensive activities like travel sports, music lessons, or specialized coaching may be treated as extraordinary expenses depending on the child’s involvement and the family’s financial resources.

Using the Child Support Worksheet
Extraordinary expenses can be added directly to the child support worksheet, which can significantly increase or decrease the final child support payment.

Handling Disagreements Between Parents
Ryan explains how parenting plans often require parents to agree before enrolling a child in expensive activities and how disputes may be resolved through a judge, parenting coordinator, or arbitrator.

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.

Work-Related Childcare and Child Support in Colorado

In this “how-to” episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya explains how work-related daycare or childcare costs can affect the amount of child support in a Colorado divorce or parenting dispute. Using the podcast’s hypothetical clients, Eric and Melanie Wolf, Ryan walks listeners through the Colorado child support worksheet and shows how expenses such as preschool, daycare, after-school programs, or a nanny can significantly change the final child support calculation. Because many working parents rely on childcare to maintain employment, Colorado law allows these expenses to be factored into the child support formula.

Ryan also explains how childcare costs can be handled in two ways: they can either be included directly on the child support worksheet or divided separately based on each parent’s share of income. He highlights why these costs must be work-related, meaning they are necessary for a parent to work or earn income. The episode also explores common disputes that arise in practice, including whether summer camps qualify as childcare, how nanny or au pair costs are divided, and why personal babysitting expenses usually do not count toward the child support calculation.

Episode Highlights

How Work-Related Childcare Affects Child Support
Ryan explains how daycare, preschool, or after-school programs can change the child support calculation because these expenses are included in Colorado’s child support worksheet.

Using the Child Support Worksheet
The episode walks through an example using Eric and Melanie Wolf’s incomes to show how adding childcare expenses can significantly reduce or shift the amount of child support owed.

Two Ways to Divide Childcare Costs
Parents can either include childcare expenses directly on the worksheet or divide them separately based on each parent’s percentage share of income.

What Counts as Work-Related Childcare
Ryan clarifies that childcare must be necessary for a parent to work or generate income to be included in the calculation.

Common Disputes About Childcare Expenses
The episode discusses gray areas such as summer camps, sleepaway camps, nannies, and au pairs, and explains why personal babysitting for social events generally does not qualify.

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.

Reintegration Therapy in Divorce: Helping Children and Parents Rebuild Relationships

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha discuss the complicated and timely topic of reintegration therapy in Colorado family law. When a child resists or refuses time with one parent, courts and professionals are often left trying to determine what is causing the breakdown and what kind of intervention may actually help. Ryan and Amy explain how reintegration therapy fits into divorce and post-decree parenting disputes, why these cases are so difficult, and how the issue has received increased national attention through recent media coverage and changes in the law.

The episode also explores the difference between child therapy, family therapy, and reintegration therapy, along with the challenges courts face when allegations of abuse, alienation, or coercive control are involved. Ryan and Amy discuss Colorado’s evolving legal framework, the requirement that therapeutic interventions be evidence-based, and the reality that there is no quick fix in these high-conflict cases. Instead, the focus is on finding safe, appropriate ways to support children while helping families reduce conflict and improve strained parent-child relationships.

Episode Highlights

What Reintegration Therapy Means
Ryan and Amy explain reintegration therapy as a tool used when a child has a strained, damaged, or nonexistent relationship with one parent and may be refusing parenting time.

How It Differs From Other Therapy
The episode breaks down the difference between therapy for the child, family therapy, and reintegration therapy, and why each serves a different purpose in divorce cases.

Why These Cases Are So Difficult
Ryan and Amy discuss how issues like substance abuse, trauma, parental conflict, emotional abuse, and allegations of alienation can all contribute to a child resisting contact with a parent.

Colorado’s New Legal Framework
They review Colorado’s recent law changes, including the push for scientifically valid, evidence-based therapeutic approaches and the limits on certain court-ordered interventions.

Why There Is No Quick Fix
The conversation highlights that these are often extreme, high-conflict cases and that rebuilding trust between a child and parent can take time, structure, and the right professional support.

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.

