Understanding Child Custody in Colorado: A Complete Guide to Parenting Time and Custody Laws
If you’re navigating child custody issues in Colorado, you’re facing one of the most important and emotionally challenging aspects of family law. Whether you’re going through divorce, separation, or establishing custody arrangements as unmarried parents, understanding how Colorado handles child custody can help you protect your parental rights and prioritize your child’s best interests.
Important Note: While this article uses terms like “child custody,” “joint custody,” and “sole custody” because many people search for these terms, Colorado law doesn’t actually use this framework. Since 1999, Colorado has used “parenting time” (where your child lives and spends time) and “decision-making responsibilities” (who makes major decisions about your child’s upbringing) instead of traditional custody language. We’ll explain both the common search terms and Colorado’s actual legal framework throughout this guide.
At Baxter Family Law in Colorado Springs, we help families navigate custody disputes, parenting plans, and decision-making arrangements under Colorado’s unique legal system. As your legal bestie, we understand that child custody cases involve more than just legal strategy—they require a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes children’s wellbeing while protecting your parental rights.
What “Child Custody” Actually Means in Colorado Law
Understanding Colorado’s child custody laws helps you navigate the legal process more effectively. While child custody laws vary significantly by state, Colorado’s unique framework has influenced family law throughout the country by prioritizing children’s relationships with both parents.
Colorado abandoned traditional “custody” language in 1999, recognizing that children aren’t possessions to be won or lost. The state now uses “Allocation of Parental Responsibilities” (APR), which sounds technical but actually creates a more balanced framework for both parents.
Colorado’s Parenting Time and Decision-Making Framework
Under CRS 14-10-124, Colorado courts allocate parental responsibilities through two distinct components:
Parenting Time replaces what most people call “physical custody.” This determines where your child lives, when they spend time with each parent, and the specific schedule for regular parenting time, holidays, and vacations. Having more parenting time doesn’t automatically grant you more rights than the other parent—both parents typically maintain significant rights regardless of the parenting time split.
Decision-Making Responsibilities replace what many call “legal custody.” This determines who makes major decisions regarding the child’s education, non-emergency medical care, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. Parents may share these responsibilities jointly or one parent may have sole decision-making authority in some or all areas.
The closest Colorado comes to “sole custody” is granting one parent sole decision-making responsibilities or designating them as the primary residential parent. Even then, the other parent typically retains substantial parenting time and certain rights. For detailed information about parental rights in these situations, see our guide on custodial rights in Colorado.
Why Colorado Abandoned “Custody” Language
The shift from custody language reflects Colorado’s modern understanding of family law. “Custody” implies ownership and creates an adversarial “winner takes all” mentality. This custody battle mindset often harms children caught in the middle.
Colorado’s framework emphasizes that both parents continue playing vital roles in the child’s life after separation or divorce. Courts focus on what serves the best interests of the child rather than which parent “gets custody.” This approach has influenced how family court handles custody arrangements throughout the state.
Understanding Colorado’s actual legal terms helps you communicate effectively with attorneys and courts, though we recognize most people initially search for information using traditional custody terminology. That’s why this guide addresses both.
Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Colorado
While Colorado doesn’t use traditional custody labels, understanding what people mean by “joint custody,” “sole custody,” and visitation helps translate your concerns into Colorado’s legal framework.
Joint Custody: What It Means in Colorado
When people search for “joint custody,” they typically mean one of two things under Colorado law:
Joint Decision-Making means both parents share the right to make major decisions about their child’s upbringing. These key decisions include:
- Educational choices (schools, tutoring, special education services)
- Non-emergency medical and dental care
- Religious upbringing and activities
- Extracurricular activities and summer camps
Joint decision-making requires parents to communicate effectively and cooperate regarding the child’s welfare. Colorado courts generally prefer joint decision-making when both parents can work together without putting the child in the middle. Successful joint legal custody often requires the co-parenting strategies discussed in our guide to co-parenting after divorce in Colorado.
