Special Master Services
in Colorado

Former Magistrate Providing Expert Court-Appointed Case Management for Complex Family Law and Probate Matters

Judicial Experience You Can Trust. As a former Colorado magistrate, I bring unique courtroom insight and case management expertise to every Special Master appointment. My judicial background ensures efficient oversight that meets court expectations while advancing your case toward resolution.

What Is a Special Master in Colorado?

A Special Master is a court-appointed neutral professional who provides ongoing oversight and case management for complex family law and probate matters that require continuous supervision beyond traditional court scheduling. When cases become too contentious, time-consuming, or complex for regular court management, Colorado judges appoint Special Masters to ensure compliance with court orders and efficient case progression.

Unlike traditional court appearances that are limited by scheduling constraints, Special Master services provide the continuous oversight necessary to keep complex cases moving forward while maintaining fairness and compliance with Colorado legal requirements.

When Colorado Courts Appoint Special Masters

Colorado courts appoint Special Masters under Rule 53 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure when cases require specialized supervision that traditional court management cannot accommodate. Common situations include:

  • High-conflict custody disputes requiring continuous intervention

  • Complex asset valuations in divorce or estate cases

  • Repeated violations of court orders that require structured enforcement

  • Post-decree modifications that need regular adjustment

  • Complex estate administration with ongoing beneficiary conflicts

  • Implementation of detailed parenting plans requiring specialized supervision

  • Property transfers in contentious family law cases

Types of Special Master Cases

Family Law

Managing high-conflict custody cases, implementing detailed parenting plans, overseeing property transfers, and addressing post-decree modification issues.

When families face repeated violations of parenting time orders or ongoing disputes about decision-making authority, the Special Master focuses on reducing court burden while protecting children's interests.

PROBATE

Overseeing complex estate administrations, facilitating compliance with probate court orders, and managing disputes between beneficiaries or personal representatives.

For estates involving ongoing conflicts over asset distribution, allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, or complex trust administration issues, Bradley Law provides the continuous supervision traditional court scheduling cannot accommodate.

How Special Master Appointments Work in Colorado

The appointment process typically begins with a motion from one of the parties or a recommendation from the court when cases become too complex or contentious for regular scheduling to handle effectively. Family court judges, probate court judges, and district court judges throughout Colorado all have the authority to appoint Special Masters when they determine that ongoing supervision or specialized case management is necessary.

Once appointed, I work closely with all attorneys and parties involved to develop case-specific management protocols, establish clear communication procedures, and create reporting mechanisms that keep courts informed while advancing case resolution.

The Special Master Process

Professional Special Master services begin with comprehensive case review and consultation with all attorneys and parties involved. The process includes:

  • Initial case assessment and stakeholder consultation

  • Development of case-specific management protocols tailored to your situation

  • Establishment of communication procedures between all parties

  • Regular status conferences to track progress and address issues

  • Detailed written reports to the appointing court

  • Recommendations for court consideration when needed

  • Ongoing supervision and case management until resolution

Why Choose Bradley Law for your Special Master

My extensive background as a Colorado magistrate provides unique qualifications for Special Master work that set me apart from other providers:

  • Judicial experience managing complex family law and probate cases

  • Understanding of court expectations and procedural requirements

  • Comprehensive knowledge of Colorado family law and probate procedures

  • Experience with high-conflict cases requiring sensitive management

  • Proven track record in case management and dispute resolution

This judicial experience, combined with my specialized knowledge of Colorado legal procedures, ensures effective Special Master services that meet court expectations while advancing case resolution goals.

Special Master Services Throughout Colorado

Based in Englewood and serving Littleton, Castle Rock, Parker, Centennial, Aurora, and other Denver metro communities, I understand Colorado's legal system from the judicial perspective. Having managed similar cases as a magistrate, I provide effective oversight and case management for families and estates across Colorado.

Whether your case is pending in Denver County, Jefferson County, Adams County, Arapahoe County, Boulder County, El Paso County, or any other Colorado jurisdiction, Bradley Law's Special Master services are designed to work within your local court's procedures and requirements.

Related Alternative Dispute Resolution Services

In addition to Special Master services, I also provide:

Sometimes mediation or other ADR services may be more appropriate for your case. I can help determine which approach best serves your needs.

Mediation icon representing dispute resolution services at Bradley Law Colorado

Where cooperative resolution is possible.

Learn more about Mediation

Guardian ad Litem icon representing child advocacy services at Bradley Law Colorado

For child custody and welfare matters

Learn more about GAL services

Arbitration symbol representing fair and neutral dispute resolution at Bradley Law Colorado

For binding dispute resolution

Learn more about Arbitration

Sometimes mediation or other ADR services may be more appropriate for your case. I can help determine which approach best serves your needs.

Investment in Professional Special Master Services

Special Master services are provided on a private pay basis with transparent fee structures established by Bradley Law. Detailed time records and comprehensive billing ensure accountability to both the court and the parties involved. Fee arrangements are discussed during the initial consultation and tailored to case complexity and scope of Special Master duties required. Current fees can be found in the Fee Schedule.

The investment in Special Master services often saves money overall by preventing lengthy court proceedings, reducing attorney fees, and ensuring efficient case resolution through continuous supervision rather than repeated court appearances.

Ready to Discuss Your Special Master Needs?

Dealing with complex family law or probate litigation requiring ongoing court oversight? Contact Bradley Law today or schedule a free consultation to discuss how Special Master services can help manage your case, resolve ongoing disputes, and move your matter toward efficient resolution.

Special Master FAQs

What is a Special Master in Colorado?

A Special Master is a court-appointed neutral who helps manage complex litigation, particularly in family or probate cases, by overseeing compliance and resolving disputes outside regular court hearings.

When does a court appoint a Special Master?

Courts appoint Special Masters when cases involve repeated violations of court orders, complex asset divisions, or high-conflict situations that require ongoing oversight.

What types of cases benefit from a Special Master?

Special Masters are often used in custody disputes, estate administration conflicts, compliance monitoring, and post-decree litigation involving enforcement issues.

Can a Special Master make binding decisions?

Special Masters typically make recommendations, but their authority depends on the terms of the appointment order. Some decisions may require court confirmation.

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This website does not provide legal advice and is for informational purposes only. Using this site or commumicating with Bradley Law through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Bradley Law (Amanda J. Bradley, Attorney at Law PLLC) is a separate, independent Colorado mediation and legal services practice and is not affiliated with the legal firm referred to as Bradley (Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP).

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