Arapahoe County Special Masters Program

April, 2003

Members,

CBA Family Law Section

Dear Fellow Members of the Bar:

As we are all aware, financial cutbacks to the state judiciary have severely hampered the delivery of the services in the 18th Judicial District.

The Arapahoe County Bar Association, in conjunction with our District Court, have developed a program whereby Special Masters will be appointed by the court from a voluntary panel to hear and decide domestic related cases that fit within the provisions of the C.R.S. § 13-1-131.

We are asking for lawyer volunteers with fifty percent or more of their practice in domestic relations. and ten years of practice.  We are asking that each volunteer take four cases a year.  Two cases will be at the attorney’s regular hourly rate, and two will be pro bono cases.

The Trial Judge will directly appoint the pro bono cases.  All other cases will be recommended by the court to a particular Special Master or selected from a master list of Special Masters being compiled through Bob Hinds office.

Attached for your review is the special master statute and an application form.  If you are able, we are hopeful that you will volunteer to assist and perform this valuable service.

All Special Master hearings will be on the record.  A courtroom with electronic recording equipment will be made available. Proceedings may take place outside the court house but will need to be recorded by a certified court reporter. The original file will be maintained in the courthouse.

If interested, please write Dennis Knight j Bob Hind’s office, 8490 East Crescent Parkway, Suite 395, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, or call 303-224-9000.

Sincerely,

Steve McBride, Co-Chair

Mike DiManna, Co-Chair

Bob Hinds, Co-Chair

Tamra A. Palmer, President

Arapahoe County Bar Association