Joint Physical Custody (which Colorado calls substantially equal parenting time) means the child lives with both parents for significant periods. This doesn’t necessarily mean exactly 50/50 time, but both parents have substantial overnight parenting time. Common schedules include:
- Week on/week off
- 2-2-3 schedule (two days with one parent, two days with the other, three days alternating)
- 3-4-4-3 schedule
- 5-2-2-5 schedule
Colorado courts favor maximizing both parents’ time with their child when appropriate, recognizing that contact with both parents typically serves the child’s best interests.
Sole Custody: Colorado’s Actual Framework
“Sole custody” doesn’t exist as a legal concept in Colorado, but the closest equivalents are:
Sole Decision-Making means one parent has the right to make major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing without requiring the other parent’s agreement. Courts may grant sole decision-making when:
- History of domestic violence exists (see our guide on leaving an abusive relationship)
- One parent has substance abuse issues affecting judgment
- Parents cannot come to an agreement on important matters
- Geographic distance makes joint decision-making impractical
- One parent consistently makes decisions unilaterally despite court orders
Even when one parent has sole decision-making, the other parent typically retains regular parenting time unless safety concerns exist. The non-custodial parent (in common terminology) still maintains significant parental rights and involvement in the child’s life.
Primary Physical Custody (Colorado’s “primary residential parent”) means the child lives primarily with one parent, though the other parent maintains visitation rights according to a court-ordered schedule. The parent with primary physical custody of the child typically makes day-to-day decisions during their parenting time, while major decisions may still be shared depending on the decision-making arrangement.
Visitation and Parenting Time Schedules
What many call “visitation” is simply parenting time in Colorado’s legal framework. The term “visitation” can feel diminishing to parents, suggesting they’re merely visiting their own children rather than actively parenting them.
Courts parenting time orders (sometimes known as visitation orders) that specify exactly when the child spends time with each parent. These court orders are legally binding and violations can result in contempt proceedings.
Standard parenting time schedules address:
Regular Weekly Schedule: Defines which days and times the child lives with each parent during typical weeks. This forms the foundation of your custody arrangement.
Holiday and Vacation Time: Specifies how holidays are divided (alternating years, splitting holidays, etc.) and how summer vacations are scheduled. Courts recognize that both parents want meaningful time during special occasions.
School Breaks: Addresses spring break, winter break, teacher in-service days, and other school closures. These provisions prevent disputes about who has the child during unexpected schedule changes.
Right of First Refusal: Some parents agree to provisions that require one parent to offer parenting time to the other parent before using childcare, and courts sometimes include this in their orders. However, Colorado appellate courts have determined that Right of First Refusal provisions are generally not enforceable (In re Marriage of De Palma). Each parent has the right to delegate their parenting time to others so long as the child remains safe.
For military families facing deployment or frequent moves, see our specialized guide on military divorce and custody in Colorado Springs.
How Colorado Courts Determine Child Custody and Parenting Time
Understanding what courts consider in custody cases helps you present your strongest case and set realistic expectations about outcomes.
The Best Interest of the Child Standard
Colorado courts make all custody determinations based on one question: What serves the best interests of the child? This isn’t about what parents want or what feels fair to adults—it’s entirely focused on what arrangement provides the best environment for the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides detailed guidance on factors courts must consider. State law requires judges to evaluate multiple factors, with no single factor automatically determining the outcome.
Factors Colorado Courts Consider in Custody Cases
Under CRS 14-10-124, Colorado courts examine:
The wishes of the child’s parents matter, but courts aren’t bound by what parents want. Judges evaluate whether parents’ preferences align with their child’s best interests or reflect personal conflicts.
The child’s wishes may be considered based on the child’s maturity level and reasoning ability. Colorado doesn’t set a specific age when children’s preferences become more important—each child’s input is weighted based on their individual maturity, not their age. Courts may interview children privately to understand their perspectives without parental pressure.
