Child Custody Orders Look Very Different From Those of Years Past

Child custody orders in Colorado these days may look very different from those established 30 years ago. There are no other options than having a child live with one parent and having visitation with the other parent one weekday and every-other-weekend. The primary focus when it comes to child custody these days is what is in the best interests of the child.

For example, parents can choose "nesting". This is when each parent takes turns caring for the child in the family home. Parents may choose this child custody arrangement to provide the child with stability and to allow both of them to be involved in the child's life.

In addition, it used to be the case that most of the time the mother would have primary custody over the child, and the father would only have limited visitation with the child. These days, even if the mother has primary custody, fathers may be granted more overnight visits. This may include having weekend visitation starting on Friday and ending on Monday.

One study reports that children of preschool age do not have as many behavioral issues or psychological issues when their parents enjoy joint custody. Child custody is now seen as unique to each family's situation.

Options for custody are becoming more flexible. This way, parents and their child can establish a child custody schedule that meets everyone's needs, and that allows them to cooperatively co-parent in an effective manner. Divorce can be hard on a child, so making sure the child is able to retain a meaningful relationship with each parent is extremely important.

Source: Chicago Tribune, "Why modern custody agreements look so different: 'Anything goes, as long as the children are happy'," Danielle Braff, March 8, 2018

Tags: Child Custody

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