GEM Family Law

Attorney Erika A. Gebhardt

Erika Alese Gebhardt is an attorney licensed in Colorado, who offers clients efficient and effective representation and tailors her services to the unique needs of each individual client. Erika’s practice focuses exclusively on family law, where she both litigates and serves as a child-expert. Erika provides services to all counties in the Denver Metro area, as well as some of the front range and mountain regions. Erika’s clients have the added benefit of her litigation experience in the areas of employment law and complex commercial litigation. Her previous experience in these areas provides her with a unique perspective and skill set, which enable her to successfully navigate more complicated issues that may arise in cases involving business interests and trusts.

Erika has a wide breadth of experience in family law matters, to include unique parenting time issues, non-traditional families, and high net worth families and individuals. Erika has extensive training and experience with LGBTQ+ issues, domestic violence, and children with sensory issues/autism. Erika works closely with her clients to ensure that their case is handled and resolved in a manner that enables them to transition smoothly beyond the legal system. Erika also works with the firm’s post-decree Estate Planning department, to ensure that the assets clients receive in their dissolution of marriage are protected, even posthumously.

Given her passion for child advocacy, Erika has extensive experience working as a Child and Family Investigator, Parenting Coordinator and Decision Maker, Child Legal Representative, Special Master, and is one of the leading child experts in the state of Colorado. Erika strives to minimize the conflict in any case in which she is involved, given the significant harm being placed in the middle of parental conflict causes to children.

Whether she is working as a mediator, third party neutral expert, collaborating with other professionals, or advocating for her clients in court, Erika’s strength is her tireless dedication to making sure that each client is heard and their needs and goals considered in the pursuit of the best possible results. It is Erika’s philosophy that resolving family law cases outside of the courtroom offers families the best opportunity to move forward positively; however, she is the vigorous advocate clients need and trust when litigation becomes necessary.

Erika graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where, due to her academic achievement, she was awarded membership to the Order of St. Ives. Prior to becoming an attorney, Erika began her legal career as a judicial intern for the honorable Judge Nancy Hopf in a courtroom dedicated to a domestic and civil docket. She also interned for Denver District Court Judge Robert McGahey, Jr., of the Second Judicial District, where she was able to gain valuable experience in motions practice and courtroom procedure.

Education:

• University of Denver Sturm College of Law, J.D.
• Colorado College, B.A., International Political Economy
• Accredited Child and Family Investigator
• Trained and Certified Parental Coordinator/Decision Maker
• Certified Collaborative Attorney

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Denver Business Journal 40 under 40 Honoree, 2022
  The Best Lawyers In America© 2020, 2021, 2022 Family Law and Family Law Arbitration
• Colorado Super Lawyer® “Rising Star”, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
• Order of St. Ives
• Colorado Children First, Associate Board of Directors
  Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem for the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center
• Volunteer Attorney with ALIGHT | Alliance to Lead Impact in Global Human Trafficking
• Domestic Relations Best Practices Committee, Arapahoe County
• Colorado Bar Association, Family Law Section (Diversity and Inclusivity Committee)
• Arapahoe County Bar Association

Attorney Ashely G. Emerson

Ashley advocates for outcomes that enable families to make the smoothest possible transition during an otherwise stressful time of life.  She is committed to seeking peaceful resolutions while also zealously advocating for her clients. Whether clients are going through a divorce, custody dispute, financial disputes, or any other family law matter, it is Ashley’s goal that her clients feel as though their issue has been resolved with dignity.

While not all cases can be resolved outside of the courtroom, Ashley is an advocate for alternative methods of resolving disputes, when possible.  Ashley feels that alternatives to litigation, including mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law, provide great options for clients who desire a less adversarial and more timely resolution of their dispute.

However, when circumstances necessitate traditional litigation, Ashley is the strong and dedicated advocate that her clients need and excels in the courtroom.

Ashley’s practice is focused exclusively on Family Law.  Having practiced for a number of years at one of Denver’s preeminent family law firms, her experience has enabled her to successfully resolve and litigate a wide variety of family law cases.

Ashley has substantial experience representing Fathers, Mothers, grandparents, stepparents, psychological parents, members of traditional families, and members of nontraditional families in divorces, child custody matters, dependency and neglect cases, post decree and modification  or emergency cases.

