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Practice Areas

How We Can Help You

We provide comprehensive legal representation across the issues that matter most to individuals, families, and businesses in southern Colorado.

Real Estate, Contracts, Leases & Easements

Commercial and residential real estate transactions, contracts, leases, easements, quiet title, foreclosures, and evictions (landlord). We handle complex property matters in state and federal courts.

Whether you're buying property, negotiating a commercial lease, or resolving a boundary dispute, the details in your real estate documents define your rights for years to come. Fredrickson Johnson & Terry has served southern Colorado property owners, landlords, and businesses since 1959 — providing the legal precision that protects your investment.

What We Handle

Residential and commercial real estate transactions
Contract review, drafting, and negotiation
Commercial and residential lease agreements
Easements, rights-of-way, and access disputes
Quiet title actions and title defect resolution
Foreclosure proceedings and defense
Evictions (landlord representation only)
Property litigation in Colorado state and federal courts

Why Legal Representation Matters: Colorado real estate law involves strict statutory deadlines, disclosure obligations, and title requirements that can invalidate a transaction or expose you to liability if missed. An attorney review before you sign — not after — is the most cost-effective protection available.

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Divorce, Custody & Family Law

Dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, parenting time, child support, and protection orders. We guide families through difficult transitions with clarity and compassion.

Family legal matters carry both legal and personal weight. Our attorneys approach every divorce, custody, and family law case with the clarity and professionalism your situation demands — guiding you through Colorado's legal process while keeping your family's long-term stability in focus.

What We Handle

Divorce (dissolution of marriage) and legal separation
Child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities
Parenting time schedules and modifications
Child support calculations and enforcement
Spousal maintenance (alimony)
Division of marital property and debt
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Protection orders (civil and criminal)
Post-decree modifications

Our Approach: Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, but that does not mean every divorce is simple. Property division, custody arrangements, and support calculations involve detailed legal analysis. We help clients understand their rights clearly, negotiate when possible, and advocate effectively when litigation is required.

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Adoption

Stepparent adoptions, agency adoptions, and independent adoptions — we guide families through every step of the process with care and efficiency.

Adoption is one of the most meaningful legal events in a family's life. Our attorneys guide families through every step of the adoption process in Colorado — from initial eligibility and filing through finalization — with care, thoroughness, and genuine commitment to getting it right.

What We Handle

Stepparent and second-parent adoptions
Independent (private) adoptions
Agency adoptions and post-placement legal work
Relative (kinship) adoptions
Adult adoptions
Consent, termination of parental rights, and home study coordination

What to Expect: Colorado adoption law requires specific court filings, background checks, and waiting periods that vary by adoption type. An experienced adoption attorney ensures nothing is missed — and that your family's new legal relationship is secure from the moment the judge signs the decree.

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Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning

Wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives — we help you protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored, whatever the future holds.

A solid estate plan is one of the most responsible things you can do for the people you love. Without one, Colorado law — not your wishes — determines what happens to your assets and who makes decisions on your behalf. Fredrickson Johnson & Terry helps individuals and families at every stage of life put a clear, legally sound plan in place.

What We Handle

Last will and testament drafting
Revocable living trusts
Irrevocable trusts (asset protection, Medicaid planning)
Powers of attorney (financial and healthcare)
Advance medical directives and living wills
Beneficiary designation review
Estate plan updates after major life changes
Small business succession planning

Why It Cannot Wait: Colorado's intestate succession laws distribute assets in ways that often do not reflect a person's actual intentions — particularly in blended families or domestic partnerships. A properly drafted estate plan costs far less than the disputes it prevents.

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Probate, Guardianships & Conservatorships

When a loved one passes or can no longer manage their affairs, we provide steady guidance through probate administration, guardianship, and conservatorship proceedings.

When a loved one passes away or can no longer manage their own affairs, Colorado law requires formal court proceedings to transfer assets and establish legal authority. These processes can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing. Our attorneys provide steady, experienced guidance from start to finish.

Probate

Formal and informal probate administration
Small estate affidavit procedures
Will contests and estate disputes
Creditor claims and estate debt resolution
Distribution to heirs and beneficiaries

Guardianships & Conservatorships

Guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults
Conservatorship for financial management
Emergency guardianship petitions
Annual reporting and ongoing court compliance
Modification or termination of existing guardianships

A Note on Timing: Colorado probate has strict deadlines for filing, creditor notification, and inventory. Delays can expose personal representatives to personal liability. If you have recently lost a family member, we recommend consulting with an attorney within 30 days.

