A divorce can be a challenging time in the life of any couple especially if there is a child. Child parenting time is one of the most difficult issues parents face while separating ways. A child decision-making agreement that is also referred to as the Colorado parenting program in Colorado, talks about the authority that each parent will get while raising their children and also about which parent will get the authority to make future life decisions for their children.

Parents' right falls under two main categories first is decision making and second is residential parent responsibility and both the parents are responsible for sharing the responsibility. If parents are not able to perform their duties, then the courts decide which parent is more capable of taking good care and is more responsible towards the child. 
In this blog, we will talk about the child's parenting time.

Types of decision making

Before you ever keep your foot in the courtroom, you should be familiar with the type of child parenting time. There are two types of decision-making: 

• Physical Parenting: Physical parenting is a parent's right to have the child reside with him or her. Physical parenting may be granted solely to one parent. It is rare for a parent to have sole physical parenting of a child, however, unless the court finds his or her co-parent to be unfit.
• Legal parenting time: This talks about the authority to make important decisions regarding the child's upbringing. Those include decisions about schooling, religion, extracurricular activities, medical care, etc. When one parent has sole decision-making responsibilities, he or she can make these major decisions without the other parent's consent. Depending on the condition the court may divide these parenting times into different arrangements. In some situations, both the legal and physical decision-making power are authorized by the same parent.

Parenting Time

Your child's decision-making lawyer in Denver will educate you about parenting time and responsibility. In actuality, “parenting time” is an outdated term. Today's courts use the term “allocation of parental responsibility” to refer to the same concept.

No decision made in a divorce court is made lightly. When deciding parenting time and responsibility, your Colorado divorce attorney will fight for both your preferences and those of your child. The court will also consider the wishes and history of both parents and all children involved.

For example, if one parent has a known history of drug use, criminal conduct, or neglecting responsibilities, the court will weigh in favor of the more responsible and stable parent. If the children involved in the parenting time battle are old enough to state their preferences, their wishes will also play a role.

If one parent wants more or less parenting time, the court will also consider their wishes. However, the court will always work to find a solution that favors the long-term health and well-being of the entire family.

Understanding Parenting Plans in Colorado

During the divorce process, parents should always attempt to work out their agreed-upon parenting plan in the best interests of their child rather than leave the decision in the hands of an impartial judge who could never fully understand each child's needs and desires as well as the child's parents. 

To this end, parents should fill out a parenting plan form issued by the state. The form addresses parenting concerns through the following prompts:

Where the child should primarily live throughout the school year?

How do parents plan to make decisions regarding the child, either separately, jointly, or with one parent making important decisions?

Where will the child spend major holidays, or how will parents divide holidays?

What if one parent decides to relocate?

Part of the parenting plan also offers tools to calculate child expenses and allocation of child support. A family attorney can help parents navigate the issues related to the complex parenting plan forms and child support calculations before the plan goes before the Colorado court system for approval.

Conclusion

Child parenting time refers to the rights and responsibilities parents have regarding their children. Responsibilities involve meeting the child's basic needs, including housing, health care, education, and fulfillment of emotional needs.
Rights include having the power to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing and spending adequate time with the child, as it is in the child's best interest to have both parents in their life. After a legal separation or divorce in Colorado, parents should agree on a parenting time plan to define responsibilities and obtain parenting time.

For expert legal guidance, consider consulting the best family lawyers in Denver. Our Jennifer Anntoinette Rivera & Associates, handpicked by renowned attorney Jennifer Rivera, understand what it takes to protect the rights of parents and other parties seeking parenting timing rights. Visit us to schedule a case evaluation with a Jennifer Anntoinette Rivera & Associates family law attorney.