It is Ashley’s firm belief and experience that Colorado law is and should be interpreted as gender-neutral and that Colorado’s laws regarding individual and family finances and  parenting arrangements allow the court to consider the circumstances of each family and make decisions that reflect each person’s, family’s and child’s unique needs and interests.

Ashley’s experience with family finances ranges from cases involving complex financial matters, including business interests, defined benefit plans, premarital agreements, trusts and high net-worth estates and individuals, to less convoluted issues, such as child support, the division of modest marital estates, and modification or enforcement of financial court orders.

With respect to parenting time matters, Ashley’s experience ranges from complicated cases, such as those involving non-traditional families, domestic violence, infant parenting plans, grandparent visitation and high conflict parents, to those involving families who simply need to memorialize an agreed upon parenting schedule.  Due to her work with a number of child-focused non-profits, she has a deep understanding and appreciation for the impact that divorce and custody disputes can have on every member of your family.

Ashley enjoys working with a variety of clients and tailors her services to the needs of each individual.

Education:

• University of Missouri, BA
• University of Missouri, Kansas City, J.D., certificate in Family Law

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals, Board Member
• Colorado Bar Association
• Denver Bar Association
• Family Law Section of Colorado Bar Association
• Colorado Women’s Bar Association
• Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee
• Martindale Hubbel – AV Preeminent Rating 2018
• AVVO – 10.0 Rating, Top Attorney
• AVVO – Top Contributor 2017

Attorney Meagan K. Moodie

Meagan K. Moodie is a prominent family law attorney and founding partner of Gebhardt Emerson Moodie Bonanno, LLC (“GEM Family Law”). She is licensed in Colorado, offering her clients practical and effective representation during complicated legal matters. Meagan focuses her practice on family law as an Attorney, Mediator, Child & Family Investigator, and Parental Coordinator/Decision Maker. 

Meagan handles a wide range of family law cases, from divorces and post decree modifications, to protection orders and collaborative divorces. She specializes in difficult cases such as those involving domestic violence, addiction, mental health, and relocation out of state. As a partner attorney with Project Safeguard, Meagan is particularly well versed in obtaining and defending Civil Protection Orders. Meagan deliberately takes on these challenging matters in hopes of helping parties come to a resolution that would otherwise be unlikely. 

Meagan brings a practical and personal understanding to her family practice. She’s had extensive training to become a certified Child & Family Investigator, a certified Mediator, and a Parental Coordinator/Decision Maker. Meagan has also had significant training in the issues surrounding domestic violence, child abuse, and trauma survivors.  Meagan’s previous work experiences include the family division of Colorado Legal Services, in the family division of the Saint Louis University Legal Clinic, as a clerk in the Denver District Court, and at her solo law practice, The Moodie Law Firm. She has successfully tried dozens of cases in many Colorado courtrooms. 

Meagan is a Colorado native who was born and raised in Denver. She graduated from Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, Colorado and completed her undergraduate studies at Regis University in Denver. In 2012, Meagan graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law, passed the Colorado Bar, and soon moved back to her hometown.  She now lives in Denver with her husband, their son, and their rescued German Shorthaired Pointers (Bentley & Bailee). Meagan spends her free time camping, hiking, gardening, traveling, cooking, and cheering for the Colorado Avalanche & Denver Broncos!

Meagan is on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, and belongs to the Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, the Colorado Women’s Owned Law Firm (WOLF) organization, the Family Law Section of the CBA, the Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals, the Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee, the Junior League of Denver, and the board of Family Tree, Inc. She is a partner attorney with Project Safeguard, a Metro Volunteer Lawyer, a volunteer for LAWLINE 9 and “Legal Night” and is involved with the modern law practice initiative of the Colorado Bar Association. She is committed to helping both her clients and the community through her involvement in many Denver Metro organizations.

Education:

• J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law, 2012
• B.A., Regis University, 2008 

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Best Lawyers in America® – Ones to Watch, 2021 
• Colorado Super Lawyer® “Rising Star”, 2018 – 2022
• U.S. News and World Report’s Best Lawyers in America – Tier 1 Best Law Firm in the field of Family Law, Tier 1 Best Law Firm in the field of Family Law, U.S. News and World Report’s Best Lawyers in America
• Top 100 Women Owned Businesses In Colorado, Top 100 Women Owned Businesses In Colorado, Colorado Biz Magazine 
• 10.0 AVVO rating
• Colorado Women’s Bar Association, Board of Directors, Co-Chair on the Public Policy Committee
• Project Safeguard, Partner Attorney
• Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals, Member
• Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee 
• Colorado Bar Association, Modern Law Practice Initiative 
• Denver Bar Association
• Colorado Judicial Institute
• Junior League of Denver
• Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center, Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem

Attorney Elizabeth A. Bonanno

Elizabeth practices exclusively in family law, having served hundreds of clients during her tenure with their divorces, parenting, and child support cases. Elizabeth’s family law practice has focused on asset and business valuation, income valuation, complex divorce, parental responsibilities, child relocation, and child support matters, among others.

