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Laurence I. Gendelman

Family Attorney at Denver, CO

4.6   16 reviews
  • Licensed for 7 years
    State CO
    Acquired 2015
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Laurence

Learn Laurence’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Family
    50%
    Dissolution of Marriage, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

  2. Probate
    40%
    Guardianships, Conservatorships, Will Contests, Contested Estate Administration

  3. Estate planning
    5%

  4. LGBT+ Law
    5%

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.

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Gendelman Klimas, Ltd.
517 E. 16th Ave.
Denver, CO, 80203

Reviews

4.6 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
Posted by Miesha | December 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He Gives me Hope...
I had been representing myself pro se for several years against my son's father who eventually became my husband. From the beginning of our custody case when my son was born to years later when we were filing to end our marriage and custody changes he had threatened getting an attorney every time there was something he didn't agree with. However, we would always show up to court by himself, as would I, and we were always able to come to an agreement and were able to work things out without any representation. Once he entered a relationship with someone else, things got ugly and spiteful and she found and paid for him to have an attorney. I consider myself to be a very intelligent person and have usually been able to find whatever I need to in order to represent myself fully against another individual. In fact, friends, family and other people have often wondered why I never went to school to become an attorney myself. I had several attorneys even tell me that they were impressed by how well prepared I was before a court hearing. However, I know my limitations. I will never get overconfident. My intelligence also tells me when I need to rely on the experts and not lean upon my own understanding. That is where Laurence comes in. My ex finally retained an attorney and after weeks of trying to find an attorney through my pre-paid legal plan thru my job, which proved useless, Laurence consulted with me, reasoned with me, gave me the facts, and told me what to expect. Not only was he able to get a continuance in my matter so that he can represent me to the best of his ability, he gave me peace of mind that he was there to represent me and that he was not there to play any games. Even though we haven't been to court yet...( still pending) everything that he as said he will do, he has done. Everything he has expected to happen has happened. There have been no surprises. I consulted with him a few years back and he told me that he didn't think I would need an attorney and I didn't. He could have taken advantage of me then and tried to convince me to hire him even though I didn't need it at the time and that resonated with me. I had consulted with at least 7 other attorneys before him this time around. Not because they didn't believe I had a case, but because it was around the holidays and the end of the year and many attorneys didn't want to take on new clients so close to the end of the year. I remembered how forthcoming he was with me before, so outside of my legal plan, I reached out to him. He didn't disappoint. I'm still not sure what the future holds in my case as we still have to prepare for the hearing, however, just the fact that Laurence was willing and able to give me the time of day, willing to take on my difficult and complex case at the end of the year, around the holidays, and sympathetic to my situation, gives him an A+ in my book. He was sympathetic, understanding, and very knowledgeable. In the end, its not about just trying to stick it to the other party. That is not my goal. It is what is in the best interest of my child. For that, I will be forever grateful to him and his team. I would definitely recommend him. As long as you are straight up, honest, and forthcoming with what you want out of your case, he is the one to call. I'll definitely update my review with any outcomes, whether they are in my favor or not. I truly believe that as long as he represents my needs and the needs of my child, and goes to bat for us and does it to his fullest, even if it doesn't work out completely in my favor; that is not a reflection of him and his abilities. I will still give credit where credit is due.
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Posted by Jeremiah | November 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helpful, professional, empathic
I hired first Laurence I. Gendelman in 2018, he has been my go to for everything concerning my divorce, and all of the related legal proceedings since that day. 2 years later, I don't know where I would be without him & his team. I highly recommend hiring him for any family law needs! Thank you Laurence!
Posted by Samantha | December 16, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Attorney Ever!!!!
Laurence and his team are absolutely amazing. They have worked countless hours on all 4 of my cases and I couldn’t be happier with the results! I would recommend him to anyone looking for a family law attorney! A+ from me!
Posted by Liz | May 23, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A huge relief
We hired Laurence for our family case. He is amazing. It is so much easier to wade through the legal BS when you have an attorney who can break things down and get stuff done. Laurence worked his butt off and was always available when we needed him. He made a huge difference and we are incredibly happy with our choice to hire him.
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Posted by Kell | February 23, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One of the best teams I've ever had in my corner!
When I initially went through my divorce, my legal team was incompetent. When issues from that process were reopened I opted to find new representation. The replacement team I found was Laurence Gendelman and his stellar crew. What a difference it makes to have an outstanding legal team on your side. Laurence genuinely cares about his clients, their cases, and the outcomes he achieves. He understands the law inside and out and consistently had multiple backup plans prepared and thought through to tackle any eventuality that presented, or that he thought was even a possibility of presenting. When everything was said and done in my own legal saga, my life was completely different. In a good way. Laurence and his team brought to my argument clarity, professionalism, tenacity, and a strategy that was explained, intelligent, and ultimately effective. It was clear throughout the process that his understanding of the law could be relied on and found comforting. I would recommend Laurence to anyone who finds themselves in a legal situation that falls within his area of practice. Choosing a lawyer can be daunting and the system and it's many confusing processes can feel impossible to navigate. Take the guess work out of the entire ordeal and choose a team that will have your back, give you great advice, and fight with everything they have to get you the best outcome possible.
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Posted by Shannon | October 22, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An Attorney who will truly fight for your rights
