Which Judge Will Preside Over My Divorce in Denver County?

In Denver, Domestic Relations matters ”“which include divorce and custody matters ”“ are usually handled by a Judge. But, at times, they can be handled by a Magistrate. These judicial officers can enter orders affecting the issues in a divorce, such as child support, parenting time (custody), and maintenance awards.

The issues a Magistrate can decide in Denver in a divorce are limited.  Magistrates in a divorce typically decide temporary orders issues.  Temporary orders usually involve temporary child support, temporary spousal support (maintenance), temporary parenting plans (custody), temporary use and possession of marital property, temporary payment of bills, and temporary attorney’s fees. Magistrates may also approve written agreements of the parties and make those agreements court orders.

Judges in Denver, however, can hear and decide all matters in a divorce. Most commonly, Judges hear Permanent Orders issues in a divorce. Permanent Orders issues include permanent orders regarding child support, permanent parenting plans (custody), division of property, division of debts, spousal support (maintenance), and grandparent’s rights.   The Judges also decide modification of prior orders regarding child support, parenting time (custody), and spousal support.  

Information regarding Denver Judges and Magistrate can be found by clicking on their name below. Some Judges have been reviewed by the Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation. For those Judges that have been reviewed, you can see their review by clicking on the Judicial Performance Review link.

Judge William W. Hood
Judicial Performance Review of Judge Hood

Judge Shelley Gilman
Judicial Performance Review of Judge Gilman

Judge Ann Mansfield
Judicial Performance Review of Judge Mansfield

Judge Liz Starrs – (No bio or Judicial Review available at this time.)

Divorce cases are held at the Denver City and County Building, which is located at:  1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80202.  – Directions/Map

An experienced divorce attorney can give you additional information about the Judge or Magistrate that might decide your divorce in Denver. If you need help with your divorce or custody matter in Denver, or any other County, contact an attorney at Divorce Matters.