Divorce at Altitude: A Podcast on Colorado Family Law

Cold Wallets & Hot Secrets: Crypto, Privacy, and Asset Hiding in Divorce| Episode 242

Digital Assets, Cryptocurrency & Privacy in Divorce In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya is joined by Chicago-based family law attorney Jonathan Steele to explore the rapidly evolving world of digital assets, cryptocurrency, and privacy in divorce cases. As technology continues to shape financial and personal lives, this episode breaks down how crypto works in divorce, common misconceptions, and practical strategies for uncovering hidden assets while protecting client privacy. Guest Information Jonathan Steele is a family law attorney based in Chicago with a unique background that combines divorce law with cybersecurity and digital privacy expertise. During the COVID era, he developed a deep focus on digital assets, authentication of evidence, and privacy issues—particularly in high-asset divorce and stalking-related cases. In addition to practicing family law, Jonathan consults on cybersecurity and digital privacy matters, helping attorneys and clients navigate complex issues involving cryptocurrency, digital tracking, and online data. Episode Highlights What counts as a digital asset in divorce Jonathan explains that digital assets go beyond cryptocurrency. They can include domain names, software, online businesses, and other digital property. The biggest misconception about cryptocurrency A key myth is that crypto is completely anonymous. Jonathan clarifies that it is actually “pseudonymous,” meaning transactions are permanently recorded on a blockchain. Understanding exchanges vs. cold storage Ryan and Jonathan break down how crypto is held. Exchanges like Coinbase function similarly to brokerage accounts, while cold storage wallets (offline devices) act more like a private safe. Why subpoenas aren’t always enough Many attorneys default to subpoenaing exchanges, but Jonathan notes that this often misses the bigger picture.  The “on-ramp and off-ramp” strategy Instead of starting with exchanges, Jonathan recommends looking at bank statements. Cold wallets and the seed phrase problem Cold storage wallets require a private “seed phrase” (often 12 words) to access funds. What is Divorce at Altitude?  Ryan Kalamaya [https://kalamaya.law/our-team/ryan-kalamaya/] and Amy Goscha [https://kalamaya.law/our-team/amy-goscha/] provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha [https://kalamaya.law/], that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado.  To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player [http://www.divorceataltitude.com/]. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1L39Y89VGUzYNwTG1vFnhA].  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 [tel:970-429-5784] or email us at info@kalamaya.law [info@kalamaya.law]. ************************************************************************ DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Forensic Accounting in Colorado Divorce: Finding Hidden Income and Assets with Doug Chambers | Episode 241

Forensic Accounting in Divorce: Following the Money with Doug Cash In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Amy Goscha is joined by forensic accountant Doug Cash to discuss how forensic accounting fits into divorce cases, especially when one spouse knows far more about the finances than the other. Doug explains the difference between tracing and following money, how forensic accountants differ from business valuation experts, and why getting a forensic accountant involved early can make a major difference in a divorce case. Guest Information Doug Cash is a forensic accountant with Eide Bailly whose background is unusually rooted in law enforcement and financial investigations. He spent nearly three decades in law enforcement in New Mexico and Arizona, including work as a fraud detective with the City of Mesa, as a special agent for the State of Arizona investigating insurance fraud, and in anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing investigations for JPMorgan Chase. Episode Highlights Why forensic accounting matters in divorce Amy and Doug discuss how many divorce cases involve a major imbalance in financial knowledge. One spouse may have managed the business, accounts, and records, while the other has little idea where the money went or what the actual financial picture looks like. Doug’s unusual path into forensic accounting Doug shares that his professional background began in law enforcement, not accounting. He started as a police officer at 18 later moved into fraud investigations, worked insurance fraud and anti-money laundering cases and eventually transitioned into forensic accounting. The difference between a forensic accountant and a business valuation expert Doug explains that a business valuation expert is usually working from financial statements profit and loss statements, tax returns, and other summarized documents to form an opinion about what a business is worth. Why source documents matter A recurring theme in the episode is that source documents are critical. Doug explains that tax returns and sworn financial statements are only numbers on a page unless someone checks the documents underneath them. How forensic accountants can help shape discovery Doug notes that forensic accountants can be useful before discovery is even served. By helping attorneys identify the right documents and requests early they can make the process more efficient and target What is Divorce at Altitude?  Ryan Kalamaya [https://kalamaya.law/our-team/ryan-kalamaya/] and Amy Goscha [https://kalamaya.law/our-team/amy-goscha/] provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha [https://kalamaya.law/], that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado.  To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player [http://www.divorceataltitude.com/]. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1L39Y89VGUzYNwTG1vFnhA].  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 [tel:970-429-5784] or email us at info@kalamaya.law [info@kalamaya.law]. ************************************************************************ DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Discretionary Trusts in a Divorce with Mackenzie Ralstin | Episode 240

