Robert M. Cooper Esq.

I graduated from the University of Denver, College of Law in 1983. During the first part of my law career, I worked for several small firms as a civil litigator handling a variety of business, real estate matters and lawsuits. I gained an understanding of how businesses operate and experience resolving business related disputes. I also gained courtroom experience working as a prosecutor for the City of Lakewood. In 1988, I started what is now known as Cooper & Tanis, P.C. Over the years, I started limiting my practice. I knew that I preferred working with people with issues and disputes, rather than businesses. Fifteen years ago, I decided to limit my practice solely to divorce and family law related cases. With my business experience, I am able to deal with complex marital estates and enjoy working in cases with complex financial issues. I believe divorces are often controlled by emotions, typically sadness, anger and loss. So that I could help my clients cope with the underlying emotional issues in divorce cases, I returned to school. In 2010, I obtained a Master's degree in Psychology Counseling from Regis University. With this training, I am better able to understand the difficult emotional world the parties and their children are experiencing. When children are involved in divorce cases, I regard them as the most important part of the case. Children's needs are paramount to the parties' needs. It is my goal to reduce conflict between parties and, thereby, reduce harm to the children caused by their parents' disputes. I often tell clients that the legal system is an inefficient, expensive and ineffective way to resolve family disputes. I therefore try to settle every case. When parties settle cases, they understand what they are getting. This lays the groundwork to resolve future issues. However, a small number of cases cannot be resolved out of court. When clients are forced to have a judge resolve their case, I spend a lot of time with them preparing for trial. Although I seek to avoid the courtroom, I enjoy trying cases. When settlement between the parties is not possible, going to court is the way disputes are resolved. As a lawyer, I view myself as a guide to the legal system. Over the years, I have gained experience and maturity to handle almost any family law case. Even after 30 years of being in the same business, I still really enjoy my work and being a lawyer.

• Founder, since 1988
• Attorney

• Colorado, 1983
• U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit
• U.S. District Court