Compassionate and Strategic Representation
Raquel V. Hernandez is an compassionate advocate who enjoys helping families navigate our complex judicial system. Raquel brings insight from behind the bench with her combined experience of a year and three months of being a law clerk. In the 19th Judicial District, Weld County, Raquel clerked for two judges and a magistrate, all of whom had domestic relations dockets. In her capacity as a law clerk, Raquel provided research memorandums and composed the first drafts of the Court’s orders, amongst other responsibilities. In the 4th Judicial District, El Paso County, as a law student, Raquel participated in the Court’s summer law clerk program; where she clerked for a judge with a mixed docket of criminal and domestic. In addition to her law clerk experience, Raquel has further insight in the Dependency and Neglect field, from when she interned, as a law student, for the Florida Department of Children and Family, Children’s Legal Services.
Raquel attended undergraduate school at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, earning a BA in History. For law school, Raquel attended Florida Coastal School of Law, receiving a certificate in Family Law studies and a Pro Bono certificate.
In her free time, Raquel enjoys hiking and camping in the mountains, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog. Raquel is also one of the At-Large Trustees of the El Paso County Bar Association. Additionally, Raquel gives back to the local community through her pro bono work via the Justice Center of the El Paso County Bar Association and clinics held at the courthouse.
Approach to Cases
Raquel’s practice of law is solely devoted to Family Law and her approach to family law is guided not only through the statues and case law, but also the social sciences and the realties that Colorado families face every day. Every year, Raquel completes more than the minimum continuing legal education courses necessary to satisfy the mere 45 credit hours required every 3 years, so that she keeps up with both the changes in the law and keeps abreast of new studies and trends.
Every client with children is educated on both the law and the practical, emotional, and sometimes physical side effects of divorce, particularly related to children’s physical and emotional development. Raquel is guided by the “ACE” study conducted in 1997 by Kaiser Permeate. ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences; while there are many factors that contribute to negative developments in children, one area where Raquel is able to advise and assist in is the trauma that may be inflicted by having divorcing parents. One step to limit the potential negative impacts is to limit the child’s exposure to conflict between the parties.
Raquel encourages for her clients to settle cases, either partially or in their entirety, when appropriate and where they can to save on costs and emotional stress but will also litigate when needed.
Areas of Practice
- Dissolution of Marriage & Family Law litigation
- Allocation of Parental Responsibility
- Post Decree Modifications
- Protection Orders
Education
- Juris Doctor from the Florida Coastal School of Law
- Pro Bono Honors
- Family Law Certificate
- Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Professional Associations & Membership
- El Paso County Bar Association – Board Member – At-Large Trustee 2018-2020
- Colorado Bar Association
- Colorado LGBT Bar Association
Past Employment Positions
- Associate Attorney at Black & Graham, P.C.
- Law Clerk for the 19th Judicial District, Greeley Colorado
Volunteer Activities
- Habitat for Humanity
- El Paso County Family Law Day
- Civil Pro Bono Project, 4th Judicial District
- Ask – A- Lawyer Clinics at the 4th Judicial District
