James Schumacher | Littleton Divorce & Family Lawyer

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I assisted one client recently in an allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) case whose children were very young. As you might imagine, such a case for one with very young children is very difficult. I helped her secure, both through negotiation, and litigation as that became necessary, a parenting plan which was appropriate for children of her children’s age and stage of development, and, through necessary discovery, child support which was more than reasonable under the circumstances, exceeding the amount of child support provided by the statutory child support guidelines. I assisted the client in obtaining an award of costs and attorney’s fees which offset a considerable amount of the costs and fees which she had incurred in pursuing the matter.

I assisted another client recently in a dissolution of marriage case in which the allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) and support of her child was at issue, as well as her own support and the division of the parties’ marital property. It was important to assist this client as she was not otherwise in a position to support herself and her child. Working together, first through litigation and then by negotiation, she and I were able to secure a parenting plan which assured that she would be the primary care provider for her child, as well as a reasonable amount of support for the child as well as maintenance (alimony) for her. Finally, again working together, we secured a division of marital property by which she received the majority of that property to assist her as she moved forward in her life. Finally, I assisted another client recently where his former spouse sought to modify his primary care of their child. We opposed such a modification as it would not be in the best interest of the child, but did seek a modification in the amount of child support consistent with the change in the circumstances of the parties and the needs of the child as he grew older, including his private school education. Together we resisted the modification in the provisions concerning the care of the child, and secured an increase in the amount of child support, including the sharing of the costs of the child’s private school education.

How did you build a successful practice?
I have tried to be sensitive to the needs of my clients, and their children, understanding that there is nothing more important to the clients than their children. I am always honest with my clients as to their positions and what might be reasonable approaches to those positions. While I am honest with my clients in terms of the advice I offer, I am also their strong advocate in presenting their positions to an opposing party or attorney and, if necessary, to a court. I take a very "hands­on" approach to the matters with which I am entrusted. I feel it is my obligation to know my client, and my clients’ circumstances and positions; not relying on staff to do that for me. Finally in this regard, I continue to educate myself in my area of the law so as to be able to fully advise may clients and present their positions as that becomes necessary.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
A client should be able to connect with a lawyer, recognizing that a good lawyer will advise the client honestly and not simply tell the client what he or she wants to hear. A client should be able to trust his or her lawyer to be well versed in the law, and to acquaint him or herself in the client’s situation so as to be able to apply relevant law to that situation. A client should look to his or her lawyer to keep the client advised as to what is occurring in his or her case, and to understand that, ultimately, it is the client’s case and it is up to him or her how the case is resolved. Finally, a client should be billed reasonably for the lawyer’s services, and be presented with alternatives which will best utilize the available resources.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
It is helpful to have knowledge of the judges or magistrates who may hear a particular case, and the court clerks who generally have considerable responsibility for seeing that a case moves through the process in an efficient manner. Having said that, it is important to deal with any judge, magistrate, or clerk in an appropriate and respectful manner. That is generally reciprocated so that the client benefits in receiving a fair hearing of his or her position.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I began my career with the Office of the District Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial District (Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln Counties). In that position, I worked primarily in support establishment and enforcement, giving me considerable experience in establishing and collecting child support and maintenance (alimony). As expressed above, I take a very "hands­on" approach to my cases. In that way, I am well versed in the client’s circumstances, and that of his or her children, and am able to understand what resolution might be in the client’s and children’s best interests. I believe the rates which I charge for my services are very reasonable for one with my level of experience and, I believe, knowledge.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
I appreciate the opportunity to help clients deal with which is often the most difficult and stressful time in their lives. I take satisfaction in explaining the relevant law and processes in a way that my clients understand. I take great satisfaction in seeing a matter concluded in the best interests of my clients and their children. To see a matter concluded in such a fashion, either through a negotiated settlement, or, if necessary, through litigation, is very rewarding, and I very grateful when my client’s express their gratitude for my work.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
I enjoy all kinds of music. I enjoy movies and attending the theater. Living in Colorado, I enjoy very much hiking and spending time in the outdoors. I take a great deal of interest in the wildlife and the tremendous environment which we have in Colorado.

• Arapahoe County, Colorado (Member, Family Law Section) and American (Member, Sections on: Litigation; Family Law) Bar Associations
  
  Interdisciplinary Committee on Child Custody; National Association of Family Support Enforcement Attorneys (Member, Board of Directors, 1990—)

• B.S., High Honors | South Dakota State University

• Author: "The Nuts and Bolts of Collecting Support," 19 Colorado Lawyer 1595, 1990; "The Colorado Uniform Interstate Family Support Act," Colorado Lawyer, November 1994.

 In addition to the above hours, I am available to meet with clients at other times as may be available to them.

James C Schumacher has been a Premium Member since April 14, 2016.
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