Allocation of Parental Responsibility Colorado
Experienced and Compassionate Attorneys for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities in Colorado
Allocation of parental responsibility in Colorado is an essential part of developing a parenting plan when going through a separation with minor children. Along with establishing a parenting time schedule, separating parents must also establish their respective rights with regard to important decisions on their children’s behalf.
If you are preparing to go through a separation with children in Colorado, allocating parental responsibility will be an important part of the process. In Colorado, the law generally favors ensuring that both parents will be able to maintain a positive and meaningful relationship with their children, and it does not inherently favor one parent over the other.
Our family law attorneys help separating parents establish parenting time schedules and decision-making authority. Whether you and your child’s other parent are largely in agreement or you need to fight for your desired parenting rights, we can assist you throughout the process. Our attorneys have extensive experience serving as parents’ advisors and legal representatives, and we can use our experience to help you make informed and confident decisions taking into account all relevant factors.
There Are Two Aspects to Allocating Parental Responsibility During a Separation, Divorce, or Custody Case
When a parent files for a legal separation, dissolution of marriage, or custody in Colorado, allocating parental responsibility is a key part of the legal process. As noted above, Colorado law generally favors ensuring that both parents continue to play a meaningful role in their child’s life—though there are exceptions for cases such as when one parent is incarcerated, struggles with mental health or sobriety issues, or has committed domestic violence.
There are two aspects to allocating parental responsibility in Colorado:
Allocation of Parenting Time
Allocation of parenting time is deciding how the children will divide their time between the respective parent’s homes. Parents have various options for allocating parenting time, though all parenting time arrangements must reflect the best interests of the children involved.
Allocation of Parental Decision-Making Responsibility
A child’s parents must also allocate parental decision-making responsibility during their separation, divorce, or custody case in Colorado. This covers important decisions related to the child’s mental and physical health, education, as well as other decisions that have the potential to impact the child’s development and the child’s well being.
Understanding Colorado’s “Best Interests” Factors for Allocation of Parental Responsibility
When determining allocation of parental responsibility in Colorado, Judges must apply the state’s “best interests” factors during a separation, divorce, or custody case. These factors include (but are not limited to):
- Each parent’s ability to meet their children’s needs and provide physical care
- The children’s relationship with other family or household members
- The child’s wishes (in appropriate cases)
- Any past pattern or present evidence of domestic violence or abuse
- Any other factor that may significantly affect the child’s wellbeing
From overnight parenting time to supervised parenting time, and from co-parenting to sole custody, we help our clients consider all appropriate options based on the specific factors of each case. While each parent can (and should) consider his or her own needs as well, they must ultimately put the needs of their child ahead of their own.
Our Attorneys Also Assist with Child Support and Other Related Matters
Along with allocation of parental responsibilities, our attorneys also assist parents with all other child-related matters as well. This includes (but is not limited to):
Calculating Child Support
Colorado law typically requires child support payments until the child turns 19 (though there are exceptions). Parents must accurately calculate their respective child support obligations in accordance with the state’s guidelines.
Enforcing Child Custody and Child Support in the Colorado Courts
If necessary, we can help you enforce your parental rights in the Colorado courts. The courts take efforts to interfere with a parent’s relationship with their child seriously, and there are various court procedures for enforcing child support payment obligations.
Dealing with Instances of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence
If your former spouse or partner has committed child abuse, sexual assault, or any other form of domestic violence—or if you have concerns about your child’s physical health or your child’s safety—we can help you immediately. Experiencing abuse or witnessing domestic violence can have significant and long-term effects on a child’s emotional development and well being, and there are strong legal protections available when necessary.
FAQs: Establishing (and Protecting) Your Parental Rights in Colorado
Can I (or my former spouse or partner) seek to restrict the other parent’s parenting time?
Yes, but only if there are concerns that the child is in imminent danger with the other parent. . If you have concerns about your child’s physical or emotional safety, you should immediately consult with an experienced attorney. If your concerns do not rise to the level of imminent danger, an attorney can discuss other options with you to address those concerns and ensure the well being of the child.
What if my former spouse or partner violates our court order establishing child custody or child support?
If your former spouse or partner violates your parental rights or fails to pay child support as ordered, you will have clear legal rights. Our attorneys can help you in this scenario as well; and, here too, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options.
What if I am concerned about being able to communicate effectively with my former spouse or partner about our child?
This is a common scenario. If being able to communicate effectively is among your primary concerns, our attorneys can help you develop a parenting plan that minimizes unnecessary communication while protecting your child’s best interests.
Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation
To get started, contact us today. Call 303-593-1874 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.