🔑 Key Takeaways
- Colorado courts require mediation, but traditional models often fall short due to lack of preparation and incentives that favor litigation.
- Krista Nash offers a unique, full-service divorce mediation model through Children First Family Law that focuses on collaboration and peaceful resolution.
- This process helps clients save money, reduce stress, and avoid emotionally damaging litigation—especially beneficial for families with children.
- The approach emphasizes preparation, transparency, and co-parenting skills, supported by Krista’s extensive experience in family law and child advocacy.
- Suitable for couples across Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Greeley, Pueblo and anywhere in Colorado who are seeking a less adversarial, more empowering legal process.
Introduction
Divorce is hard enough. Add attorneys, courtrooms, and mounting legal fees—and it can quickly become overwhelming, especially for parents trying to protect their children. That’s why Krista Nash, a family law attorney, mediator, and parenting coordinator at Children First Family Law, is leading a shift in how couples approach divorce. Based in Colorado and serving cities including Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Greeley, Pueblo, and anywhere in Colorado, Krista is pioneering a more compassionate and cost-effective alternative: Full-Service Divorce Mediation in Colorado.
In this episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista shares her deep frustrations with the limitations of traditional mediation—and explains how her full-service, amicable approach offers a better path forward for families. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Traditional Mediation in Colorado Falls Short
In Colorado, mediation—or what’s legally referred to as alternative dispute resolution (ADR)—is required before a family case can head to a permanent orders hearing. This is meant to encourage out-of-court settlements, but in practice, traditional mediation can often be disappointing.
Krista points out that many mediators come into these sessions almost blind, with very little preparation or context.
“There’s a bunch of different mediators out there who are willing to basically take your case and they come into it knowing very little about it… and the session is usually just a few hours long.”
Mediators often rely on confidential settlement statements that are supposed to outline each party’s goals, but attorneys and clients frequently fail to prepare them adequately—or at all. This leads to rushed sessions with unrealistic expectations and very little hope for resolution.
The Hidden Incentives in the Legal System
Even more troubling is the financial incentive for some attorneys to prolong conflict.
“Financially, going to mediation is a good day for them… and they make even more if they go to court and litigate a case.”
While not all attorneys operate this way, Krista shares that too many focus on checking the box rather than genuinely helping families settle. The result? Skyrocketing costs and prolonged stress.
Introducing a Better Way: Amicable, Uncontested Divorce Solutions
Faced with these limitations, Krista created something new: a full-service mediation model designed to guide families through divorce without escalating conflict or cost.
“I’ve created a new product I call amicable, uncontested family law solutions… essentially bringing to bear all of my and my team’s mediation, family law, financial, and child advocacy experience.”
This model is ideal for couples who:
- Want to work together peacefully.
- Prioritize the well-being of their children.
- Need help navigating the legal and financial aspects of divorce.
- Want to save money, reduce stress, and avoid being labeled ‘opposing parties.’
What Does Full-Service Divorce Mediation Look Like?
1. No Formal Representation, But Total Legal Support
While Krista and her team are attorneys, they don’t formally “represent” either party in court. Instead, they act as neutral guides, bringing clarity and legal insight to both sides.
“We bring our legal knowledge to your situation to help both of you together understand the dynamics of what you can expect in the case…”
This means no posturing, no expensive litigation strategy—just smart, shared decision-making.
2. Access to a Full Support Team
Depending on the needs of the case, Krista can bring in:
- Appraisers for real estate
- Financial experts for income or asset disputes
- Child therapists or co-parenting coaches
- In-home family services if necessary
Everything is done in a collaborative and cost-conscious way, without unnecessarily escalating the process.
Empowering Parents to Co-Parent Better
Krista’s approach is deeply rooted in her work as a child advocate. She has seen firsthand how conflict harms children long after the paperwork is filed.
“There’s a way to do this where you never have to say that your co-parent… is your ‘opposing party.’ That is just a really broken way to look at it.”
In her full-service mediation, Krista coaches couples on effective communication, helps them build parenting plans together, and supports them in laying the foundation for future co-parenting success.
When This Approach Works—And When It Doesn’t
This model isn’t for everyone.
“Some of you are in such a toxic place or so distrusting of your co-parent that this is not ever going to get off the ground.”
That’s why Krista begins with a joint consultation, and she’s honest if the dynamics won’t support an amicable process. But for many, this offering is exactly what they need.
Even individuals without children can benefit:
“Even though my firm is Children First Family Law, I’m all for everybody flourishing in this broken area.”
A Smarter Path Forward for Colorado Families
Many families Krista sees are on the verge of becoming high-conflict cases, but they don’t have to be.
She compares her role to that of a doctor spotting early signs of cancer: if addressed early, the prognosis is good. If ignored, the results can be devastating—particularly for kids.
“I want to help people learn to be good co-parents… My whole goal is to bring solutions earlier to avoid the need for child legal representatives in the future.”
The Collaborative Law Comparison: Why Krista Chooses Full-Service Mediation Instead
Krista is trained in Collaborative Law, which involves both parties hiring separate attorneys and sometimes child or financial experts.
While it can be effective, it’s also expensive and less unified.
“I prefer to be in the seat where I can help both people… and have direct problem-solving with both.”
Her full-service model delivers the structure families need, with lower costs and better outcomes for co-parenting.
Tips for Making Traditional Mediation More Effective (If You Must Go That Route)
If you’re required to attend court-ordered mediation in Colorado, Krista offers several key tips:
- Update financial statements: Don’t rely on outdated data.
- Prepare a confidential settlement statement: Share your goals, priorities, and concerns.
- Be honest with the mediator: Let them know what you’re willing to compromise on.
- Coordinate timing with major life changes: Don’t blindside your co-parent during mediation with announcements like moving out of state.
“Having preparation and giving the mediator useful tools is essential to reaching a good outcome.”
A Final Word from Krista Nash
Krista is on a mission to change how family law is practiced in Colorado and beyond.
“I hope this will spread in a way that is effective for more families—nationally and internationally.”
Her message is simple but powerful: divorce doesn’t have to mean war. With the right help, families can move forward with dignity, clarity, and peace.
📞 Call to Action
If you’re considering divorce and want a peaceful, cost-effective approach that truly puts your children first, Krista Nash at Children First Family Law is here to help.
Whether you’re in Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Greeley, or Pueblo, you deserve guidance that empowers—not escalates.
📆 Schedule your joint consultation today:
👉 childrenfirstfamilylaw.com/contact
📞 Or call: (720) 252-9638
Let Krista help you save money, reduce stress, and prioritize your family’s emotional health during divorce—with full-service divorce mediation in Colorado.