Like other states, Colorado’s child custody laws are often confusing and complex—especially when combined with divorces and other matters of family law. If you are uncertain about the state’s laws, read this brief guide.
How Parental Responsibilities are Allocated
Colorado has discontinued the use of the term child custody in favor of allocation of parental responsibilities. These duties include who a child lives with, who makes their decisions, and when parenting time takes place. Divorce lawyers in Thornton, CO, often deal with matters of parental separation, paternity cases, and third-party care situations.
The Best Interests of the Child
Colorado’s courts allocate parental responsibilities based on the child’s best interests. In any event, the court may also consider the child’s and the parents’ wishes, depending on various factors. When evaluating a child’s interests, the court considers their safety and health, their developmental needs, each parent’s abilities, their time commitments, past domestic violence incidents, and other factors according to state law. The state doesn’t discriminate against parents because of their income, career, or gender.
Shared Parenting
Colorado, like other states, encourages the practice of shared parenting and gives parents the freedom to set their own schedules when possible. The courts often award shared responsibilities and equal time but in cases of unfitness, irregular work schedules, geographical distance, and safety concerns, the outcome may be different. Divorce lawyers in Thornton, CO, can offer more information on the state’s shared parenting rules.
Call Today
If you’d like to learn more about parenting and divorce in the state of Colorado, call a local lawyer today. Peek Family Law, LLC’s legal experience and resources allows the firm to handle the most complex cases while offering families sound advice. Call today to schedule an appointment or visit us for more details.