Elizabeth speaks both Spanish and Italian and uses these skills to assist non-native speakers in navigating through domestic matters.

Elizabeth’s outstanding legal work and professionalism has been recognized by her selection for inclusion in The Best Lawyers In America© 2021 and 2022 for her practice in the areas of Family Law and Family Law Arbitration, her selection as a Colorado Super Lawyer® “Rising Star” from 2017-2021, by the judicial officers of Arapahoe County, who invited her to serve on their Best Practices Committee, and by Law Week Colorado, who named her as one of only seven “Up and Coming Lawyers” for 2015.

Elizabeth graduated from the University of Colorado Law School with Honors in Juvenile and Family Law. Elizabeth was a partner at a prior Denver Metro Area family law firm before joining the GEM family team on August 1, 2019. She received additional family law experience as a law clerk to Judge Norman D. Haglund on the domestic docket in Denver District Court.

Elizabeth is a top litigator, displaying confidence, poise and an ability to pivot and think on her feet in the courtroom. However, she is also a firm believer in mediation and alternative dispute resolution, assisting clients in settling matters before they reach the courthouse. Elizabeth is trained in Collaborative Law, whereby parties commit to resolving their dissolution of marriage cooperatively and without the court’s involvement.

Education:

• University of Colorado Law School, J.D.
• Truman State University, B.A., Political Science and Spanish (magna cum laude)

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• The Best Lawyers In America© 2021 and 2022, Family Law and Family Law Arbitration
• Colorado Super Lawyer® “Rising Star”, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
• “Up & Coming Lawyers” by Law Week Colorado, 2015
• Colorado Bar Association’s Gary McPherson Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year finalist, 2016
• Honors in Juvenile and Family Law, University of Colorado Law School, 2012
• 10.0 AVVO rating
• Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee, President
• Arapahoe County Domestic Relations Best Practices Committee
• Denver Source for Collaborative Divorce Practice Group
• Colorado Bar Association
  • Family Law Section
• Colorado Women’s Bar Association
  • Circle of Minerva
• Denver Bar Association
• Colorado Judicial Institute
• Doyle’s American Inn of Court

Attorney Heather M. Landauer

Heather Landauer is Of Counsel with GEM Family Law. Heather is an experienced attorney, having practiced almost exclusively in family law since her admission to the Colorado State Bar in 2013.

Heather is creative and insightful, assisting her clients to identify their goals such that she begins working with them on a strategy to achieve their desired outcome at the outset of her representation of them.  Heather encourages her clients to keep the “big picture” in mind, and to reduce the impact of emotions during their family law proceedings, in order to help them maintain focus and direction.  She is compassionate, as she understands family law matters can be fraught with anger, frustration, and fear.  Heather is patient with her clients while directing them to take action that will help them make the best decisions for their case and achieve their best results.
Heather is an experienced litigator who has tried hundreds of cases and is skilled in bringing matters before the Judge. However, she also recognizes the benefits of settlement, which is, quite often, the better option. The facts of each case, as well as the client’s goals, will determine which route to take.  Heather provides her family law clients with strategic advice every step of the way.
 
Heather is also a Child and Family Investigator.  Her extensive experience with families in Colorado, as well as her specialized training as a CFI, enables her to provide thorough, creative, and child-focused advice to her clients.  Additionally, her experience as a litigator gives her a unique perspective when she serves as a child expert and neutral in family law matters. 

Heather’s skills have been recognized by Avvo, where Heather has received a 10/10 rating based on her experience, involvement in the family law community, and peer reviews.  Heather has authored numerous publications, to include publications on lawyer ethics.  Heather supports the community through pro bono services with Metro Volunteer Lawyer’s Family Law Unbundled Program, providing legal advice with LawLine 9, and promotes animal adoption through her foster work with 4 Paws 4 Life. 