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Business — LLCs, Corporations & Partnerships

Entity formation, operating agreements, buy-sell agreements, and business litigation. We help entrepreneurs and established businesses build on solid legal ground.

The legal structure you choose for your business determines how you are taxed, how liability is allocated, and what happens when partners disagree or ownership changes. Our attorneys help Colorado business owners start, structure, and protect their businesses at every stage.

Formation & Structure

LLC formation and operating agreements
Corporation formation (C-corp and S-corp)
Partnership agreements
Buy-sell agreements and ownership succession
Registered agent services and annual filing guidance

Ongoing Business Legal Needs

Contract drafting and review
Business acquisitions and sales
Shareholder and member disputes
Business dissolution
Commercial lease negotiation

Who We Work With: We work with sole proprietors ready to formalize their structure, established businesses navigating a transaction, and partners facing disagreements. Our goal is practical legal counsel that protects your investment without unnecessary complexity.

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Employer Representation

Employment contracts, non-competes, wage and hour disputes, wrongful termination defense, and administrative proceedings. We advocate for employers navigating complex labor and employment law.

Employment law is complex, and the cost of a single misstep — a poorly drafted contract, an improperly handled termination, a wage dispute — can far exceed the cost of getting sound legal advice upfront. We represent employers in Fremont County and across southern Colorado, providing practical counsel grounded in Colorado employment law.

What We Handle

Employment contracts and offer letter review
Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements
Employee handbooks and workplace policies
Wrongful termination defense
Wage and hour compliance (COMPS Order)
Discrimination and harassment defense
Colorado Department of Labor proceedings
Severance agreements

Proactive vs. Reactive: Most employment disputes are avoidable with the right documentation in place. We encourage employers to consult with us before making significant HR decisions — not after receiving a demand letter. If litigation does arise, we provide experienced defense in Colorado administrative proceedings and civil court.

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Criminal Defense

From misdemeanors to felonies — assault, domestic violence, drug charges, and more. We provide vigorous defense with real courtroom experience, including record sealing and post-trial matters.

A criminal charge puts your freedom, your reputation, and your future at risk. From the moment of arrest through trial or resolution, you deserve representation that takes your case seriously. Our criminal defense attorneys bring real courtroom experience to every case — from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

What We Handle

Felony and misdemeanor defense
Assault, menacing, and domestic violence
Drug possession and distribution charges
Theft, fraud, and white-collar offenses
Weapons charges
Juvenile offenses
Record sealing and expungement
Post-conviction relief and appeals

Do Not Wait: The period immediately following an arrest is critical. Evidence is preserved or lost, witnesses are available or unavailable, and certain legal options close quickly. Every case begins with a thorough review of evidence, police reports, and procedural history — we challenge unlawful stops, improper searches, and weak evidence. Contact our office as soon as possible after a charge or arrest.

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DUI & Traffic Matters

We understand the stakes of a DUI charge. Our attorneys are experienced in challenging evidence, negotiating reduced charges, and protecting your license and livelihood.

A DUI conviction in Colorado carries serious consequences — license suspension, mandatory fines, possible jail time, increased insurance rates, and a permanent criminal record. A traffic offense that seems minor can escalate quickly. Our attorneys have the experience to challenge DUI charges and protect your driving privileges.

What We Handle

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWAI defense
DMV Express Consent Hearing representation
Breathalyzer and field sobriety test challenges
Drug-related DUI (DUID)
Underage DUI charges
Felony DUI (prior convictions or accidents)
Reckless driving and speeding
License reinstatement

The DMV Deadline You Cannot Miss: In Colorado, you have only 7 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a DMV Express Consent Hearing or your license will be automatically revoked. This deadline applies regardless of what happens in criminal court. Contact us immediately after a DUI arrest.

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Immigration

Family-based petitions, residency applications, naturalization, and removal defense — we help individuals and families navigate the immigration process with experienced legal guidance.

Immigration law is among the most consequential — and most frequently changing — areas of U.S. law. The stakes for individuals and families are enormous. Fredrickson Johnson & Terry provides immigration legal services in English and Spanish, helping clients in southern Colorado navigate the process with experienced, personal legal guidance.