The relationship between the child and each parent receives significant weight. Courts look at the strength of parent-child bonds, the quality of interactions, and each parent’s role in the child’s life. A parent who has been actively involved in the child’s daily care, school activities, medical appointments, and emotional development typically has an advantage in custody disputes.
The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community influences where the child lives primarily. Courts generally prefer maintaining stability when possible, though they won’t keep children in harmful situations just for continuity.
The mental and physical health of all parties involved affects custody decisions. This doesn’t mean parents with mental health conditions lose custody—it means courts evaluate whether any condition impacts parenting ability. Physical health concerns are assessed similarly.
Each parent’s ability to encourage a relationship with the other parent is critically important. Courts recognize that children benefit from strong relationships with both parents when safe. A parent who interferes with the other parent’s relationship—through badmouthing, alienation attempts, or denying parenting time—may lose custody despite other positive factors. See our guide on divorcing a narcissist when one parent uses children as weapons.
The pattern of involvement in the child’s life matters more than isolated incidents. Courts examine who has historically handled school communications, attended medical appointments, participated in activities, and provided daily care. Recent increased involvement by a previously absent parent may receive less weight than consistent long-term involvement.
Evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect significantly impacts custody arrangements. Colorado law includes special presumptions when domestic violence exists. If you’re in this situation, see our resources on protective orders and leaving abuse safely.
The distance between parents’ homes affects practical parenting time arrangements. Long distances may make equal parenting time impractical, though courts try to maximize both parents’ time through creative scheduling.
The ability of each party to place the child’s needs above their own demonstrates parenting maturity. Courts look for parents who make decisions based on what’s best for their child rather than what hurts their ex-partner.
Understanding these factors helps you focus your energy appropriately during custody proceedings. Rather than attacking the other parent’s character, demonstrate your commitment to parenting, your involvement in your child’s life, and your ability to support their relationship with their other parent.
Special Considerations in High-Conflict Custody Cases
When parents cannot come to an agreement through negotiation or mediation, courts may order additional evaluations to determine appropriate custody arrangements.
Child and Family Investigator (CFI) may be appointed in contested custody cases. The CFI interviews parents, children, collateral contacts (teachers, therapists, family members), and observes parent-child interactions. Their written report includes recommendations to the court about custody and visitation arrangements that serve the child’s best interests. While not binding, CFI recommendations carry significant weight with judges.
Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) provides more comprehensive evaluation than a CFI. PREs typically have mental health backgrounds and may conduct psychological testing of parents and children. Courts order PREs in complex custody cases involving allegations of abuse, mental health concerns, substance abuse, or severe parental conflict. PRE evaluations cost more than CFI investigations but provide detailed analysis for difficult custody disputes.
When domestic violence or narcissistic abuse is present, choosing evaluators who understand these dynamics becomes essential. Some evaluators inappropriately prioritize maintaining both parents’ involvement without adequately weighing safety concerns. Our guide on divorcing a narcissist explains how manipulation tactics appear in custody evaluations.
The Child Custody Case Process in Colorado
Understanding the legal process helps you prepare mentally and strategically for what lies ahead.
Filing for Child Custody in Colorado
Child custody issues arise in several contexts:
During Divorce Proceedings: Custody and parenting time are determined as part of the overall divorce process. Parents file petitions for dissolution of marriage that include proposed parenting plans.
As Unmarried Parents: Biological parents establishing custody of a child for the first time must file an Allocation of Parental Responsibilities case. Unmarried parents have equal rights once paternity is established, though the parent who gives birth has initial sole decision-making until court orders state otherwise.
Modification of Existing Orders: When circumstances change significantly, either parent may file a motion to modify existing custody orders. This requires showing substantial change in circumstances and that modification serves the best interest of the child.
Grandparent or Third-Party Custody: In limited circumstances, grandparents or other third parties can seek custody or visitation when a parent is unfit or deceased.
