Mothers’ Rights Attorney in Denver

Colorado Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

Colorado uses allocation of parental responsibilities for what many parents call child custody. This framework has two central parts: parenting time, which determines when a child is with each parent, and decision-making responsibility, which concerns authority over important choices affecting the child.

A court may allocate decision-making responsibility jointly to both parents, individually to one parent, or through a combination of shared and individual authority. The structure depends on the child’s best interests, not a presumption that a mother or father automatically receives a particular arrangement.

Best Interests of the Child & Safety Concerns

Colorado courts decide allocation of parental responsibilities according to the best interests of the child. The child’s safety and physical, mental, and emotional needs receive paramount consideration.

Courts may consider:

• Each parent’s relationship with the child
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
• The mental and physical health of everyone involved

The court evaluates each family’s circumstances rather than applying the same arrangement in every case.

Additional restrictions may apply when a case involves allegations of child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or sexual assault resulting in conception. In those circumstances, Colorado law restricts mutual decision-making responsibility over the other party’s objection unless credible evidence shows that the parties can make decisions cooperatively and safely.

Parenting Plans & Denver District Court Proceedings

An allocation of parental responsibilities case may begin as part of a dissolution of marriage or legal separation. It may also begin through a separate petition in the county where the child permanently resides or is found. Denver District Court handles domestic relations matters for Denver, including dissolution and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings.

Both parties may submit a parenting plan addressing parenting time and decision-making responsibility. A detailed plan may set schedules and explain how major choices will be made. If the parties don’t submit an approved plan, the court formulates one.

Modifying & Enforcing Parenting & Support Orders

Family circumstances and compliance issues can continue after an initial order is entered. Modification proceedings address requests to change existing orders, while enforcement actions address failures to follow current requirements. The applicable standards and available steps depend on the order and the facts behind the request.

We handle modification of previous orders and enforcement actions involving child custody and parenting time. We also represent clients in child support and spousal support matters, which may arise alongside allocation of parental responsibilities.

When there’s concern that a child may be improperly removed or retained, we handle abduction prevention matters. We assess the family’s circumstances and existing orders to identify the legal issues requiring immediate attention.