Separate Property in Divorce: Understanding Tracing and Appreciation in Colorado

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha tackle the complicated but incredibly important topic of separate property in a Colorado divorce. Using lessons from recent trials and real-world family law disputes, they walk through how Colorado courts distinguish between marital property and separate property, why that distinction matters, and how issues like tracing, appreciation, and commingling can dramatically affect the outcome of a divorce. They also explain why Colorado takes a more expansive view of marital property than many other states, especially when it comes to the increase in value of separate assets during the marriage.

Ryan and Amy also break down some of the most difficult categories of separate property cases, including real estate, retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, trust interests, and business ownership. They discuss key Colorado cases like Burford and Powell, the difference between active and passive appreciation, how jointly titling an asset can convert separate property into marital property, and why good documentation is critical.

Episode Highlights

What Counts as Separate Property in Colorado
Ryan and Amy explain how Colorado defines separate property, including assets owned before marriage, gifts, and inheritances, and why property acquired during the marriage is generally presumed marital.

Why Colorado Is Different From Other States
The episode explores how Colorado treats the appreciation of separate property and why its approach is often considered more expansive than states that distinguish between active and passive appreciation.

Burford vs. Powell
Ryan and Amy discuss two major approaches to tracing separate property in Colorado and why the method used by an expert can significantly change the financial result in a divorce.

How Separate Property Becomes Marital Property
They explain how commingling, withdrawals, paying marital expenses, and jointly titling assets can convert separate property into marital property.

Why Documentation Matters
Ryan and Amy emphasize the importance of bank statements, tax returns, appraisals, trust records, gift tax returns, and financial statements in proving a separate property claim.

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.

Reintegration Therapy in Divorce: Helping Rebuild Parent-Child Relationships

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Amy Goscha is joined by Dr. Kathleen McNamara, a licensed psychologist with more than 30 years of experience working with separated and divorced families, to discuss reintegration therapy and its role in family law cases. Dr. McNamara explains that reintegration therapy, also referred to in Colorado’s updated statute as reunification therapy, is aimed at re-establishing a relationship between a child and an estranged or rejected parent. 

The conversation explores how therapy can be a valuable tool in two-home family situations, especially when a child is struggling with parenting time, resisting contact with a parent, or having difficulty adjusting to the changes that come with separation and divorce. Amy and Dr. McNamara also discuss the impact of Colorado’s 2023 law change, including how allegations of domestic violence or child abuse affect when reintegration therapy may be appropriate.

Guest Information
Dr. Kathleen McNamara is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Fort Collins, Colorado. For more than three decades, she has worked with families navigating separation, divorce, and two-home parenting, helping parents and children address relationship challenges and adjust to major family transitions.

Episode Highlights

What Reintegration Therapy Is
Dr. McNamara explains the statutory definition of reintegration therapy and how it is used to help rebuild relationships between children and estranged or rejected parents.

How It Differs from Family Therapy
The episode explores how reintegration therapy is a specific type of family therapy focused on parent-child contact problems, rather than broader family functioning issues.

How Colorado’s New Law Affects Therapy
Amy and Dr. McNamara discuss the implications of Colorado’s updated law, especially in cases involving allegations of abuse, domestic violence, or child sexual abuse.

Why Parent-Child Contact Problems Are Complex
Dr. McNamara emphasizes that children may resist contact with a parent for many reasons, and therapy must be matched to the real causes rather than oversimplified labels.

The Role of Child Legal Representatives
Dr. McNamara explains how CLRs can be especially helpful in high-conflict cases by helping structure orders, reduce roadblocks, and support progress in therapy.

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.

Relocation in Divorce: Understanding the Legal Landscape

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha dive into the complexities of parental relocation in Colorado family law. Whether you're a parent considering a move or an attorney navigating these waters, this episode covers the ins and outs of relocation cases, specifically how they affect parenting time and the child's best interests.

Ryan and Amy share their insights from real-life divorce cases, including their recent experiences with Eric and Melanie Wolf, hypothetical clients, as they explore the intricacies of relocating with children during and after a divorce. From understanding the legal framework to strategies for presenting relocation cases, they provide practical tips for professionals and families going through these high-stakes situations.