Jurisdiction Requirements for Colorado Custody Cases
Before Colorado courts can make custody determinations, certain jurisdictional requirements must be met. Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), Colorado must be the child’s “home state”—meaning the child has lived in Colorado for at least six months before filing.
Family court jurisdiction prevents forum shopping and ensures stability for children. If you recently moved to Colorado, you may need to wait before filing custody cases here. Exceptions exist for emergency situations involving abuse or abandonment.
Temporary Orders vs. Permanent Parenting Plans
Temporary Orders provide structure during the legal process. Shortly after filing, courts may establish temporary custody orders that:
- Define parenting time until final orders
- Allocate temporary decision-making responsibilities
- Address child support payments (note: child support is a separate issue from custody but is often addressed simultaneously—see CRS 14-10-115 for Colorado’s child support guidelines)
- Grant exclusive use of the marital home
- Restrict asset transfers
Temporary orders typically remain in effect throughout the custody case, which may last 6-12 months or longer. These initial arrangements sometimes influence final orders, as judges may be reluctant to disrupt arrangements that appear to be working for the child.
Permanent Parenting Plans become the final court orders after hearing or settlement. Despite being called “permanent,” these orders can be modified if circumstances change substantially. Permanent orders detail:
- Complete parenting time schedule (regular weeks, holidays, vacations, summer)
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and activities
- Communication methods between parents
- Exchange locations and protocols
- Right of first refusal provisions
- Dispute resolution procedures
- Any necessary restrictions or supervised visitation requirements
Well-drafted parenting plans anticipate future issues and provide clear procedures for handling them, reducing the need for court intervention later.
Mediation in Colorado Custody Disputes
Colorado courts may order mediation before allowing contested custody hearings. Mediation involves a neutral third party helping parents reach agreements about parenting time and decision-making. Many counties require mediation in all custody disputes unless domestic violence is present.
Benefits of mediation include:
- Costs less than litigation
- Gives parents control over outcomes rather than leaving decisions to a judge
- Typically resolves custody issues faster than court proceedings
- Creates less adversarial process that may improve future co-parenting
- Allows creative solutions tailored to your family’s needs
Mediation works best when both parents negotiate in good faith. When one parent uses mediation to manipulate or stall, or when domestic violence makes mediation unsafe, courts may proceed directly to hearing.
Modifying Existing Child Custody Arrangements
Life changes, and custody arrangements may need adjustment as your child grows or circumstances evolve.
When Courts Will Modify Custody Orders
Colorado courts take stability seriously. The court must find substantial and continuing change in circumstances before modifying custody orders. Minor inconveniences or regret about the original agreement aren’t enough.
Changes that may warrant modification include:
Relocation of One Parent: When one parent moves a significant distance, existing parenting time schedules may become impractical. Courts balance the relocating parent’s reasons for moving against the impact on the child’s relationship with the other parent.
Changes in the Child’s Needs: As children grow, their needs change. A schedule perfect for a toddler may not work for a teenager with activities and friendships. The child’s developing preferences based on maturity also factor into modifications.
Changes in Parent’s Circumstances: Job changes, remarriage, new siblings, housing changes, or other life events may impact the parent’s ability to provide care or make existing schedules unworkable.
Safety Concerns: New evidence of substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health crises, or other safety issues may require immediate custody modifications, potentially including supervised visitation or suspension of parenting time.
Pattern of Violations: When one parent consistently violates custody orders—denying parenting time, making unilateral major decisions, or attempting parental alienation—courts may modify custody to protect the child’s relationship with both parents.
The Modification Process
To modify custody, file a motion with the court that issued the original orders. Your motion must specifically allege facts showing substantial change in circumstances and explain why modification serves your child’s best interest.
The court may require new evaluations or investigations, particularly if circumstances have changed significantly. The parent requesting modification bears the burden of proof—you must demonstrate both that circumstances changed substantially and that the proposed modification benefits your child.