Heather received her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and, during law school, was a judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Jack Berryhill in the 1st Judicial District.  Heather additionally demonstrated her commitment to children’s issues as a certified student attorney through the University of Denver Child Advocacy Practicum and the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center. Also during law school, Heather interned with Metro Volunteer Lawyers, assisting clients in the Family Law Court Program, where she first developed her commitment to family law.

Education:

• University of Colorado at Boulder, BA, History, Certification in Peace and Conflict Studies
• University of Denver Sturm College of Law, JD 

Attorney Brittaney McGinnis

Brittaney is a Senior Associate at GEM Family Law, having focused exclusively on the practice of family law since she began her legal career. Brittaney is a skilled litigator and a fierce advocate for her clients, placing their needs and wishes at the forefront of her practice. Brittaney is experienced in all areas of family law, to include divorce, child custody, child support, protection orders, emergency restriction hearings, modification actions, and jurisdictional issues, among others.

In addition to litigation, Brittaney successfully resolves many cases outside of the courtroom, using creative solutions to address her clients’ goals via agreement. She firmly believes that mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution are essential tools to be utilized in family law matters such that clients maintain some control over the outcome of their case and reach a less stressful resolution.

Prior to joining GEM Family Law, Brittaney gained extensive litigation and settlement skills for five years as an associate attorney in the family law department at one of Boulder’s preeminent law firms. Prior to that time, Brittaney was a Staff Attorney for the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, where she served victims throughout the State of Wyoming. Through this employment, Brittaney received in-depth training and legal acumen on domestic abuse and its effects on domestic relations cases.

Brittaney attended law school at the University of Wyoming, where she worked in the Family and Child Legal Clinic, receiving invaluable experience providing legal representation to individuals facing challenges in domestic relations court. She also has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from West Texas A&M University, which provides her unique insight into the complex financial issues associated with dissolution of marriage actions. Brittaney is a rarity in the family law field, as she is one of the few who purposefully crafted her legal education around domestic relations law. Her strong foundation enables her to successfully represent clients in a wide variety of family law cases, tailoring each of her cases to meet the specific needs of her clients.

Bar Admissions:

• State of Colorado
• State of Wyoming
• State of Texas

Education:

• University of Wyoming College of Law, JD
• West Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Business
• Administration, Economics

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Colorado Bar Association
• Colorado Women’s Bar Association
• Boulder County Bar Association
• Wyoming Bar Association

Attorney Megan E. Courtney

Megan is an experienced attorney, having practiced law since 2010. She is passionate about protecting the rights of family law clients across Colorado and has years of invaluable experience in bankruptcy, financial planning, small business law, and family law. Megan’s unique background sets her apart from the vast majority of legal professionals working in the field of family law. 

Megan believes that focusing on the unique goals of each individual client is of the utmost importance, and consistently strives to ensure that clients view the attorney-client relationship as a positive, empowering experience, rather than a stressful and necessary evil.

Megan has also experienced divorce from the perspective of the child. Having personal experience with living through divorce, Megan approaches her cases, especially those involving children, with compassion and with the understanding that a child’s physical and mental health is a priority.

Megan’s previous work in the financial services industry has prepared her to address the intricate way finances play a role in family law cases. Her experience enables her to anticipate the needs and concerns of clients facing the considerable financial implications related to their dissolution of marriage and the division of the marital estate.

Whether your case entails intricate property considerations or complex parenting-time related issues, Megan prioritizes personalized service, focusing her efforts to be as efficient and creative to ensure that clients feel protected and understood.    

Attorney Hannah Taylor

Hannah is an experienced litigator, coming to GEM Family Law after years with the Adams County District Attorney’s Office, where she tried a variety of complex criminal cases before judges and juries. Hannah now focuses on family law, though she also assists the Firm’s domestic relations clients should they have criminal law needs, to include assistance with protection orders, victim’s advocacy work, and other select criminal defense issues.

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Hannah received her Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of New Mexico, where she was a Presidential Scholar. She went on to attend law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she received a concentration in Advocacy and was the Outstanding Student Leadership Award recipient.  

Hannah’s outstanding litigation skills were recognized by her selection for and participation in DU Law’s award-winning Trial Team. Hannah additionally excels in research and writing, having been published by the Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy and presenting at the Duke University School of Law Symposium.

