Colorado Child Custody Attorney

Fighting For Child Custody Rights During a Divorce in CO

For most of our clients, the most difficult part of a divorce is child custody. The ability to raise your child and spend time with them is one of a parent’s most fundamental rights, and at Johnson Law Group, we appreciate how hard it is to negotiate parenting time and decision-making authority with your ex-spouse.
We work with our clients to understand their objectives and fight for their child custody rights during a divorce. Our team diligently prepares for every case by gathering all relevant documents, consulting with experts if needed, and thoroughly understanding the specifics of Colorado family law to advocate effectively on your behalf.

Contact us today at (720) 744-3513 to set up a consultation with one of our Colorado child custody lawyers.

Colorado Encourages Equal Parenting Time in Custody Disputes

Although you are not guaranteed equal parenting time, it is important to know that Colorado recognizes the value of a child having a relationship with both parents. The Colorado legislature has declared that it is generally preferable to encourage frequent contact between both parents and their minor children after a divorce. However, co-parenting is not always appropriate, and the courts must always consider the best interests of the children when settling a custody dispute. We prioritize this by creating personalized strategies that take into account each family's unique dynamics and the specific needs of the children.

Parents often want to know how these principles will apply in their own situation and whether they are likely to receive equal or majority parenting time. A child custody attorney in Colorado can explain how judges in different Colorado judicial districts, such as those serving Denver and Jefferson Counties, tend to apply the “frequent and continuing contact” standard in real-world cases. By reviewing your past caregiving role, work schedule, and any concerns about safety or communication, your child custody attorney can help you understand what types of parenting plans may be realistic and what evidence can support the arrangement you are seeking.

What to Expect in Colorado Courts During a Child Custody Process

The Colorado court system takes several factors into account when deciding on custody issues, emphasizing a child's overall welfare. Judges consider the child's relationship with each parent, the parent's ability to foster a positive relationship with the other parent, and each parent's involvement in the child's life. At Johnson Law Group, we prepare our clients for court proceedings, ensuring that they understand the processes involved and what to expect during hearings. This preparation includes assisting in presenting strong, evidence-based cases to support our clients' custody goals.

In many Colorado custody cases, parents will first encounter a status conference or initial hearing before a district court judge or magistrate, such as those serving the Denver District Court or Arapahoe County District Court. Before any contested hearing, you may be asked to attend mediation, complete a parenting class, or submit sworn financial statements and parenting plans. Our child custody lawyer in Colorado can walk you through these steps, help you prepare testimony and exhibits, and make sure you understand courtroom etiquette so you feel more confident when you appear before the judge.

Parenting Time vs. Decision-Making in Colorado Child Custody Laws

Whereas some states use the terms “physical custody” and “legal custody,” Colorado uses the terms “parenting time” and “decision-making.” Parenting time refers to the residence of the child, whereas decision-making refers to each parent’s right to make legal decisions on behalf of the minor child, such as healthcare or education decisions. When a court allocates the parental responsibilities in a child custody agreement, it must consider both parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. By understanding these distinctions, we can better assist parents in crafting fair agreements that reflect the child’s best interests while also addressing any unique circumstances that may affect these arrangements.

Parents frequently have questions about how parenting time schedules can be structured and whether decision-making must always be shared equally. Courts in Colorado can approve a wide range of schedules, from week-on/week-off arrangements to plans that give one parent school nights and the other parent extended weekends and holidays. Our custody lawyer in Colorado can help you think through practical details such as exchanges, transportation, and communication, and can also advise you on when it may be appropriate to request sole decision-making in areas like medical care or education if there are serious disagreements or safety concerns.

Understanding Joint and Sole Custody Structures in Colorado

When parents begin the custody process, they often hear terms like joint and sole parenting time or decision-making and are unsure what these structures look like in daily life. In Colorado, courts can award joint parenting time, joint decision-making, or a combination in which one parent has primary time but both share important choices about schooling, health care, and activities. A child custody lawyer Colorado parents turn to can help you evaluate which structure matches your child’s needs, your work schedule, and the level of cooperation that exists between you and the other parent.

Joint arrangements are common when both parents have been actively involved and can communicate well enough to make shared decisions, even if they do not agree on everything. Sole decision-making or primary parenting time may be considered when there are safety issues, long distances between homes, or a history of serious conflict that makes cooperation difficult. Parents in Denver, Colorado Springs, and other Colorado communities may also have questions about how joint or sole arrangements affect child support, holiday schedules, and the ability to relocate in the future. By discussing your goals, concerns, and any prior court history with your attorney, you can better understand how different custody structures might work in practice and what you may want to request from the court.

Modifications and Enforcement of Custody Agreements in Colorado

Child custody agreements in Colorado are designed to be flexible enough to adapt to changing family circumstances. If a significant change occurs, such as a new job requiring relocation, parents can request a modification of the custody arrangement. At Johnson Law Group, we assist in navigating these legal processes, ensuring that any modifications are in the best interests of the child and comply with Colorado law. We also represent clients in enforcement proceedings when one party fails to adhere to court-ordered responsibilities.

When pursuing a modification or enforcement action, the process may involve filing a motion, exchanging updated information, and appearing at a hearing so the judge can hear from both parents. Courts across Colorado, including those in counties such as El Paso and Boulder, will typically look for proof of a substantial and continuing change in circumstances before altering an existing order. Working with a custody lawyer in Colorado can help you gather records, communications, and witness testimony that show why a change is necessary or why the current orders should be enforced to protect your child and maintain stability.

Contact Our Child Custody Attorney in Colorado 

At Johnson Law Group, our primary goal is to protect your rights while advocating for outcomes that serve your family’s best interests. We approach every child custody case with care, understanding that these decisions affect not only your legal rights but also your child’s stability, well-being, and future.

Our experienced child custody attorneys in Colorado take the time to review your situation in detail and explain the legal options available to you. We develop personalized strategies based on your goals, your child’s needs, and the factors Colorado courts consider when making custody determinations. Whether your case involves negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we are prepared to guide you through each step with clarity and confidence.

Get compassionate, results-driven representation from a trusted child custody attorney in Colorado. Call (720) 744-3513 or contact us online today.