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About James
Biography
James Garts is a family law attorney based in Denver but with a practice that at times spans the state. First licensed to practice law in Tennessee during 2002 and with more than 19-years of experience, James manages a caseload of clientele with divorce and custody disputes or simply agreements they want made clear and enforceable, but most of all understood. James excels in client contact and education with one goal in mind — obtaining the best possible outcome in a difficult family situation.
James graduated from The Colorado College in 1999, and obtained his law degree in 2002 from the Samford University Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. He began his legal career in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, and moved back to Colorado in 2006.
As a member and active volunteer with the Colorado Bar Association, James has furthered his interest in seeking justice and equity through voluntary dispute resolution and litigation when necessary.
He has chaired the Young Lawyers Division and the Membership Services Committee. He was also co-chairman of the Modest Means Task Force and a member of the CBA Economic Task Force. James served a term on the CBA Executive Council and was the Young Lawyers’ Division liaison to the CBA Board of Governors and Budget Committee. At the local level, James is a member of the Rhone Brackett Inn of Court executive council, the Denver Bar Association, and the Arapahoe County Bar Association, and was previously appointed to the First Judicial District Board of Trustees, where he served as the Board’s liaison to the CBA Board of Governors.
Since 2018, Best Lawyers recognized James as for his legal knowledge, skill, and talent. He has been honored as a Super Lawyer for greater than 5-years and his practice has been recognized by Avvo as a 10 out of 10. James values these honors as reflective of his consistent involvement and dedication to the field of domestic relations law. Moreover, his satisfaction comes from having happy and oftentimes relieved clients.
He is an avid road and mountain bicyclist and supports trail conservation and common-use efforts.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Child Custody
30%
20 years
Divorce and Separation
30%
20 years
Family
30%
20 years
Uncontested Divorce
10%
20 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Colorado for 19 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Licensed in Tennessee for 24 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Garts Law, LLC
700 17th Street, Denver, CO, 80202
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James Rufus Garts III's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
4 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Professionalism
Posted by Dave | August 26, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Will Fight For Your Child's Best Interests
James was professional from the start and helped me organize my evidence for a bitter relocation dispute. When he presented the new parenting plan proposal to my child's Mom, she immediately moved to resolve and I became primary custodial resident with joint decision making. He's great at telling har...
Posted by Richard | April 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
If you're going through hell you want James as your wingman.
I called James Garts, after I caught my wife in an affair, to brace for possible divorce. James listened attentively, finally asking "Do you want to divorce your wife? I think you two might be able to work through this." (Here's a top divorce attorney recommending I leave his office and go sav...
Posted by Ari | June 05, 2015 | Family
Hindsight is 20/20
I visited James Garts for legal advice a couple times. He was referred to me by a co-worker because I was looking for a family law attorney. James explained things to me very well and let me know what all of my options were. I could tell that he was very experienced and on top of things in a short ma...
James Rufus Garts III's Lawyer Endorsements
"James is a fantastic and compassionate attorney that handles his cases with the utmost professionalism."
"I enthusiastically endorse James. I have served as the neutral mediator with James (and opposing counsel); he was extremely prepared, insightful, collaborative in style but resolute in boundaries. (I have 27 years full time experience as a mediator and this is a rarity.) At the time, he so impressed me, I forwarded a note of commendation to his colleagues / senior partners. I am confident any potential client's interests would be well served by James."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is very professional, advocates strongly for his clients, and avoids undue escalation. He is willing to explore creative solutions that might actually save the parties time and money. It has been a pleasure to work with him on cases."
"James' passion for his clients is only matched by the respect he is given by counsel throughout the Denver area. If you are looking for an attorney who can solve your case, James is the man."
"I endorse this lawyer. Very experienced attorney. James will always have your interests at heart and provide you with sound legal advice. Trustworthy and realistic, you won't be led astray."
"James is well known and well respected in the Denver family law community. He is a tough advocate for his clients and is always prepared."
"James Garts is a fantastic attorney that is very well known in the Colorado family law legal community. He is regularly a presenter on various divorce and child custody legal issues. If you need help on a family law case, you need James Garts representing you in court!"
"James is a truly exceptional attorney. The Clients of Robinson and Henry are very fortunate to have James on their team!"
