Child Custody Attorneys in Colorado
Guiding Families with Compassion
At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we believe families and children need compassionate, knowledgeable legal support when working through the complexities of child custody disputes.
With over 30 years of experience, our dedicated family law attorneys are committed to protecting your child's best interests while helping you reach a swift resolution that honors your unique family dynamic.
We have a deep understanding of the nuances of family law and know each child custody case requires a custom strategy. Our approach enables us to eliminate common roadblocks. We will advocate on your behalf, ensuring your voice is heard and your child’s best interests are served. Don’t face child custody issues alone. Contact our Colorado child custody team now!
Navigating Child Custody in Colorado
In our state, child custody (also known as “Allocation of Parental Responsibilities”) refers to two critical aspects:
- Parenting time: when the child will be in the care of each parent, whether it be weekdays, weekends, holidays, or vacations.
- Decision-making authority: the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing. This may include choices related to education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare decisions.
These elements are critical in family law cases such as divorce, legal separation, annulment, paternity, and child support issues. In such cases, many parents are unsure if or when they should file for custody. The simplest answer is that if you share a child with someone, you can file for custody.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or reluctant to initiate the child custody process or struggling with ongoing custody issues, please reach out to our experienced team. We will help you:
- Better understand the nuances of parenting time and decision-making authority
- Initiate and simplify the process of filing for child custody—or help you modify your current custody arrangement
- Develop a personalized custody arrangement that serves your child’s best interests
- Ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard
For more information on how to begin this process or overcome current child custody obstacles, contact our team at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C.
Shared Parenting in Colorado: Moving Beyond "Custody"
Our state approaches child custody with a focus on what is best for the child—one reason Colorado has moved away from traditional terms like "sole" or "joint" custody. This shift was made to remove the notion of "winning" and "losing" and reframe how families approach child custody cases.
What does this mean for your family? In Colorado, parents will likely share:
- Parenting Time: To encourage strong, nurturing relationships with each parent.
- Decision-Making Duties: To ensure both parents have a voice in matters regarding the child’s welfare, education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
- Responsibilities: To ensure both parents contribute to the child’s wellbeing. Assigning one parent all responsibilities is rare in Colorado and is usually reserved for situations where the child's welfare is at risk.
Our experienced family law team understands Colorado's perspective on parental responsibilities. We are here to guide you through the parenting plan process, creating one that reflects your child's best interests. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common arrangements for child custody?
Child custody decisions are complex, and various factors must be taken into account to determine the best arrangement for the child.
Generally, the court evaluates the potential benefits of the child being raised by both parents, which might involve moving between homes, against the stability of living in a single location. Commonly, the court may decide that one parent should have solephysical care, allowing the child to have a primary residence, while both parents share legal custody, ensuring they both have a say in important decisions about the child's life. In this scenario, the non-custodial parent is typically granted parenting time to maintain a relationship with the child.
What are common factors in child custody laws?
- A child’s preferences—if they are sufficiently mature enough to understand the effects of their input—and each parent's preferences.
- A child’s adjustments to a new community, school, and home life.
- Parents’ ability to share responsibility and maintain positive communication/relationships.
- The geographic location of parents/guardians in relation to one another, as this can impact parenting time.
- The nature of the relationships between a child and each parent, as well as other relatives or individuals the child may come into contact with regularly.
- The history of parents’ involvement in the child’s life and indications of their ability to provide support and a positive home and meet commitments.
How can I modify a child custody agreement?
You will need to demonstrate that there has been a significant change in your circumstances or the child's since the last agreement was established. This could include a job change, moving to a new location, or adjustments in your child's needs.
Our Colorado family law attorneys are adept at navigating these complex situations. We will work hard to ensure the focus remains on how these changes serve the best interests of your child.
What is sole decision-making responsibility?
While Colorado courts prefer that both parents share decision-making responsibilities, less commonly they will grant one parent the authority to make major decisions about the child and their welfare. However, the parent with decision-making authority may still be required to get input from the other parent before making major decisions.
How do courts handle visitation rights for the non-custodial parent?
The court's priority is to maintain the child's relationship with both parents, provided it's in the child's best interest. Parenting time is tailored to encourage a meaningful relationship with the non-custodial parent. Our lawyers will work with you to develop a parenting time plan that respects your family's unique circumstances while focusing on the child's well-being.
Can my child choose which parent to live with?
While a child's preference is considered, it's only one of many factors the court weighs. The significance given to this preference depends on the child's age and maturity. It's a delicate balance to ensure the child's voice is heard without placing undue pressure on them during the custody process.
Guiding Families to Positive Child Custody Outcomes
Navigating parenting decisions can be complex and emotionally challenging. If you need compassionate guidance, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process. Let our trusted Colorado family law attorneys advocate for your family and secure a positive outcome. Contact us today!
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