Laurence I. Gendelman, Esq. was raised in the south Denver suburbs, attended Cherry Creek High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts in both Economics and Political Science as well as his Juris Doctor at the University of Colorado – Boulder.
Trained in a large family law firm, Laurence gained experience working with high-asset, high-conflict, and complex divorces and child custody issues. He also advocated for and advised clients regarding the division of complex financial assets including executive compensation packages and retirement benefits.
Inn 2016, Laurence transitioned his practice to probate, trust, estate law, working with a team of four other attorneys representing clients with estate planning, estate and trust administration, uncontested and contested guardianships and conservatorships, and probate litigation matters.
After gaining extensive experience in these practice areas and learning law firm management and operations, Laurence established Gendelman Law Group, LLC in 2017, where he represented clients in trust, estate, probate, and family law matters. In 2020, Gendelman Law Group, LLC and Klimas Law Firm, LLC, joined forces to create Gendelman Klimas, Ltd., the firm Where Family is Everything.
At Gendelman Klimas, Ltd., Laurence continues to aggressively, yet mindfully, represent clients in the following types of cases:
- Probate Litigation
- Estate and Trust Administration
- Guardianships and Conservatorships
- Estate Planning
- Divorce and Legal Separation
- Allocations of Parental Responsibilities
- Post Decree Family Law (modifications of parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance, contempt, parenting time disputes, etc.)
- Marital Agreements
- Premarital Agreements
- Paternity/Maternity
- Protection Orders
- LGBTQ Family and Probate Law
- Non-Traditional Family and Probate Law involving blended families, adoptive children, psychological parents, unmarried long-term partners, polyamory, etc.
- Probate and Family Law Appeals
In many family law cases, probate, trust, and estate issues arise. This can take the form of:
- Creating rights for alternative payees of retirement plans in the case of the death of a spouse
- a spouse dying or becoming incapacitated during the pendency of a family law case
- addressing the allocation of parental responsibilities concerning a child with special needs
- protecting a spouse’s family inheritance in a divorce proceeding
- providing analysis of the treatment of trusts in divorce proceedings
- planning for child support and maintenance obligations in divorce proceedings, in the case of the death of the obligor spouse
Likewise, in many probate, trust, and estate cases, many family law issues arise. This can include:
- Claims by common law or putative spouses
- Addressing child support and maintenance issues after the death of the obligor
- Intestacy rights and heirship for non-traditional families
- Parenting of a minor whose parents are unable and/or unwilling to parent
- Lack of compliance with dissolution of marriage orders creating claims in cases regarding decedent’s estates
Laurence’s expertise in both family law and probate law provide him with the unique insight and skills to address these common and intersecting, yet often overlooked issues in his client’s cases.
In working with his clients, Laurence is direct, forthright, and pragmatic. His approach to cases is functional and utilitarian, with a tireless dedication to create outcomes that provide a net benefit to his clients. This approach makes Laurence a creative and effective problem-solver, allowing his clients to usually resolve their cases without the hassle of trial. However, as a trained litigator regularly appearing in contested hearings, Laurence is always prepared for trial when the circumstances so require.
Practice areas
Dissolution of Marriage, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
Guardianships, Conservatorships, Will Contests, Contested Estate Administration
Languages spoken
English
Gendelman Klimas, Ltd.
