Politics, public policy and solving problems have always been interesting to me. I like debates on important issues in our world. I think that is what led me to study law. The skill of presenting evidence to persuade others to agree with your view is at the core of being a good lawyer. Nearly 30 years of practicing family law has sharpened this skill for me.
I don't mind the intense emotions that often accompany divorce and child custody matters. My firm handles many contested cases each year but we always strive to resolve conflicts outside of court.
I know exactly how to succeed on the money side of family law cases such as valuing businesses, calculating income, ascertaining assets and debts, and figuring out a fair division of property. I partner with CPAs and Psychologists to bring what is needed to each case. Drafting and reviewing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are a big part of my practice as well.
I obtained my Bachelor's degree from UCLA, and completed my law degree at the Hamline University School of Law. I attended specialized training in family law mediation through the well-known Hamline University Mediation Center, and received advanced litigation training through the Family Law Trial Advocacy program at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. I am licensed in both Minnesota and Colorado and serve clients in both states.
Volunteer service in the community is important to me. I donate my time at various free legal clinics, such as the Military Veterans’ legal clinic and Metro Volunteer Lawyers domestic relations clinics.
I was born and raised in Minnesota and have lived in southern and northern California. I have finally settled in the beautiful state of Colorado, with my family, which includes my husband (an Air Force Veteran), our adult son, and our Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. I enjoy hiking, skiing, scuba diving, traveling, and watching our son play hockey.
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law
- J.D. (1994) | Law
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- University of California - Los Angeles
- B.A. (1988) | Geography
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- Attorney/Owner
- Perusse Family Law, PLLC
- - Current
- Representation in divorce, custody, property, maintenance, modifications and pre/postnuptial agreements.
- Partner/owner
- Perusse Nixon, PLLC
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- Family Law practice
- Owner
- Perusse Family Law & Mediation Services, LLC
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- My own practice entirely in the area of divorce, child custody, parenting time, property division, spousal maintenance,prenuptials and postnuptial agreements.
- Associate
- Law Office of Lisa Dugoni
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- Family law firm in San Mateo, California
- Associate
- Law Office of Linda Olup
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- Family law firm representing high net worth clients
- Owner
- Law Office of Cindy M. Perusse
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- Law Clerk
- 3rd Judicial District
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- Minnesota Child Custody: Laws & More
- Custody Xchange
- Stress-Free Divorce, Vol. 4
- Remarkable Press
- Impact Makers Radio Interview-"Let's Talk Divorce"
- Impact Makers Radio-Stewart Alexander
- Evidence Without Experts:Property Issues
- American Bar Association
- Early Neutral Evaluation as a Tool in Family Court
- The Colorado Lawyer
- Lady Life Plan, Lone Tree, CO
- Realty One
- Educational seminar for women on financial tips for those going through divorce or considering getting married.
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- Colorado
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- Minnesota
- Best Divorce Lawyers in Plymouth
- Expertise.com
- Minnesota State Bar Association-family law section # 250491
- - Current
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- Women Owned Law Firms
- - Current
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- Colorado Bar Association-Family Law Section # 43020
- - Current
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- Colorado
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- Minnesota
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- Credit Cards Accepted
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Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
I do not take Pro Bono/free cases except through the Bar Associations. I require an advance fee of $5,000 on all cases. My rate is $400/hr. I also offer unbundled or limited representation for those clients who would like some legal guidance but who wish to manage the case themselves.
- Divorce
- Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
- Family Law
- Child Custody, Child Support, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements
- Arbitration & Mediation
- Family - Arbitration/Mediation
- English: Spoken, Written
- Q. Is visitation forfeited if not started when the orders outline?
- A: If your order doesn't specify that parenting time is forfeited, then you can't make that a rule now. You need to file a motion to modify the rules in your order so you don't have to keep being subjected to Dad's last minute changes.
- Q. Will I be in trouble for not paying attorney fees ordered by judge to other party? Is there a CO family code 2030?
- A: Bottom line is a court order has to be followed. Will you be thrown in jail? No. The other party who was awarded fees would have to be the one to file a motion for contempt if he or she chooses that route. The other way people enforce a judgement for fees is to do what anyone else does to collect a debt and that is by filing paperwork to levy bank accounts and garnish wages. No court involved but it's all a tedious process.
- Q. What are my rights if my husband continuously threatens to kick me out of a his friends trailer that we been in for 7mth
- A: Husband can't kick you out of a place he doesn't own and even if he did own it, he can't make you leave your own residence without a court order.
CINDY PERUSSE - Family Law Attorney, Perusse Family Law & Mediation Services
Expert Interview with Divorce Attorney Cindy Perusse