Complex divorce practice with a focus on prenuptial agreements, trusts and dividing executive compensation and stock rights.
My goal is to provide clients with a balance of advocacy and sound practical advice. When going through a divorce -- one of the most difficult times in anyone's life -- people need compassionate representation, guidance from someone who can weigh the costs and benefits of pursuing a legal remedy, help in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution, and an aggressive advocate on their side when the situation warrants it. My background includes significant experience with complex issues such as trusts, prenuptial agreements, business valuations and stock rights (options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, phantom stock, etc.). Most recently I wrote the Executive Compensation Handbook published by the American Bar Association.
Practice areas
Dissolution; child custody and relocation; modification of parenting time; modification of child support; pre-marital agreements; domestic partner issues.
Wells Family Law, P.C.
1660 Lincoln Street
Suite 1525
Denver, CO, 80264
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CO | Active | 2007 | 11/10/2020 |
ME | Inactive | 1999 | 02/20/2021 |
WA | Inactive | 1997 | 02/24/2021 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Peer Review AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2020 |
Top 50 Women Attorneys | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2020 |
Colorado Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2020 |
Peer Review AV Rated | Martindale Hubbell | 2019 |
Colorado Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2019 |
Peer Review AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2018 |
---|---|---|
Colorado Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2018 |
Colorado Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2017 |
Peer Review AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2017 |
Women to Watch | ColoradoBiz Magazine | 2017 |
Top 50 Colorado Women Lawyers | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2016 |
Colorado Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2016 |
Peer Review AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2016 |
Colorado Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2015 |
Client Distinction Award 5.0 out of 5.0 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
Washington Bar Review, Contributing Editor | Washington Bar Review | 1997 |
Phi Beta Kappa (fka Elizabeth Kristin Anderson) | Phi Beta Kappa | 1994 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Colorado Judicial Institute | Secretary, Board Member | 2019 - Present |
Colorado Bar Association, Family Law Section Executive Council | Member | 2018 - Present |
Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals | Member, Board of Directors | 2017 - Present |
Academy of Collaborative Divorce Professionals | Fellow | 2016 - Present |
Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals | Member | 2013 - Present |
Denver Bar Association, Access to Justice Committee | Lawline 9 Volunteer | 2013 - Present |
---|---|---|
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals | Member | 2013 - Present |
Colorado Bar Foundation | Fellow | 2012 - Present |
American Bar Association | Family Law Section | 2010 - Present |
Colorado Bar Association | Member, Family Law Section | 2007 - Present |
Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals | President, Board of Directors, Executive Committee | 2017 - 2019 |
Colorado Bar Association, Family Law Section, Executive Council | Member | 2015 - 2017 |
Colorado Judicial Institute | Co-Chair, Family Law Committee | 2013 - 2017 |
Domestic Violence and Legal Issues Committee, Colorado Bar Association | Member | 2012 - 2014 |
Alternative Families Committee, ABA Family Law Section | Member | 2011 - 2018 |
Taxation Committee, ABA Family Law Section | Member | 2011 - 2018 |
Washington Law Review | Contributing Editor | 1996 - 1997 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals Website | CCDP Recognizes National Child-Centered Divorce Awareness Month | 2020 |
American Bar Association Publishing | The Executive Compensation Handbook: Stock Option Awards, Restricted Stock Grants, Cash Bonuses, Incentives and Other Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation in Divorce" (1st ed. 2018) | 2018 |
ColoradoBiz Magazine | (For April Fools' Day, We Remind You): A Fool And His Money Are Soon Parted | 2017 |
ColoradoBiz Magazine | How to Make the Holidays Work When You're Divorcing | 2016 |
CBA-CLE Legal Connections | Supreme Court Ruling on DOMA Raises More Questions Than it Answers for Colorado Families | 2013 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Washington School of Law | LL.M - Master of Laws | 1998 |
University of Washington School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1997 |
University of Washington | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1994 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Metropolitan Denver Interdisciplinary Committee Luncheon | Breaking Up is Hard to Do: How Movies Shape Our Ideas About Divorce | 2020 |
Family Law Institute | Don't Get Caught with Your Pants Down: Preparing for a Successful Mediation | 2020 |
Advanced Family Law Institute | Don't Worry, Be Happy: A Family Lawyer's Guide to Tax Return Ilumination | 2019 |
Family Law Section Young Attorney Breakfast | The Sexy Side of Stock Rights: A Beginner's Guide to Mastering Stock Awards in Divorce | 2018 |