Discretionary Trusts in Divorce: What Is Actually Protected? In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya is joined by associate attorney McKenzie Ralston to discuss discretionary trusts and how they are treated in Colorado divorce cases. Many people believe that assets held in a trust are “bulletproof” and completely protected from division—but as Ryan and McKenzie explain, that is not always the case. The episode explores when trusts are protected, when they may be considered property, and how trust distributions can still impact child support and spousal maintenance. Guest Information McKenzie Ralston is an associate attorney at Kalamaya Goscha with a background in estate planning and tax law. She earned both her Juris Doctor and a Master’s in Tax from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. McKenzie brings a unique perspective to family law by focusing on the intersection of divorce, trusts, and estate planning, helping clients understand how wealth structures like trusts are treated in divorce proceedings. Episode Highlights Why people think trusts are “bulletproof” Ryan explains that many clients come into divorce believing that if assets are in a trust, they are automatically protected. While this is sometimes true, it depends heavily on the type of trust and how it is structured. What is a discretionary trust? McKenzie breaks down discretionary trusts as trusts where the trustee has full discretion over whether to make distributions to the beneficiary. This means the beneficiary does not have a guaranteed right to receive money. Revocable vs. irrevocable trusts Revocable trusts can be changed or revoked by the person who created them and are generally not considered property in divorce. Irrevocable trusts, on the other hand, cannot be changed and may raise more complex issues. When a trust becomes property in divorce The episode highlights that not all trusts are protected. If a beneficiary has a guaranteed right to receive assets—such as in certain remainder interests—those assets may be considered property under Colorado law. The Balanson case and why it matters Ryan and McKenzie discuss In re Marriage of Balanson, a key Colorado case that established that even a future interest in a trust can be considered property if it cannot be withheld. What is Divorce at Altitude?  Ryan Kalamaya [https://kalamaya.law/our-team/ryan-kalamaya/] and Amy Goscha [https://kalamaya.law/our-team/amy-goscha/] provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha [https://kalamaya.law/], that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado.  To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player [http://www.divorceataltitude.com/]. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1L39Y89VGUzYNwTG1vFnhA].  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 [tel:970-429-5784] or email us at info@kalamaya.law [info@kalamaya.law]. ************************************************************************ DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Understanding the Latest Child Support Statute Updates | Episode 239