"I worked with James for a period of time and observed him to be an extremely effective advocate for his clients. Jame has a breadth of knowledge in the area of family law from which he draws in his legal representation. He is dedicated to working to achieve the best results for his clients whether through settlement or trial."
"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. James is a tremendous talent and resource to our legal community. He is strategic, thorough and creative. He knows CO law inside and out. I highly recommend James."
"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. Rufus is a highly skilled attorney."
"James is a highly intelligent family law attorney. I specifically endorse James for his skills as they relate to the practice of collaborative divorce."
"James has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the law with respect to all family matters in Colorado. He has a keen eye for the "no nonsense" bottom-line, and as such his advice to Clients is well-informed and to the point. A potential client could not go wrong in seeking Mr. Garts as his or her counsel."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with James at a previous law firm. He is knowledgeable and compassionate. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. James is friendly, easy to work with, but an advocate for his clients all the time."
"I had the opportunity to work with James on a case and he is a consummate professional. He offered sound advice to the client and his knowledge of Colorado divorce law was apparent. I highly recommend this attorney."
"James is a great attorney who is committed to serving his clients at the highest level. However, what impresses me most about James is his commitment to the service of his community. James is an asset to the legal community and to his clients, and I would not hesitate to recommend him for any family law matter."
"James Garts is extremely professional, knowledgeable about the law, and a very competent advocate. I have seen him interact with the legal community as a mentor and an advocate, and so I believe I am not the only attorney who would highly recommend him."
"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
N/A
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Attorney/Owner, Garts Law, LLC
2015 - 2019
Attorney, Robinson & Henry, P.C.
2011 - 2015
Associate, Gutterman Griffiths, PC
2008 - 2011
Associate, Pelegrin & Radeff, PC
2007 - 2008
Associate, Weeks & Luchetta, LLP
2002 - 2005
Associate, Harris, Shelton, Hanover & Walsh, PLLC
Associations
2017 - Present
Robert C. Rhone-Ava M. Brackett American Inn of CourtExecutive Council Member
2017 - Present
Metro Volunteer LawyersAdvisory Committee Member
2016 - Present
Colorado Bar Association Modern Law Practice Initiativemember
2015 - 2016
Colorado Bar AssociationChairperson of Modest Means Taskforce
2012 - 2016
Colorado Bar FoundationFellow
2012 - 2012
Colorado Young Lawyer Mountain Bike GroupOrganizer
2012 - 2012
Wendelken Inn of CourtMember
2012 - 2012
Rhone Brackett Inn of CourtMember
2012 - 2012
Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2012 - 2012
First Judicial District Bar AssociationBoard of Governors, Member and Contributor
2012 - 2012
First Judicial District Bar AssociationMember, Board of Governors
2012 - 2012
Colorado Bar Association Membership CommitteeChairperson
2011 - 2011
Rhone Brackett Inn of CourtMember
2011 - 2011
First Judicial District Bar AssociationBoard of Governors, Member and Contributor
2011 - 2011
First Judicial District Bar AssociationMember, Board of Trustees
2011 - 2011
Colorado Bar Association Membership CommitteeChairperson
2011 - 2011
Colorado Young Lawyer Mountain Bike GroupOrganizer
2011 - 2011
Colorado Bar AssociationMember Benefits Programs Presenter Volunteer
2011 - 2011
Wendelken Inn of CourtMember
2011 - 2011
Denver Bar Association, Metro Volunteer LawyersVolunteer, Permanent Orders Counsel
2011 - 2011
Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2011 - 2011
First Judicial District Bar AssociationMember, Board of Governors
2011 - 2011
Colorado Bar FoundationFellow
2010 - 2010
Colorado Bar AssociationMembership Benefits Program Presenter Volunteer
2010 - 2010
Wendelken Inn of CourtMember
2010 - 2010
First Judicial District Bar AssociationMember, Board of Trustees
2010 - 2010
Denver Bar Association, Metro Volunteer LawyersVolunteer, Permanent Orders Counsel
2010 - 2010
First Judicial District Bar AssociationBoard of Governors, Member and Contributor
2010 - 2010
Colorado Young Lawyer Mountain Bike GroupOrganizer
2010 - 2010
Colorado Bar Association Membership CommitteeChairperson