Some changes require only notice to the other parent (like minor schedule adjustments both parents agree to), while others require full hearings. Working with an experienced family law attorney helps you understand which procedural path your modification requires.
For military families facing deployment or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, our military divorce guide addresses modification procedures specific to military life.
Special Circumstances in Colorado Custody Cases
Grandparent Family Time and Non-Parent Custody in Colorado
Colorado law recognizes two distinct legal pathways for grandparents seeking time with or custody of their grandchildren. Understanding the difference is essential.
Grandparent Family Time (Formerly Called “Visitation”)
Under [CRS 19-1-117], grandparents may petition for court-ordered family time when:
- An Allocation of Parental Responsibilities case has been opened (during or after divorce, or in dependency and neglect proceedings)
- The grandparent can demonstrate that family time serves the child’s best interests
Important distinctions about grandparent family time:
- Does NOT grant decision-making authority or parental rights
- Does NOT require the child to have lived with the grandparent
- Courts give great weight to fit parents’ decisions about their children’s relationships
- Grandparents face a higher standard than parents – they must overcome the presumption that fit parents act in their child’s best interests
Non-Parent Custody (Including Grandparents)
Grandparents or other third parties may seek actual custody (allocation of parental responsibilities) when:
- The child has lived with the grandparent (or other third party) for six consecutive months out of the last year
- This provides the same legal framework as parent custody cases, including decision-making responsibilities and parenting time
- Stepparents and other caregivers may also qualify under these provisions
Non-parent custody cases require proving that granting custody to the non-parent serves the child’s best interests. The biological parent’s rights receive constitutional protection, so courts carefully scrutinize these cases.
LGBT+ Parents and Custody Rights
Colorado recognizes same-sex marriages equally and cannot consider sexual orientation or gender identity in custody determinations. Courts must focus solely on the best interests of the child, evaluating the same factors for LGBT+ parents as for any parents.
However, LGBT+ parents face unique challenges establishing legal parent-child relationships:
Second-Parent Adoption: For non-biological parents in same-sex couples, completing second-parent adoption establishes full legal rights. Without this legal recognition, the non-biological parent may have no standing to seek custody or visitation if the relationship ends, regardless of their role in the child’s life.
Establishing Parentage Early: LGBT+ couples should work with family law attorneys to establish legal parentage from the beginning—through assisted reproduction agreements, adoption, or other appropriate legal mechanisms for their situation.
Coming Out or Transitioning: Parents who come out as LGBT+ or transition gender during or after marriage cannot be denied custody based on their identity. Colorado law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in custody decisions. If you’re facing hostility or threats related to your identity, see our guide on custodial rights and contact our LGBT+-affirming practice.
At Baxter Family Law, we provide affirming legal representation for LGBT+ parents and understand the unique challenges you may face in custody proceedings.
Custody When Domestic Violence Is Present
When domestic violence affects your family, custody determinations require additional safety considerations. Colorado takes domestic violence seriously in custody cases.
Courts may order supervised visitation when safety concerns exist. Professional supervision ensures children can maintain contact with a parent while remaining safe. Exchange locations can be neutral public places or supervised centers rather than parents’ homes.
If you’re leaving an abusive relationship with children, comprehensive safety planning becomes essential. See our detailed guides on leaving an abusive relationship and obtaining protective orders. These resources address both immediate safety and long-term legal protection for you and your children.
Interstate Custody Issues
When parents live in different states, custody cases involve additional complexity. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) determines which state has jurisdiction to make custody orders.
Generally, the child’s “home state”—where they’ve lived for six months—has jurisdiction. This prevents parents from forum shopping for favorable courts. Colorado courts enforce custody orders from other states and work with courts nationwide to prevent parental kidnapping.
Interstate custody disputes require attorneys familiar with UCCJEA procedures. Don’t attempt to handle these cases without experienced legal counsel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Certain behaviors consistently hurt parents’ custody cases. Avoiding these mistakes protects your position.
