Colorado law no longer uses the terms "custody" or "visitation." Instead, in family law proceedings we consider the allocation of parental responsibilities.
Decision-making, which includes educational, medical and religious decisions.
Parenting time, which avoids the win-lose mentality of child custody and visitation. In Colorado, in all but the most extreme cases both parties will have as least some parenting time.
Usually decision-making responsibilities are shared between the two parties. However, if the parents can't agree, the judge could award sole decision-making responsibility to one parent.
While both parties have parenting time, it may be unequal. The child or children may live with one parent 90 percent of the time and with the other parent 10 percent of the time. The party with the majority of parenting time (meaning overnights) is often called the custodial parent.
When the parties are unable to resolve child custody issues, we can explore alternative ways of reaching a settlement.
We are experienced in representing parents, grandparents and other third parties in proceedings where a grandparent or third party seeks child custody and visitation rights.
A parent may wish to relocate outside of Colorado following a divorce, taking their child or children with them. Court approval is often required before this can happen. We are experienced both in requesting relocation and in representing the parent who opposes such a move.
In any divorce, parenting time, decision-making, and time schedules are subject to the continuing jurisdiction of the court. As children grow, their needs and schedules change. What was in the best interests of a child at age five might not be in the best interests at age 13. If parenting time changes, child support may also be affected.