In Colorado, traditional “custody” terminology has been replaced with “allocation of parental responsibilities.” This phrase encompasses two core components: parenting time (the schedule under which each parent has physical care of the child) and decision-making responsibility (authority over major areas such as education, healthcare, extra-curricular activities and religious upbringing). The paramount consideration in allocating these responsibilities is the best interests of each child, with particular emphasis on the child’s safety and physical, mental, and emotional needs.
When the parties are unable to reach an agreement allocating parental responsibilities, the Court evaluates a range of factors, including the wishes or the parents, the historical relationship between each parent and the child, the ability and willingness of each parent to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, and any history of domestic violence or abuse, among other factors. These determinations are deeply fact-intensive and case-specific and require careful fact-based analysis and thorough presentation of evidence.
Our firm represents parents in initial allocation of parental responsibilities, modifications of existing orders, and relocation matters. We bring both legal experience and the sensitivity that parental responsibilities cases require. We understand that these matters define your family’s daily life, and we treat them with corresponding importance.