Behaviors That Damage Your Custody Case
Denying or interfering with the other parent’s time violates court orders and shows you don’t prioritize the child’s relationship with their other parent. Unless genuine safety concerns exist requiring emergency court intervention, you must follow custody orders exactly.
Badmouthing the other parent to your child constitutes parental alienation. Courts recognize that children need positive relationships with both parents. Parents who undermine the other parent’s relationship often lose custody, not gain it.
Using your child as a messenger between parents is inappropriate. Children shouldn’t deliver messages about child support, schedule changes, or adult conflicts. Communication between parents should occur directly through approved methods.
Making unilateral major decisions when you share joint decision-making violates court orders. Taking the child to a new school, changing doctors, or making other key decisions without the other parent’s agreement (when required) demonstrates inability to co-parent.
Social media mistakes frequently harm custody cases. Posting about partying, new relationships, complaints about the other parent, or information contradicting your court testimony can be used against you. Assume anything you post will be seen by the judge.
Introducing new romantic partners too quickly or exposing children to a revolving door of relationships concerns courts. While you’re entitled to date, moving new partners into your home or having them around your children extensively before relationships are stable suggests poor judgment regarding the child’s emotional needs.
False allegations of abuse or neglect, if proven false, devastate your custody case. Courts take actual abuse very seriously, but parents who fabricate allegations to gain tactical advantage often lose custody entirely. If real concerns exist, document carefully and report through proper channels.
What Colorado Courts Want to See
Putting your child’s needs above personal feelings about the other parent demonstrates maturity. Even when you dislike your ex-partner, facilitating their relationship with your child shows you prioritize what’s best for your child over your own emotions.
Following court orders precisely proves you respect court authority and can be trusted with decision-making. This includes being on time for exchanges, following the schedule exactly, and implementing court-ordered decisions.
Maintaining stability in housing, employment, and relationships provides security children need. Frequent moves, job changes, or chaotic lifestyle may concern courts about your ability to provide a stable environment for the child.
Staying involved in your child’s education, medical care, and activities demonstrates commitment. Attend parent-teacher conferences, know your child’s teachers and doctors, participate in activities, and stay informed about your child’s life.
Communicating appropriately with the other parent using agreed methods and staying focused on the child shows maturity. Use business-like tone, keep messages brief and child-focused, and document all communications.
Being flexible when appropriate about reasonable schedule changes demonstrates good faith and willingness to work with the other parent. This doesn’t mean accommodating unreasonable demands, but reasonable flexibility when unexpected situations arise benefits everyone.
For comprehensive guidance on successful parenting after separation, see our article on co-parenting after divorce in Colorado.
Getting Legal Help with Your Colorado Custody Case
While some simple custody agreements can be handled without attorneys, many situations require experienced legal representation to protect your rights and your child’s interests.
When You Need a Family Law Attorney for Custody Issues
Contested custody disputes where parents disagree about parenting time or decision-making require legal representation. What you say and do during these proceedings can impact your child’s life for years. Experienced attorneys know how to present your case effectively while avoiding mistakes that damage your position.
Domestic violence or abuse concerns make legal representation essential. The court must balance protecting children from abuse with each parent’s rights. This requires specialized knowledge of Colorado’s domestic violence statutes, protective order procedures, and supervised visitation protocols. See our guides on leaving abuse and protective orders.
High-conflict situations involving a narcissistic or manipulative co-parent demand attorneys who understand these dynamics. Our guide on divorcing a narcissist explains why specialized representation matters when dealing with personality-disordered individuals who use children as weapons.
Complex parenting schedules balancing work demands, school schedules, activities, and distance between homes benefit from legal expertise. Attorneys help create workable schedules that serve your child’s best interests while accommodating both parents’ needs.
Relocation disputes when one parent wants to move out of state require immediate legal help. Colorado has specific procedures for relocation cases, and timing matters significantly in protecting your rights.