1888 Sherman St
Suite 200
Denver, CO, 80203
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CO | Active | 2015 | 02/09/2021 |
Legal answers | 35 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2020 |
Barrister's Best Trust and Estate Attorney | Law Week Colorado | 2019 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2019 |
People's Choice Best Trust and Estate Attorney | Law Week Colorado | 2018 |
Public Service Pledge | University of Colorado Law School | 2015 |
Outstanding Student Mentor | University of Colorado Law School | 2015 |
---|---|---|
Ann Getches Scholarship | University of Colorado Law School | 2014 |
Honorable Mention | Suffolk University Law School- Oral Arguments | 2013 |
Cyberweek Winning Essay Response | American Bar Association | 2013 |
Trustee Academic Scholarship | Suffolk University Law School | 2012 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Gendelman Klimas, Ltd. | 2020 - Present |
President | Gendelman Law Group | 2017 - Present |
Associate Attorney | Kirch & Rounds, PC | 2016 - 2017 |
Associate Attorney | Gutterman Griffiths, PC | 2015 - 2016 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Colorado LGBT Bar Association | President | 2020 - Present |
Colorado LGBT Bar Association | Secretary | 2018 - Present |
Colorado Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
Colorado GLBT Bar Association | Programming Clair | 2018 - 2019 |
Colorado Lawyers Committee | Board Member | 2017 - 2018 |
Denver Bar Association | Member | 2015 - 2018 |
---|---|---|
American Bar Association | Member | 2014 - 2017 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) | Case Note: Kindred Nursing Centers v. Clark- United States Supreme Court Decisions on Mandatory Arbitrations | 2019 |
Colorado Bar Association | Digital Assets- An Estate Administration Focus | 2018 |
Colorado Estate Planning Handbook | Equitable Remedies, Chapter 51 | 2017 |
CBA CLE | Ethics in Estate Planning | 2016 |
The Colorado Lawyer | Estate Planning Tools for Second Marriages | 2016 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Colorado School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2015 |
University of Colorado - Boulder | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2011 |
University of Colorado - Boulder | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2011 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Colorado Judicial Institute | Ethical issues for judicial officers when one litigant is self-represented while the other is represented | 2019 |
Colorado Bar Association | Spring Update- Estate Administration- Elective Share and Family Allowance | 2019 |
CLE | Digital asset issues in probate | 2018 |
University of Colorado Law School | Presentation to law students on passing the Colorado Bar Exam | 2016 |
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Wed Feb 07 2018
Allison Boschert, Family Attorney on May 8, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Laurence's commitment to his clients and their cause is abundantly evident to everyone who knows him. He is a true professional and a beacon of hope for some of the most seemingly hopeless human rights issues. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with his services.
Maha Kamal, Family Attorney on May 4, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Laurence is a knowledgeable go-getter. I admire his commitment to his clients and his professionalism with opposing counsel.
Kimberly Utesch, Family Attorney on Apr 20, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend this lawyer. Attorney Gendelman is a compassionate, knowledgeable and zealous attorney who works diligently to ensure the best outcome possible for his clients.
Kristi Wells, Family Attorney on Apr 19, 2020
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
Laurence is a smart, thoughtful and highly competent attorney. He is able to tackle the toughest cases and obtain excellent results for his clients. I endorse him wholeheartedly.
Anthony Zarsky, Family Attorney on Oct 11, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Laurence is a passionate and confident advocate for his clients. He is one of the most well-versed attorneys I know with regards to the rules of Civil Procedure. I gladly endorse this lawyer.
Steven O'Connor, Estate planning Attorney on Jul 31, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Laurence is a zealous advocate and consummate professional. I confidently refer matters to his firm on a regular basis. Laurence's clients get superior representation from a compassionate and intelligent attorney.
Nicholas Troxel, Family Attorney on Aug 29, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Laurence is an incredibly knowledgeable and hardworking attorney. He will put in the extra mile for you.
Timothy Galluzzi, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 14, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Laurence is an exceptional attorney who I have known since law school. In school, he was a motivated student committed to learning the skills needed to become a great lawyer. As a practicing lawyer, he puts those skills to use for his clients. He is a talented advocate. When friends or family ask me for a referral to a lawyer for probate, trust, estate, or digital-asset issues, I send them to Laurence.
Kevin Cheney, Probate Attorney on Aug 15, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Laurence is a top notch lawyer. We went to law school together and he has always been one of the most intelligent, hard-working people I know. He is passionate about his clients and goes the extra mile for them. When I need a probate, trusts, estate planning, or family lawyer Laurence is my first phone call. I highly recommend him.
Ann Gushurst, Wills and living wills Attorney on Jul 4, 2017
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. I supervised Laurence and can say that he is bright and personable. He then went on to work with a very senior estate attorney. I predict his background in both family law and probate/ estate law will make a great combination for his future clients.
Gregory Deemer, Probate Attorney on Jul 4, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Samera Habib, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 29, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Laurence is smart, hard working, and doesn't give up until he finds the answer to any issue at hand. He has always impressed me with his network and connections which he frequently reaches out to for additional resources. He has also impressed me with his level of concern for his clients and his eagerness to help. I refer my clients to him for all Estates Planning needs without hesitation.
Emily Bowman, Trusts Attorney on Sep 26, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker
Laurence is a pleasure to work with. He is an excellent attorney with great energy and attitude. He is passionate about what he does and is highly motivated and very reliable. I would highly recommend him.
Rachel Catt, Litigation Attorney on Sep 8, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Katie Ahles, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 20, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Laurence is an intelligent, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorney. He is a dedicated advocate who works tirelessly to represent his clients. I highly recommend Laurence.