2010 - 2010
Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionExecutive Council Chairperson
2010 - 2010
Colorado Bar AssociationEconomic Task Force, Member
2010 - 2010
Colorado Bar Association Leadership TrainingGraduate
2010 - 2010
Colorado Bar FoundationFellow
2010 - 2010
Rhone Brackett Inn of CourtMember
2010 - 2010
Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2009 - 2009
Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2009 - 2009
First Judicial District Bar AssociationBoard of Governors, Member and Contributor
2009 - 2009
Colorado Bar AssociationEconomic Task Force, Member
2009 - 2009
First Judicial District Bar AssociationMember, Board of Trustees
2009 - 2009
Colorado Young Lawyer Mountain Bike GroupOrganizer
2009 - 2009
Colorado Young Lawyer Mountain Bike GroupOrganizer
2009 - 2009
Colorado Bar FoundationFellow
2009 - 2009
Denver Bar Association, Metro Volunteer LawyersVolunteer Permanent Orders Counsel
2009 - 2009
Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionExecutive Council Chairperson
2009 - 2009
Rhone Brackett Inn of CourtMember
2009 - 2009
Wendelken Inn of CourtMember
2008 - 2008
Colorado Bar Association Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2008 - 2008
Colorado Young Lawyer Mountain Bike GroupOrganizer
2008 - 2008
Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2008 - 2008
Wendelken Inn of CourtMember
2007 - 2007
Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2007 - 2007
Wendelken Inn of CourtMember
2006 - 2006
Wendelken Inn of CourtMember
Education
2002
CUMBERLAND
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
Colorado College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Family Law Institute Vail, Limited-Scope Representation
Family Law Institute Vail, Limited-Scope Representation
2017
Advanced Family Law Coach
Advanced Family Law Coach
2017
2017 Family Law Institute
Effective, Affordable ... Bothersome? Unbundled Agreements
2016
CBA-CLE Family Law Spring Update 2016
Counselor’s Focus on the Child, Client and the Court – Unbundling component
2015
– Lunchtime Panel on Successful Starts to a Solo and Small Firm Practice – Moderate Means Practice Component
– Lunchtime Panel on Successful Starts to a Solo and Small Firm Practice – Moderate Means Practice Component
2015
Representing Moderate Means Clientele – Client Screening
Representing Moderate Means Clientele – Client Screening
2014
Public Interest and Social Justice Retreat – Moderate Means Representation
Public Interest and Social Justice Retreat – Moderate Means Representation
2014
Advanced Family Law – Access to Justice and Professional Success in a Moderate Means Family Law Practice
Advanced Family Law – Access to Justice and Professional Success in a Moderate Means Family Law Practice
2014
, Denver Bar Association New Lawyer Orientation
Access to Justice and Professional Success in a Moderate Means Practice
2013
Representing the Diminished Capacity Client
Representing the Diminished Capacity Client
2013
Doyle Inn of Court Training Program
Professionalism: Lawyer Lifestyle
2013
CBA-CLE Representing Moderate Means Clientele
Representing Moderate Means Clientele – Lawyer Competence
2012
CBA-CLE Representing the Moderate Income Client
Representing the Moderate Income Client - Discrete Task Representation
2009
Front Range Community College Business Law Course
Guest Lecturer
2009
El Paso County Young Lawyer Continuing Education Seminar
"Staying Afloat in the Current Economy & Tips, Tricks and Hints for your New Practice"
2008
Young Lawyers Division Continuing Education Seminar
Speaker
2008
Young Lawyers Division Continuing Education Seminar
Organizer
2008
Front Range Community College Business Law Course
Guest Lecturer
2007
Young Lawyers Division Continuing Education Seminar
Young Lawyers Division Continuing Education Seminar
Publications
2017
The Unbundled Domestic Relations Practice
The Practitioner’s Guide to Colorado Domestic Relations Law – 2nd Ed. – Chapter 41
2017
Denver Bar Association Docket Magazine
How to Hire a Lawyer
2014
Denver Bar Association Docket
Denver Domestic Relations "Firefighters"
2013
Denver Bar Association Docket
Serving the Moderate-Income Client, A Win-WIn
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can you defer the sale of a house in a divorce without maintaining co-ownership?
30 May 2022
Q&A
Can I file a joint agreement for custody together with a partial-custody parent, after years of absence of the custodial parent?
30 May 2022
Q&A
Can an ex spouse's lawyer keep asking for further financial statements like paystubs and taxes after already being traded?
31 May 2022