Laurence has been the biggest blessing I have had while going through such a very unforeseen amount of time dealing with child custody and parenting time issues. He is precise, professional and listens. I have been overwhelmed with his knowledge of family law and other practices of law. It is not often you find an attorney who is sympathetic and you have a sense they really do care. It has been a long time since I have had faith. Laurence has been approachable since our first consultation and I would highly recommend him for any parent going through child custody and parenting time issues. This attorney has done more for me in 6 months than any of my former attorneys did for years. You must contact this firm you want to see results!
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Posted by Loretta | August 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Loretta A. Warren RN BSN MS SD BHS.
I was given attorney Laurence Gendelman's name as someone who was willing to take on my difficult case. We talked and I hired him. I always felt like he was in my corner and doing all he possible could to bring me satisfactory results. He was always willing to explain things I did not understand and he made himself available to me when I needed to discuss something. This was very reassuring and helped reduce my anxiety a lot. I had never experienced the trauma of dealing with threats of defending myself to scurrilous false claims previously, so Mr. Gendelman's knowledge and support were in valuable. I am grateful.
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Posted by James | April 13, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Assets in multiple states for a family living all over the place
Laurence helped me understand my family’s complicated multi-state estate planning issues. Such a tremendous resource for me and my family. Laurence was very honest and professional every step of the way. I see myself relying on him for my future legal needs.
Response from Laurence Gendelman September 26, 2018
James- It's great to hear that our services brought you some peace of mind regarding your multi-state estate planning issues. We look forward to helping you with your future legal needs!
Posted by Victoria | April 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I found the right one.
Laurence and his team have been absolutely fantastic, they believe in what they do and that's what makes them great. They go the extra mile staying steps ahead, when ever the other party would file in the courts Laurence and his team would not only notify me right away they would already have a plan as to in what direction we would go in to respond. I feel like Laurence and his team went above and beyond there heart is in the right place its not just a bill they truly have done there best to represent me and most importantly my daughter. I highly recommend my lawyer.
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Response from Laurence Gendelman September 26, 2018
Victoria: You are too kind. Thank you for your comments and praise. We work very hard to communicate quickly with clients regarding developments in their cases and it's great to hear that these efforts are appreciated. While we always do our best to help clients win their cases, it's our clients who really do the hard work. There is nothing quite as challenging as being a parent during contentious family law litigation. Pat yourself on the back for the hard work that you do as a parent!
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Posted by Marc | March 31, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Comfortable Experience
I saw Laurence for my Will, POA's and Advance Directive. My father passed away at age 96 during this time so Laurence took care of all that as well. There was no confusion at any time which I have experienced with other legal work. The work got done and Laurence was kind and patient with me throughout. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
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Response from Laurence Gendelman April 8, 2018
Thank you for your comments, Marc. I'm very glad that you were satisfied with our services.
Posted by Melody | February 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest and Ethical
I don't have enough words to describe how Laurence did, he took my guardianship case and was honest about the outcome, but he was determined to do the right thing for me. I now have guardianship of my grandsons and they are safe. Laurence knew exactly what I needed, and with Steven on board also they make a formable team. I think very highly of him, and will keep his number close.
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Response from Laurence Gendelman April 8, 2018
Thank you for your comments, Melody. It was a pleasure working with you! We will always be here when you need us.
Posted by Jessie | September 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thanks!
Laurence prepared my power of attorney and living will documents. He did a great job accommodating my schedule, and explaining everything.
Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Legal Counsel
Laurence is my go-to for all things legal. He gave excellent legal counsel to my husband and I when we started our own digital consulting firm. We also turned to him for legal advice in our personal lives with a housing complication. He has an astounding depth and breadth of legal knowledge and I do and I will recommend him to anyone.
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Posted by anonymous | August 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Laurence was my attorney on an estate case and kept me informed at all times. He's excellent in communicating and deciphering legal jargon. I'd highly recommend Laurence.
Response from Laurence Gendelman September 26, 2018
Thank you very much for your comments! I am glad that we could assist you your estate case and simply the process.
Posted by anonymous | July 24, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
follows status quo instead of listening to reality
It very much felt as though Mr. Laurence had his mind made up from the very beginning as to how things should be. He was direct and somewhat stoic in his interactions. Despite explaining situations multiple times, his synopsis had inaccurate information and assumptions. I would not recommend using his services and was very frustrated and disappointed.
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Posted by Genesis | April 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Unsatisfied client
I had reached out for help and I found the legal help I was seeking, or I thought. I found lauerance through website this being one of them. Well expressing and giving trust to Esquire Laurence I was mislead and deeper into situations that I had hoped to ressolve as I put that trust into the lawyer when I was only to be let down . Not just me but who I live for , fight for, and would do anything for, my daughter. Before I was let go , I lost 3 months of no work, $700.00 as I told my daughter we would be together soon watching her hold on to faith and trust into her father. I am glad each client on review was satisfied and happy with the results Lauerance Gendlemen showed to live up to, what I had hoped to find in same results. That was not the case. I highly recommend not to fall into the same situations as I did , and aquire the lawyer firm and or any attorneys from the firm. I need find myself further into a hole then what I begin with. In all in all don't be the victim and find yourself in the same situations.....
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • 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
View all work experience

