Child Custody & Parenting Time
Putting Children First in Family Transitions
Nothing is more important than your children's wellbeing during family transitions. Our experienced family law attorneys provide compassionate guidance through custody and parenting time matters, helping you establish arrangements that prioritize stability, consistency, and meaningful relationships with both parents.
Understanding Custody Types
Legal Custody is known in Colorado as “Decision-making” and this determines who makes important decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and other significant matters. Courts may award:
Joint Decision-making, where parents share decision-making authority
Sole Decision-making, where one parent has primary decision-making authority
Physical Custody is known as “Parenting Time” in Colorado and addresses where children primarily reside and how parenting time is divided. Arrangements include:
Primary physical custody with scheduled parenting time for the non-custodial parent
Shared physical custody with approximately equal time between households
Nesting Schedules (rare), where children remain in the family home while parents alternate residence
Factors in Custody Determinations
Courts determine custody based on children's best interests, considering factors including:
Each parent's ability to provide stable, nurturing care
Children's relationship with each parent and siblings
Parents' willingness to support children's relationship with the other parent
Children's adjustment to home, school, and community
Each parent's physical and mental health
Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
Children's preferences (depending on age and maturity)
Proximity of parents' residences
Parents' work schedules and childcare arrangements
Developing Effective Parenting Plans
A well-crafted parenting plan provides clear structure while allowing appropriate flexibility. Our attorneys help develop comprehensive plans addressing:
Regular weekday and weekend schedules
Holiday and school break arrangements
Summer vacation schedules
Transportation responsibilities
Communication between parents
Decision-making protocols
Methods for resolving future disagreements
Special provisions for children with unique needs
Child-Centered Approach
Our attorneys recognize that children thrive when shielded from parental conflict. We emphasize cooperative co-parenting approaches that minimize stress on children while ensuring their relationships with both parents remain strong and supportive.
Modification of Custody Orders
When circumstances change significantly, existing custody orders may require modification. Our team assists with custody modifications based on:
Relocation of either parent
Changes in children's needs or development
Parental employment changes
Health issues affecting parenting capacity
Demonstrated problems with current arrangements
High-Conflict Custody Cases
When parents cannot reach agreement on custody matters, our attorneys provide strong representation in contested proceedings. We have extensive experience addressing challenging situations including:
Parental Alienation Concerns
While rare, when one parent attempts to damage a child's relationship with the other parent, prompt legal intervention becomes essential. Our attorneys work with mental health professionals to document alienating behaviors and advocate for remedial measures.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues
When a parent's substance use or mental health concerns impact parenting capacity, we help establish appropriate safeguards while supporting treatment and recovery efforts when possible.
Domestic Violence Implications
In cases involving family violence, our attorneys prioritize safety while advocating for custody arrangements that protect vulnerable family members.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Many custody disputes can be resolved without traumatic court battles. Our firm specializes in:
Custody Mediation: Working with neutral mediators to reach child-focused agreements that meet both parents' concerns.
Collaborative Custody Resolution: Engaging mental health professionals and child specialists to develop optimal parenting arrangements based on children's developmental needs.
Enforcement of Custody Orders
When custody orders are violated, prompt enforcement action may be necessary. Our attorneys assist with:
Documentation of violations
Filing of enforcement motions
Representation in contempt proceedings
Modification requests when patterns of non-compliance emerge
Schedule a Consultation
Establishing appropriate custody and parenting time arrangements is vital to your children's adjustment and wellbeing. Contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced family law attorney who will help you understand your rights and options while focusing on your children's best interests.