What We Handle

Family-based immigrant visa petitions (I-130)
Lawful Permanent Residence (Green Card) applications
Adjustment of status
Naturalization and citizenship applications
DACA renewals
Work authorization (EAD)
Removal (deportation) defense
Consular processing

Bilingual Services: Our office provides consultations and document preparation in both English and Spanish. Immigration applications that contain errors or omissions — even unintentional ones — can result in denial, delay, or inadmissibility findings. A single application reviewed by an attorney is a far safer investment than re-filing after a denial.

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General Civil Practice

Collections, zoning, administrative law, and civil litigation. If you have a legal problem that doesn't fit neatly into one category, we have the experience to address it.

Not every legal problem fits neatly into a single category. Fredrickson Johnson & Terry handles a broad range of civil legal matters for individuals and businesses across southern Colorado — providing experienced legal counsel when you need to enforce your rights, defend against a claim, or navigate a dispute.

What We Handle

Collections and debt recovery
Contract disputes and breach of contract
Zoning and land use matters
Administrative law and regulatory proceedings
Employment-related civil claims
Personal injury (plaintiff representation)
Small claims consulting and preparation
General civil litigation in Colorado state and federal courts

When to Call Us: If you have received a legal demand, been served with a lawsuit, or believe your legal rights have been violated and you are not sure where to turn, contact our office. We will assess your situation honestly, tell you what your options are, and help you decide on the right course of action.

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Our Team

Meet Your Attorneys

Five experienced attorneys with deep roots in Colorado law and genuine commitment to southern Colorado communities.

Thomas H. Terry

Managing Attorney

Real Estate Family Law Estate Planning Business Probate

J.D., Baylor University · Colorado Bar, 2001 · Fremont & El Paso County Bar · Former U.S. Army Signal Corps

Thomas H. Terry is the managing attorney at Fredrickson Johnson & Terry, LLC. His education includes a B.S. in Political Science & Business Administration from Southern Utah University (1992), an M.A. in Political Science, Public Law & Policy from UNLV (1995), and his J.D. from Baylor University School of Law (2000).

Prior to law, Tom was a Distinguished Honor Graduate of U.S. Army Combat Signal School and served as a Foreign Missionary in the United Kingdom and Channel Islands. He also served as a Teacher and Director of Education for a youth offender rehabilitation program, Adult Literacy Coordinator and Citizenship Instructor at a public library, and Adjunct Instructor of American and State Government at the College of Southern Nevada.

Although Tom spent much of his career in Colorado Springs and Denver courts, for the past six years he has focused on serving clients in Fremont, Pueblo, and Custer Counties.

Practice Areas

ProbateEstate PlanningTrusts & WillsBusiness FormationReal EstateContractsAdoptionsGuardianshipsConservatorshipsEmployment Law

Bar Admissions: Colorado State and Federal Courts, 2001

Professional Affiliations: Colorado Bar Association (Business Law, Family Law, Real Estate, Employment & Labor Law Sections), Fremont County Bar Association, El Paso County Bar Association

Aaron Pembleton

Associate Attorney

Criminal Defense DUI Family Law Protection Orders

J.D., University of Oklahoma · Colorado Bar, 2019 · Super Lawyers Rising Star 2019 · OK Bar Golden Gavel Award 2012

Aaron Pembleton has been an associate attorney at Fredrickson Johnson & Terry since 2022, focusing his practice on family law, criminal defense, and landlord/tenant matters. He earned his B.S. in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Texas Tech University (2006, Cum Laude, Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society) and his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law (2010), where he was a member of the Order of the Solicitors and Phi Delta Phi Honor Society.

Aaron is the lead family law litigation attorney at Fredrickson Johnson & Terry, where his extensive courtroom experience has proven invaluable. He was recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Criminal Defense (2019) and received the Oklahoma Bar Association's Golden Gavel Award (2012). He also served on the Board of Directors for the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra (2016–2019) and the Oklahoma Young Lawyers Division Board for District 1 (2011–2019).

Practice Areas

DivorceCustodyFamily LawGuardianshipsConservatorshipsAdoptionCriminal DefenseDUI & TrafficEvictions / FEDReal EstateProtection Orders

Bar Admissions: Oklahoma, 2010 · Colorado, 2019

Professional Affiliations: Colorado Bar Association (Criminal Law, Family Law, Real Estate Law Sections), Fremont/Custer County Bar Association, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Oklahoma Bar Association

Ruth Martin

Associate Attorney

Civil Litigation Real Estate Family Law Employment Personal Injury

J.D., University of Oklahoma 2007 (youngest graduate, age 21) · Former Asst. DA, Tulsa County · Former CLO, Housing Authority of Tulsa ($250M)

Ruth Martin has been an associate attorney at Fredrickson Johnson & Terry since 2023. She earned her B.A. in Government from Oral Roberts University (2003) and her J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law (2007) — graduating as the youngest graduate in the law school's history at age 21.