Episode Highlights

Why Relocation Cases Are Challenging
Relocation cases are some of the most emotionally charged and difficult divorce cases to navigate. Ryan and Amy share their experience with Eric and Melanie Wolf and how the decision to relocate can fundamentally change the parent-child relationship.

Legal Considerations for Relocating Parents
Ryan and Amy delve into the constitutional right to relocate, and how judges weigh this right against the best interests of the child. They provide guidance on how to build a compelling argument based on parenting time and child's adjustment to their current life.

Practical Advice for Parents Considering Relocation
If you are considering relocation during or after a divorce, this episode offers valuable advice on what you should think about, including the long-term impact on your relationship with your children and the financial costs of moving.

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.

Summiting the Financial Slopes: Seven Key Strategies to Master Divorce Economics

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya is joined by Brett Hirsch, a wealth management expert, to discuss the financial strategies divorce professionals should consider during divorce proceedings. Brett and Ryan will be presenting these strategies at the upcoming Family Law Institute, a conference that gathers hundreds of divorce professionals, judges, and experts to discuss the most important financial aspects of divorce cases.

In this conversation, Brett and Ryan highlight the importance of the marital balance sheet, tax implications, illiquid assets, and retirement accounts, and how to properly divide them in a divorce to ensure both parties have a clear understanding of their financial futures.

Guest Information
Brett Hirsch is the founder of Obermeyer Wealth Management in Colorado, where he specializes in wealth management and financial advisory services. With extensive experience in private equity and hedge funds, Brett helps clients navigate the complexities of their financial lives, from capital allocation to tax and estate planning.

Episode Highlights

Marital Balance Sheet: The Key to Financial Clarity
Brett explains the importance of the marital balance sheet in divorce, which allows professionals to track down all financial assets and liabilities, and provides the foundation for decision-making.

Understanding Pre and Post-Tax Implications
Ryan and Brett discuss how pre-tax and post-tax considerations should be a key part of dividing assets. Brett shares how understanding the net value of assets, such as retirement accounts or brokerage accounts, can make a huge difference in financial planning during divorce.

The Challenge of Illiquid Assets
Brett covers the issue of illiquid assets, like real estate or business ownership, which can be hard to value and harder to divide. He talks about how financial advisors can assist in navigating these complex assets and ensure that both parties have a fair deal.

Retirement Accounts and Business Valuations
Ryan and Brett address how retirement accounts and closely held businesses are treated in a divorce. They highlight the challenges of dividing these assets and how a business valuation expert can help ensure the assets are accurately valued and fairly distributed.

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.

Witness Preparation in Divorce: How to Present Your Best Self

In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya is joined by Jessica Brylo, a litigation consultant and expert in witness preparation, to discuss the importance of how witnesses present themselves in divorce cases. Jessica has a unique specialization in family law cases, particularly in divorce and custody battles, where emotions can run high, and how a person presents themselves can significantly affect the outcome.

Jessica explains that the way a person comes across in these settings is crucial, as judges and evaluators are humans, too, and they are influenced by unconscious biases. The goal, she says, is to reframe the client's story and emotional triggers to help them come across as credible and likable, which ultimately makes their testimony more effective.

Guest Information

Jessica Brylo is the owner and lead consultant at Trial Dynamics, a national trial consulting firm that specializes in witness preparation. With both a Juris Doctor and a Master's degree, Jessica is one of the few experts in the field to apply her extensive knowledge of human behavior to family law cases, specifically in helping clients navigate the emotional and behavioral aspects of divorce and custody proceedings.

Episode Highlights

Why Presenting Yourself Matters in Divorce
Jessica explains why judges and parenting evaluators are influenced by the way a person comes across and how emotional triggers can impact the credibility of a case.

Common Pitfalls for Divorce Parties
Ryan and Jessica discuss how anger, anxiety, and over-explaining can hurt a case and how these emotional reactions can affect a person's credibility during testimony or evaluations.

How to Reframe Emotions for Better Testimony
Jessica shares how she works with clients to reframe their emotions and internal narratives, helping them present a calm, collected, and more credible image during their case.

The Importance of First Impressions
The episode explores first impressions and how even small verbal cues, like saying "my child" instead of "our child," can drastically affect how the court perceives you.

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.