Modification attempts by the other parent require a response from an experienced attorney. Even if the motion appears frivolous, you must respond appropriately or risk default judgments changing your custody arrangement.
Grandparent or third-party custody or visitation claims involve different legal standards than parent custody cases. These situations require attorneys who understand both parental rights and the limited circumstances when courts may override parents’ decisions.
How Baxter Family Law Helps with Child Custody Cases
At Baxter Family Law, we provide comprehensive, trauma-informed representation for custody matters throughout Colorado. Our approach recognizes that child custody cases involve more than legal strategy—they affect your child’s future and your ongoing relationship with them.
We understand Colorado’s unique framework. While many people search for “child custody,” we know Colorado’s parenting time and decision-making system. We translate your concerns into legal terms that courts recognize while explaining what to expect from Colorado’s legal process.
We have extensive experience with high-conflict custody disputes. Whether you’re dealing with domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, parental alienation, or simply an uncooperative co-parent, we’ve successfully represented clients through complex custody battles.
We provide trauma-informed representation. If you’re leaving an abusive relationship or recovering from narcissistic abuse, we understand how trauma affects your ability to advocate for yourself. We handle the legal battle while you focus on healing and caring for your child.
We’re LGBTQ+ affirming. Our practice welcomes families of all configurations and understands the unique challenges LGBT+ parents may face in establishing custody rights or dealing with discrimination.
We prioritize your child’s best interests while protecting your parental rights. These goals align more often than parents realize. Courts want children to have strong relationships with both parents when safe. We help you demonstrate why your proposed custody arrangement serves your child while protecting your role in their life.
Preparing for Your Custody Consultation
When you meet with us to discuss your custody case, bring:
- Any existing court orders regarding custody, parenting time, or decision-making
- Documentation of your involvement in your child’s life (school communications, medical appointments, activity participation)
- Your child’s current schedule (school, activities, therapy, etc.)
- Evidence of any safety concerns (police reports, protective orders, threatening messages)
- Questions about your specific situation and goals
This consultation is confidential. We’ll discuss your situation honestly, explain Colorado law as it applies to your case, identify strengths and potential challenges, and develop a strategy for protecting your parental rights and your child’s best interests.
Protecting Your Parental Rights and Your Child’s Future
Child custody disputes rank among the most stressful experiences families face. Whether you’re establishing initial custody arrangements, defending against modification attempts, or seeking changes to protect your child, understanding Colorado’s legal framework helps you make informed decisions.
Remember these essential principles:
Colorado prioritizes the best interests of the child above all else. Successful custody cases demonstrate how your proposed arrangement serves your child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
Both parents typically maintain significant rights regardless of parenting time divisions. Colorado’s framework recognizes that children benefit from strong relationships with both parents when safe and appropriate.
Documentation and credibility matter immensely. Courts decide cases based on evidence, not emotions. Keep detailed records of your involvement, any violations of orders, and factors affecting your child’s well-being.
The other parent’s relationship with your child is important unless safety concerns exist. Parents who support their child’s relationship with the other parent (even when personally difficult) gain credibility with courts.
Professional legal help significantly impacts outcomes. Child custody cases are too important to handle alone or risk mistakes that affect your child’s future and your relationship with them.
If your custody situation involves domestic violence, please don’t wait to seek help:
- Colorado Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-844-264-7877 (24/7, free, confidential)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
- TESSA (Colorado Springs): 719-633-3819
- 911 for immediate danger
At Baxter Family Law, we understand what’s at stake in child custody cases—your child’s wellbeing and your relationship with them for years to come. As your legal bestie, we combine legal expertise with compassionate, trauma-informed support tailored to your family’s unique needs.
Don’t navigate custody disputes alone. Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and learn how we can help protect what matters most.
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about child custody in Colorado and should not be construed as specific legal advice. Every family’s situation is unique and requires individualized assessment by qualified legal counsel. Attorney-client privilege is not established by reading this article. For information about your specific custody situation, please schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney.
