Melissa Decker

Melissa Decker

also known as Melissa Decker, Melissa L. Decker

3.8
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 28 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Minturn, CO
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Mediation, Criminal Defense ... +2 more

291 Main Street, 2nd Floor, PO Box 504, Minturn, CO

About Melissa

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 35%

ODR Mediator for Divorce & Family (APR) lawsuits in Mesa County/JD 21.

35%
Mediation 20%

ODR Mediator for Domestic cases (Divorce/Family litigation) in Mesa County/JD21.

20 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 150-225 per hour

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Colorado for 28 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law for Locals, LLC

291 Main Street, 2nd Floor, PO Box 504, Minturn, CO, 81645-0504

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Melissa Decker's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.8 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

5 star (7)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (3)

Posted by anonymous | July 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Did Not Prioritize Child’s Best Interests

I was extremely disappointed with Melissa Decker’s handling of our family case. She failed to investigate key concerns thoroughly and did not demonstrate a commitment to prioritizing my child’s best interests. Communication throughout the process was limited, and her final report was highly subjecti...ve and factually inaccurate. Although she initially acknowledged serious concerns, she ultimately relied on one parent’s account without verifying facts or seeking a fuller picture. This lack of a child-focused, balanced approach had real consequences for our family. She also appeared to favor a default custody outcome very early on—before completing interviews—which called her neutrality and professionalism into serious question. If you are looking for a CFI who will conduct a truly objective investigation and center the child’s well-being, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere.

Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

An advocate for child abuse

She was hired as cfi and her finding were those with parental alienation which is child abuse, she did nothing to protect the children. Very unprofessional with no mental health regards to children being left in an abusive home. Truly disappointing considering she has children of her own.

Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Inexperienced and biased CFI

If you have ever hoped to find a person looking to protect your children and your safety I hope that you search elsewhere.

Posted by Irene | April 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best lawyer

Melissa Decker handled my bankruptcy case so professionally. Her attention to detail and personal caring through the whole process made me feel at ease. I could not have had a better lawyer.

Posted by Kim | October 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Bankruptcy

Melissa handled our bankruptcy...she was wonderful! She had a clear set price and was personal and extremely helpful and hands on throughout. She is experienced and knows well all aspects of your case, is very thorough and follows up after everything with phone calls, emails and written communicati...on. Plus as a bonus she was easy to talk to, has a great personality and we now consider her a friend. What a great service she provides in this area! She cares about her job and her clients. Well worth a drive!

See All Client Reviews

Melissa Decker's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melissa
Taggart Harrison Howard headshot
Taggart Howard

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Melissa Decker. I have worked with Melissa for several years now. She is knowledgable, honest and has a reasonable pricing structure for her clients."

View All Endorsements
Taggart Harrison Howard headshot
Taggart Howard

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

1997

Harold Taft King Scholarship, University of Colorado Law School

1996

Isaacson, Rosenbaum, Woods & Levy, P.C. Scholarship, University of Colorado Law School

1996

Articles Editor of the Law Review, University of Colorado Law School

1993

Departmental Graduate Fellowship, Stanford University

1991

Distinction in the Major, Yale University

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Owner, Attorney & Mediator, Law for Locals, LLC

2004 - 2010

Executive Director, Vail Valley Institute

2001 - 2003

Staff Attorney, Public Land & Water Issues, Land & Water Fund of the Rockies (now Western Resource Advocates)

1998 - 1999

Law Clerk for Justice Nancy Rice, Colorado Supreme Court

Associations

2016 - Present

Vail Valley Business Women

Vice-President

2015 - Present

Mountain Chapter of the Colorado Women's Bar Association

Board Member

1997 - Present

Colorado Bar Association

Member: JD5 (CDBA), JD9 & Mesa Bar Assocs.

2013 - 2016

Continental Divide Bar Association

Chair, Access to Justice Committee for the 5th Judicial District

Education

2007

Training with Judy Mares-Dixon

Certified Mediator

1997

University of Colorado Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

Stanford University

MA - Masters

1991

Yale University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Rural Resources Day, Eagle County Courts, Colorado

Pro bono advice for divorcing couples & parents

Publications

1993

Immigrant Legal Resource Center publication with Attorney Mark Silverman Documentation for Mexican Suspension Cases

1993

Stanford University's North America Forum Working Paper No. 22 Understanding Employer Sanctions: Effective Law or Political Ploy?

Languages

Spanish

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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