Family Law Section March Luncheon | Rocky Mountain High - Navigating the Marijuana Divorce Without Losing Your Mind | 2018 |
Family Law Insitute | Moderator, Judicial Panel on Maintenance | 2018 |
---|---|---|
Family Law Institute | Advanced Tax Issues in Divorce | 2015 |
Fall Family Law Update | Civility in the Practice of Family Law | 2015 |
2014 Fall Family Law Update | Trial Preparation and Practice | 2014 |
Strafford Family Law Webinar | Divorce: Classifying, Valuing and Dividing Executive Employment Benefits | 2013 |
Metropolitan Denver Interdisciplinary Committee Luncheon | Same Sex Issues in Family Law: When it isn't "Husband and Wife" | 2013 |
Family Law Institute in Vail, CO, August 10, 2013 | Attorney Fees in Family Law | 2013 |
Family Law Institute in Vail, CO, August 10, 2013 | The Duty to Confer | 2013 |
Civil Unions: Family Law and Estate Issues in a Time of Rapid Change | Division of Benefits in Same-Sex Break-Ups: Assisting Clients in a Complex and Unsettled Area | 2013 |
Family Law Institute in Vail, Colorado, August 11, 2012 | Unveiling the Mysteries of Dividing Executive Compensation, Stock Rights and Severance in Divorce | 2012 |
Colorado Bar Association Family Law Section February Meeting | Moderator on Judge's Panel re Business Valuations in Divorce | 2012 |
Colorado Bar Association Family Law Update CLE | Spoils of War: Dividing Deferred Compensation in Divorce | 2011 |
Van Gilder Breakfast Club | New COBRA Premium Subsidy Rules | 2009 |
Southeast Metropolitan Law Club | New Administration: New Issues in Employee Benefits | 2009 |
Integrated Delivery Systems Roundtable | What’s Up With Your 403(b) Plan in 2008? | 2008 |
Seattle Pension Roundtable | SEC’s Proposed Rules on Executive Compensation Disclosure | 2006 |
Seattle Pension Roundtable | New COBRA Notice Requirements | 2004 |
University of Washington School of Law | A Brief Summary of Taxation of ISOs and Nonquals | 2003 |
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Jennifer Schaffner, Family Attorney on May 20, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Kristi was opposing counsel on a case and I found her to be well prepared, professional, and a zealous advocate for her client.
Laurence Gendelman, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 19, 2020
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Kristi is an excellent attorney and an aggressive, detail-oriented, and mindful advocate for her clients. Her extensive and varied background makes her both a skilled negotiator and well-trained litigator. Her knowledge of executive compensation and complex financial instruments is unprecedented in the Colorado family law community. I fully endorse this attorney.
Nancy Peterson, Family Attorney on Feb 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly recommend Kristi for her professionalism and integrity.
James Garts, Family Attorney on Feb 1, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
Kristi Wells has a diverse practice history and variety of legal specializations which make her particularly suited as an effective litigator in the field of domestic relations.
Alexandra White, Family Attorney on Jan 28, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
Kristi is a highly intelligent, no-nonsense attorney who has the keen ability to cut through to the real issues in a case. She's a collaborative/cooperative attorney who gives each case her all. I highly recommend her.
Angela Schmit, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 28, 2012
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. Kristi is a very knowledgeable attorney who is committed to providing quality representation to each and every client. She is also a great counselor and mentor, explaining complex matters and providing greater understanding to clients and fellow attorneys. It has been a privilege working with her.
Danae Woody, Family Attorney on Nov 13, 2012
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Kristi's knowledge and skill with regard to family law is impressive. Her compassion for her clients and her commitment to teaching younger lawyers are even more impressive. I have learned so much from Kristi and greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with her.
Robin Beattie, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 17, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Kristi is an impassioned opponent, but does not let her zeal for her client outweigh her reason. She will argue effectively when the situation requires it, but negotiate equally effectively when the cost of an outcome will exceed its benefit. If you are seeking a professional and compassionate attorney with a sense of humor, you should consider Kristi Wells.
John Eckelberry, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 5, 2012
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. Krsiti brings passion for the work and compassion for her client to every situation. I am always comfortable knowing any issue will be in good hands!
Tara Richardson, Family Attorney on Jan 28, 2012
Relationship: Other
I have known Kristi for almost 10 years. Her knowledge, skills, and tenacity make her a stand-out advocate.
Beau Holt, Family Attorney on Jan 11, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer. Kristi brings a powerful combination of attention to detail and strong advocacy to every client she engages.
Christopher Beer, Employee benefits Attorney on Mar 8, 2009
Relationship: Other
I have known Kristi for almost 15 years. Her attention to detail and commitment to client service is outstanding. I endorse her enthusiastically