Colorado Child Support Statute Updates: What Changes in 2025 and 2026 Mean for Families In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Amy Goscha and associate attorney Kate Mulholland break down major updates to Colorado’s child support statute. They explain how House Bill 25-1159 changes the treatment of extraordinary medical expenses, tax credits, retroactive child support, low-income calculations, and parenting-time credits. The conversation focuses on what family law practitioners and parents need to know as the new rules take effect in phases across 2025 and 2026. Guest Information Kate Mulholland is an associate attorney at Kalamaya Goscha, where she practices primarily family law and also handles criminal defense and civil protection order matters. She joined the firm in August 2024 and works on contested family law issues, post-decree disputes, motions practice, and cases involving the overlap between family law and criminal law. Episode Highlights Why Colorado overhauled its child support framework Kate explains that House Bill 25-1159 is the most significant child support update in more than a decade. The goal is to modernize the statute to reflect current cost-of-living realities, address low-income situations more fairly, clarify medical expense handling, and align state practice with IRS guidance on tax benefits. Medical expense changes effective May 31, 2025 One of the first major updates eliminated the old $250 threshold that each parent had to meet before being reimbursed for extraordinary medical expenses. Ordinary vs. extraordinary medical expenses are now defined The statute now clearly distinguishes between ordinary and extraordinary medical expenses. Extraordinary expenses include co-pays, deductibles, uninsured out-of-pocket expenses, prescription medication, medical equipment, orthodontia, and dental treatment. Why this matters in real life Amy and Kate use Eric and Melanie Wolf as an example. Before the update, Melanie might have had to spend $250 of her own money on the children’s extraordinary medical expenses before she could seek reimbursement. The statute now creates more predictability for reimbursement Kate notes that the updated law also gives structure to reimbursement timing. A parent seeking reimbursement must provide proof within a reasonable time, and if proof is not provided by July 1 of the following year. What is Divorce at Altitude?  Ryan Kalamaya [https://kalamaya.law/our-team/ryan-kalamaya/] and Amy Goscha [https://kalamaya.law/our-team/amy-goscha/] provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha [https://kalamaya.law/], that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado.  To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player [http://www.divorceataltitude.com/]. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1L39Y89VGUzYNwTG1vFnhA].  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 [tel:970-429-5784] or email us at info@kalamaya.law [info@kalamaya.law]. ************************************************************************ DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.

Meet Kate Mulh: Insights from Family and Criminal Law | Episode 238

Meet Associate Kate Mulholland: Family Law, Criminal Defense, and Supporting Clients Through Crisis In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Amy Goscha introduces associate attorney Kate Mulholland and discusses her background, her path into law, and the perspective she brings to family law cases. They explore her experience in divorce, parenting disputes, civil protection orders, and criminal defense, along with the importance of communication, managing expectations, and supporting clients through high-stress situations. Guest Information Kate Mulholland is an associate attorney at Kalamaya Goscha, focusing primarily on family law while also handling criminal defense and civil protection order matters. Originally from Ohio, Kate moved to Colorado for law school and gained extensive early experience through internships, trial work, and clinical programs. Her practice includes contested divorce issues, post-decree modifications, mediation, and cases involving the intersection of family law and criminal law. Episode Highlights Kate’s path into family law Kate shares that personal experiences with family members going through divorce inspired her to pursue family law, where she can make a meaningful impact during critical moments in clients’ lives. Early hands-on legal experience From working with the Denver Municipal Public Defender to participating in DU’s criminal defense clinic, Kate gained trial and appellate experience early in her career, shaping her litigation skills. The firm’s team-based approach Amy and Kate discuss the partner-associate-paralegal model, emphasizing how collaboration improves strategy, efficiency, and client outcomes. How Kate supports clients in high-stress situations Kate focuses on meeting clients where they are emotionally while ensuring they have a full support system, including therapists, financial professionals, and co-parenting coaches. The importance of early intervention Addressing issues early in a case especially those involving children and finances can prevent escalation and lead to better long-term outcomes. Managing client expectations realistically Kate emphasizes transparency from the beginning, helping clients understand both the strengths and limitations of their case and the realities of the legal system. What is Divorce at Altitude?  Ryan Kalamaya [https://kalamaya.law/our-team/ryan-kalamaya/] and Amy Goscha [https://kalamaya.law/our-team/amy-goscha/] provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha [https://kalamaya.law/], that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado.  To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player [http://www.divorceataltitude.com/]. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1L39Y89VGUzYNwTG1vFnhA].  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 [tel:970-429-5784] or email us at info@kalamaya.law [info@kalamaya.law]. ************************************************************************ DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.