Ruth brings exceptional depth of experience across civil litigation, real estate, and business law. She previously practiced at Addison Martin Law, Crowe & Dunlevy, and McAfee & Taft, served as Assistant District Attorney for Tulsa County, and served as Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary for the Housing Authority of the City of Tulsa (overseeing $250 million in real property). She also taught as Adjunct Professor of White Collar Crime at the University of Tulsa College of Law.

Ruth has served on the Boards of Palmer Continuum of Care, Leadership Tulsa, the Junior League, Northeastern Oklahoma Black Lawyers Association, and Tulsa Young Professionals.

Practice Areas

Civil LitigationReal EstateZoning LawBusiness FormationBusiness LitigationCollectionsLabor & EmploymentAdministrative LawMunicipal LawFamily Law

Bar Admissions: Oklahoma, 2007 · Colorado, 2023

Professional Affiliations: Oklahoma Bar Association, Tulsa County Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association

Ernesto Delgadillo

Associate Attorney

Real Estate Immigration Family Law Wills & Trusts Business

J.D., Southern Illinois University · Colorado Bar, 2010 · Former Prosecuting Attorney, CO & NM · BATNA Silver Award 2024

Ernesto Delgadillo is an associate attorney at Fredrickson Johnson & Terry. He earned his B.A. in Media Arts from the University of Arizona (2005) and his J.D. from Southern Illinois University (2008), where he was Captain of the Negotiation Team. He was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 2010.

Known for his aggressive trial advocacy and quick wit, Ernesto brings heavy-hitting interstate legal experience. His previous positions include Partner at Rocky Ford Legal, In-House Counsel for a Med-Spa and Aftercare Center, Attorney for a Private Trust, and Prosecuting Attorney in both Colorado and New Mexico. He also served as a Legal Aid Attorney in Western Ohio and as an Attorney for the USDA's Women and Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers Claims Resolution Process.

Ernesto is a published legal scholar with contributions including chapters on post-trial motions in the Illinois Judicial Bench Book (2008), and authorship in the Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health (2006). He is a recipient of the BATNA Group Silver Award 2024 for Community Service.

Practice Areas

Civil LitigationReal EstateTrusts & WillsFamily LawCollectionsBusiness ContractsCriminal DefenseImmigration

Bar Admissions: Colorado, 2010

Professional Affiliations: Colorado Bar Association · BATNA Group Silver Award Recipient 2024

Bryan T. Fredrickson

Of Counsel

Real Estate Estate Planning Probate Business

J.D., Catholic University of America · Colorado Bar, 1990 · Virginia Bar, 1985 · Colorado Bar Foundation Fellow

Bryan T. Fredrickson is Of Counsel at Fredrickson Johnson & Terry, LLC — his father founded the firm in 1959. Bryan's legal career has spanned more than 40 years. He earned his B.A. in Molecular Biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder (1979) and his J.D. from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. (1984).

Bryan is highly regarded as a leading real estate attorney in southern Colorado. He has served as Associate Judge of the Cañon City Municipal Court, on the 11th Judicial District Nominating and Judicial Performance Commissions, and as a Commissioner on the Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws (2003–2005). He is a Fellow of the Colorado Bar Foundation and served as past President of the Fremont/Custer Counties Bar Association.

His current role is as a consulting attorney on complex legal issues for Fredrickson Johnson & Terry.

Practice Areas

Real EstateProbateEstate PlanningBusiness LawGuardianshipsConservatorshipsAdoptionsContractsEvictions

Bar Admissions: Colorado State and Federal Courts, 1990 · Virginia State and Federal Courts, 1985

Professional Affiliations: Colorado Bar Association (past Board of Governors & Executive Council), Virginia State Bar, Fremont/Custer Counties Bar Association (past President), Colorado Bar Foundation (Fellow), Legacy Bank Advisory Board, St. Thomas More Hospital Ethics Committee

Experienced Counsel.
Trusted Results.

Southern Colorado's Law Firm for Every Stage of Life

How We Can Help You