Education

  • 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

Associations

  • 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
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2020
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2019
  • Barrister's Best Trust and Estate Attorney
  • Law Week Colorado
  • 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
  • Cyberweek Winning Essay Response
  • American Bar Association
  • 2013
  • Honorable Mention
  • Suffolk University Law School- Oral Arguments
  • 2013
  • Trustee Academic Scholarship
  • Suffolk University Law School
  • 2012
View all awards

Publications

  • 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
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • 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
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (17)
Given (20)
Endorse Laurence
Family Attorney | Aug 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Laurence is an excellent CFI and attorney. His reports are spot on. He is able to see the situation for what it is and issue reports that capture the best interests of the children so well."
Family Attorney | Jun 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Laurence is a talented family law attorney and Child and Family Investigator (CFI). Laurence cares about his clients and uses his experience and knowledge of family law to advocate for their interests and obtain the best possible results. Laurence is also a superb CFI who will always make recommendations in the best interests of the children."
Family Attorney | May 08
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."
Family Attorney | May 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Laurence is a knowledgeable go-getter. I admire his commitment to his clients and his professionalism with opposing counsel."
Family Attorney | Apr 20
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."
Family Attorney | Apr 19
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."
Family Attorney | Oct 11
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."
Estate planning Attorney | Jul 31
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."
Family Attorney | Aug 29
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."
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 14
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."
Probate Attorney | Aug 15
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."
Wills and living wills Attorney | Jul 04
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."
Probate Attorney | Jul 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 29
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."
Trusts Attorney | Sep 26
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."
Litigation Attorney | Sep 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 20
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."
View more endorsements
Child custody
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Child custody
Corporate and incorporation
Contracts and agreements
Personal injury
Personal injury
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Estate planning
Denver Family Lawyer Laurence I. Gendelman
Laurence I. Gendelman
Family Attorney
Denver, CO
Licensed for 7 years