FAQ

In Colorado, “child custody” is legally referred to as parental responsibilities, which include both decision-making authority and parenting time. Courts always focus on the child's best interests when allocating these responsibilities.

Colorado courts consider multiple factors, including:

• Each parent's past and current involvement in the child's life
• The child's unique physical, emotional, and educational needs
• The parents' ability to cooperate and make decisions together
• The child's relationship with each parent

No single factor determines the outcome; judges look at the entire situation to make a balanced decision.

Legal custody (decision-making): This refers to who makes major decisions about the child's education, medical care, religion, and other important matters.

Physical custody (parenting time): This refers to where the child primarily lives and how parenting time is scheduled.

Colorado courts often encourage shared responsibilities when it supports the child's well-being.

No. Colorado custody laws are gender-neutral. Mothers and fathers are treated equally, and decisions are based solely on what best supports the child's welfare—not on the parent's gender.

Yes. Colorado courts increasingly recognize the value of both parents in a child's life. If a father is involved, responsible, and able to meet the child's needs, he can absolutely obtain joint or even primary custody.

When parents are unmarried, paternity must first be legally established before custody or child support can be addressed. Once paternity is confirmed, the case proceeds under the same legal standards as any other custody matter.

Yes. A parenting plan can be modified if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, such as:

• One parent relocating
• Unsafe or unstable living conditions
• Major changes to the family's work or school schedule

You may file a motion to enforce parenting time. Courts can:

• Order makeup parenting time
• Impose fines or penalties
• Modify existing orders if violations are repeated or serious

Yes. Colorado permits grandparents to request visitation in certain circumstances when it benefits the child. Custody may be considered only in more serious situations, typically when parental care is unsafe or unavailable.

Child custody cases are often emotionally challenging and legally complicated. Working with an experienced Denver child custody attorney can help:

• Protect your parental rights
• Strengthen your case with proper evidence and documentation
• Ensure your parenting plan is clear, enforceable, and in your child's long-term best interests