James M. Cordes

Attorney Profile
Top Rated Family Law Attorney in Denver, CO
Denver, CO 80246
- Family Law
- Free Consultation
James M. Cordes is Of Counsel as an Attorney, Mediator, and Arbitrator at GEM Family Law. For nearly a decade, James has developed a superior reputation for successfully litigating complex family law, contempt, and civil cases in both the trial and appellate courts, including permanent orders, temporary orders, child support and maintenance, common law marriage, protection orders, attorney fees, child relocation, paternity, and the emergency restriction of parenting time.
James’ extensive and varied experience with the courts guides him in negotiating fair and creative settlements during mediation. He has the experience to guide clients through complicated and unique financial issues, including dividing business interests, trusts, and pensions (including military pensions and defined benefit plans), determining child support and maintenance obligations, and the division of marital property.
In addition to handling all of the complexities of financial issues in family law cases, James uses his award-winning skillset to assist clients in resolving their child custody issues (the allocation of parental responsibilities) and child support. While James focuses on creative solutions, he is a seasoned trial attorney and expertly and tirelessly advocates for his clients, both in negotiations and in court.
Prior to practicing family law, James was a Fellow at the Colorado Department of State. As a Fellow, he helped develop new policies based on his analysis of statutory law and administrative regulation, and his work prompted legislative change to the Notary Public statute.
James received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2006, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2010. He is a member of the Sotomayor Inn of Court, is a contributing author to the Colorado Lawyer and Law Week Colorado, was faculty at the 2012 and 2017 Annual Family Law Institute in addition to the 2020 Basic Skills CLE for young lawyers. James has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, and has an “Superb” rating from Avvo.
- 100%Family Law
Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Paternity, Marital Property
Selections


Rising Stars: 2017 - 2021
To: James M. Cordes
Super Lawyers: Potential Client Inquiry
Additional Sources of Information About James M. Cordes
About James Cordes
Admitted: 2010, Colorado
Professional Webpage: https://familylawco.com/about/james-m-cordes/
Honors/Awards:
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2021
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2020
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2019
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2018
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2017
- Top 100 Lawyers - The National Advocates, 2015 - 2016, Top 100 Lawyer, The National Advocates, 2015
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- 40-Hour CBA/CLE Mediation Training Certificate, 2019
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Sotomayor Inn of Court
- Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee, Board Member, 2020
- CBA Family Law Section Young Lawyers, Committee Member, 2016
- Denver Bar Association
- Colorado Bar Association
- CBA Family Law Section, Member
- Colorado, 2010
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Faculty at the 2020 Family Law Basic Skills CLE | Protection Orders in Family Law: Grounds, Procedure and Practical Advice
- Faculty, Enforcement Measures in Family Law: Contempt is Not Always the Best Answer, CBA CLE 2020
- Faculty at the 2017 Annual Family Law Institute | Attorney’s Fees, Liens, and Malpractice: Strategies and Ethical Considerations
- Faculty at the 2012 Annual Family Law Institute | Child Support Essentials
- Retroactive Child Support: Conflicting Decisions and Practical Advice, The Colorado Lawyer, 2012
- If Your Spouse is Embroiled in Sexual Harassment Allegations, Avvo, 2018
- Six Strategies for Successful ADR in Family Law, Law Week Colorado, 2019
Educational Background:
- University of Colorado, Boulder, B.A., 2006; University of Denver Sturm College of Law, J.D., 2010
James M. Cordes:
Last Updated: 12/7/2020