Hannah’s prior experience includes serving as a Law Clerk to Judge Ross Buchanan in Denver District Court, where she assisted the Judge in preparing orders and gained invaluable insight into how attorneys and parties should present themselves before the court. Hannah additionally worked at Colorado Legal Services, providing legal assistance to low-income individuals on family law matters. It is there that Hannah fostered a passion for assisting those going through difficult family transitions. 

While remaining a zealous trial attorney, Hannah also strives to find new and creative ways to solve difficult family problems through settlement. She listens to her clients to understand their goals and prioritizes the process that best suits their needs.

Education:

• University of Denver Sturm College of Law, J.D.
• University of New Mexico, B.A. Political Science

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Colorado Bar Association
  • Family Law Section
  • Young Lawyers Division
• Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee
• Outstanding Student Leadership Award, Denver Sturm College of Law
• Selection to Denver Sturm College of Law Trial Team
• Presidential Scholar, University of New Mexico

Attorney Maddie Mcclain

Maddie is an Associate Attorney at GEM, practicing in all areas of family law. She attended The George Washington University Law School in Washington D.C., where she graduated with Honors and a concentration in Family Law and Estate Planning. 

Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, Maddie received her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Oklahoma State University, where she also graduated with Honors. This background assists her in understanding the often-complex mental health issues involved in family law matters. 

During law school, Maddie also studied the effects of parental alienation on custody determinations as an intern with the National Family Violence Law Center. She went on to represent clients in domestic relations disputes as a student attorney in the Family Justice Litigation Clinic in the Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics. Maddie additionally served as a criminal law clerk and as a resource worker in a domestic violence shelter. These positions have provided her important insight into comprehending client goals, creating tailored solutions, and ensuring that each client feels secure and dignified in resolving their family law matter. Maddie is able to approach clients from a trauma-informed perspective and help them maintain focus on life after their family law dispute is resolved. 

Maddie served as a law clerk with GEM for over a year before beginning work as an Associate Attorney, during which time she assisted on a variety of matters, to include Child and Family Investigations, divorce, child custody, and appellate matters. Maddie looks forward to continuing to craft client-centered and creative solutions to difficult family law issues.

In her personal time, Maddie enjoys hiking, rockhounding, dancing, and volunteering at animal shelters. Maddie and her wife love to cheer on the WNBA, watch reality television, and spoil their two disabled rescue cats, Lily and Vixen.

Bar Admissions:

• State of Colorado

Education:

• The George Washington University Law School, J.D. 
• Oklahoma State University, B.A. Psychology (magna cum laude)

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Colorado Bar Association 
  
  • Family Law Section 
  • Young Lawyers Division 
• Colorado LGBT Bar Association 
• Colorado Women’s Bar Association 
• If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice 
• Jefferson County Public Libraries, Volunteer

Attorney Lindsey Hanselman

Lindsey is an Associate Attorney at GEM, practicing in all areas of family law. She graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she was an award-winning member of the National Trial Team. Lindsey won two National Competitions and was named Best Overall Advocate and Best Closing Argument. Lindsey brings these outstanding courtroom skills to her work at the Firm, where she combines her legal abilities with her passion for assisting families.

Lindsey’s commitment to families going through difficult transitions started at a young age, when her parents began fostering numerous children and ultimately adopted two children. Through this unique experience, Lindsey obtained an intimate understanding of the dependency and neglect system and the impacts of domestic violence and substance use on children. Lindsey is committed to, not only protecting children, but also to crafting creative solutions to heal families. 

Lindsey’s Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, socio-legal studies, and philosophy from the University of Denver additionally provides her important insight into the mental health issues often involved in family law matters, as well as how to work with clients compassionately to obtain their goals.   

During law school, Lindsey was a judicial clerk for the Honorable Judge Vahle and the Honorable Judge Leutwyler in the 18th Judicial District. These positions gave her valuable insight into how judges think and decide cases. Lindsey also honed her research and writing skills while working in appeals for both the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Colorado Attorney General. She graduated with a Certificate in Constitutional Rights and Remedies.

Lindsey is a Colorado native, born and raised in Colorado Springs, and enjoys serving her community. She began her legal clerkship at GEM in 2021 and has worked with the Firm since that time. During her clerkship, Lindsey assisted on numerous Child and Family Investigator matters, which provided her with the important perspective as to how the neutral third-party investigator views parenting disputes. Lindsey brings this experience to her clients to assist them in navigating through this difficult and often stressful process.

Bar Admissions:

• State of Colorado