Child custody
Protect your relationship with your childrenChild-focused, prepared, and steady.
A custody dispute can feel like the most important fight of your life, because it is. You want stability for your children and a meaningful role in their lives. We help you pursue that with a plan the court can trust.
Colorado courts focus on the child’s best interests, and they pay close attention to evidence and to how each parent behaves during the case. We know how the other side will try to frame the facts, and we help you build a credible, child-centered record from the start.
How custody works in Colorado
Parental responsibilities, explained
Colorado law uses the term “allocation of parental responsibilities” instead of custody. It has two parts:
Parenting time
The schedule for when the child is with each parent, including holidays, vacations, and exchanges.
Decision-making
Who makes major decisions about education, health care, and religion. It can be joint or allocated to one parent.
Courts consider many factors, including the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, each parent’s ability to encourage the child’s relationship with the other parent, and any history of abuse or domestic violence. The child’s wishes may be considered depending on age and maturity.
Our custody services
Help for every stage of a custody case
Parenting plans
Clear, workable schedules and decision-making terms.
Emergency custody
Fast action when a child faces immediate danger.
Relocation
Seeking or opposing a move with a child.
Modification
Changing orders when the plan no longer fits.
Parenting time enforcement
When the other parent will not follow the order.
Child support
Accurate support that follows the guidelines.
Protect your case
What helps, and what hurts
What helps
- Staying involved in your child’s daily life, school, and activities
- Following temporary orders exactly
- Communicating respectfully, preferably in writing
- Keeping a simple log of parenting time and important events
What hurts
- Speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child
- Withholding parenting time without a court order
- Posting about the case on social media
- Moving with the child without agreement or a court order
Thinking about leaving with your children? Read Can I Leave With My Children in Colorado? and What Colorado Judges Look For in High-Conflict Custody Cases.
Military parents
Deployment-aware parenting plans
Deployments and PCS moves require parenting plans that anticipate long absences and changing locations. See military divorce and the Veterans & Military hub.
Local help
Custody help across the metro
See child custody in Denver and Highlands Ranch, or all areas we serve.
FAQ
Common questionsStraight answers about your situation.
Does Colorado favor mothers or fathers?
No. Colorado law does not presume that either parent should be favored. The court decides based on the child’s best interests.
At what age can a child choose where to live?
There is no set age. A child’s wishes may be considered depending on maturity, but they do not automatically control the outcome.
Can a custody order be changed?
Yes, when the legal standard for modification is met. The standard depends on the type of change requested.
What if the other parent will not follow the parenting plan?
Document each violation and talk to us. Courts can enforce parenting time orders and order remedies.
Don’t see your question? Call (720) 334-7305 for a free consultation.
Keep reading
Related servicesWhere to go next.
Parenting Plan Attorney in Colorado
Clear parenting time and decision-making plans that work.
Emergency Child Custody in Colorado
Fast, focused action when a child’s safety is at risk.
Child Custody Modification Attorney in Colorado
Changing parenting time or decision-making when life changes.
Relocation Child Custody Attorney in Colorado
Seeking or opposing a move-away with your child.
Can I Leave With My Children in Colorado?
What to know before moving out with your children.
Family Law Attorney in Colorado
Divorce, custody, support, alimony, property, and prenups.
Free Consultation
Free Consultation
Tell us what is happening. We will listen, explain your options in plain language, and give you a clear next step. Your consultation is free and confidential.
This page provides general information about Colorado law, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different, and past experience does not guarantee a particular outcome.