Colorado Family Law and International Family Law Blog

In Colorado, suing for paternity can help resolve a number of family law issues. When a mother is looking to collect child from a reluctant father, she can file a claim to determine paternity. This could lead to DNA testing, which could prove the man is the father and, thus, make him responsible for making child support payments.

Although child support disputes are one reason why a parent might sue to determine paternity, there are other reasons why a person might take a claim to family court. Determining paternity has become the subject of one case that taken some time to resolve. Although this story didn't originate in our state, it may prove to be informative for parents in the Littleton area.

During the 2012 election, Colorado voters made the decision to legalize recreational marijuana use. Since that time, state officials have been trying to decide the exact legal ramifications of this move, particularly since it is still illegal on a federal level. Because this is still a murky legal issue, it's not out of the question that it could have implications in the arena of family law.

Federal officials have yet to announce how they will approach the conflict between state and federal marijuana statutes. However, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder recently indicated that the effect of the drug on children will be a factor in whatever the Department of Justice decides.

Divorce creates change for entire families, and not just the spouses and their children. Colorado residents who have been through the divorce process know that grandparents are also impacted by their adult children's decision to split. While children are adjusting to their parents' divorce, grandparents can still play a critical part in their lives.

Of course, maintaining a relationship with grandchildren after divorce may require some thoughtful consideration, especially when looking at the distinct groups affected. Not only are grandchildren affected by interactions with grandparents, but so are both parents and the other set of grandparents. This is why it's important to respect the relationship children have with each of these people.

When Colorado parents have trouble obtaining visitation rights or court-ordered child support payments, state family law provides helpful options. One of the most frequently used legal tools in such cases is a paternity claim. By clearly establishing fatherhood, a custodial parent can receive financial support or a father may be able to spend time with his kid.

Recently, world-famous basketball player Michael Jordan became the subject of a paternity suit. According to the woman who filed the suit, Jordan is the biological father of her 16-year-old -- a claim the athlete roundly denied.