Parenting plans
Clear plans protect childrenVague plans invite conflict.
Colorado uses parenting plans to set parenting time and allocate decision-making responsibility. A plan that is too vague leads to arguments over exchanges, holidays, school, and travel. A plan that ignores real schedules falls apart quickly.
We help you build a plan that fits your child’s age and needs and your family’s actual life, and we draft it with enough detail to be enforceable. If the other parent proposes a plan that does not serve your child, we prepare a clear response. Related: child custody, custody modification, and parenting time enforcement.
What a Parenting Plan Addresses
One Plan. Every Detail That Matters.
A comprehensive parenting plan covers far more than a basic schedule—it addresses every area where confusion can arise between parents.
Physical custody schedule including overnights and daily routines.
Who makes major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion.
Holidays & Vacation
Holiday and vacation schedules to avoid yearly disputes.
Communication
How parents communicate about the child and exchange information.
Transportation
Exchange logistics and responsibility for drop-off and pick-up.
What Is a Parenting Plan in Colorado?
Parenting Time vs. Decision-Making Responsibility
Colorado Law Separates Two Key Concepts
Understanding the difference between these two areas is essential when building a plan that reflects your family’s needs.
- Parenting Time: Refers to when the child is physically with each parent
- Decision-Making: Refers to who makes major decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare
- These responsibilities may be shared or allocated to one parent depending on the situation
- Courts focus on the best interests of the child when determining both
Creating a Parenting Plan
A Plan That Works in Real Life, Not Just on Paper
A strong parenting plan does more than satisfy a court requirement. It gives both parents clarity and protects your child from unnecessary conflict.
- Reflect the child’s best interests
- Be detailed and specific
- Address both routine and unexpected situations
- Minimize opportunities for conflict
Parenting Time Schedule
We help structure a realistic schedule that reflects each parent’s availability and the child’s needs.
Decision-Making Allocation
We help determine whether joint or sole decision-making is appropriate based on your situation.
Holiday & Vacation Planning
A detailed holiday schedule prevents recurring disputes around important dates.
Communication Protocols
We establish how parents communicate to keep exchanges focused on the child’s welfare.
Exchange Logistics
Clear transportation and drop-off guidelines reduce friction at every handoff.
Contingency Planning
We address unexpected situations such as illness, travel, and schedule changes so they do not become conflicts.
Modifying a Parenting Plan
Life Changes. Your Plan Can Too.
Parenting plans are not always permanent. They can be modified when there is a significant change in circumstances.
- Changes in a parent’s schedule or location
- Changes in the child’s needs
- Safety concerns involving the child
- Repeated violations of the current plan
Enforcing a Parenting Plan
When the Other Parent Isn’t Following the Plan
If the other parent is not following the plan, legal action may be required. Enforcement options may include court motions, contempt proceedings, or plan modifications.
- Court motions to enforce parenting time
- Contempt of court proceedings
- Modifications to the existing plan
Factors Courts Consider in Colorado
What a Court Looks at When Deciding a Parenting Plan
When creating or modifying a parenting plan, courts focus on the best interests of the child. We help present your case in a way that aligns with these factors.
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide care
- Stability and consistency in the child’s life
- The child’s individual needs and well-being
Get Help With Your Parenting Plan Today
Create a Parenting Plan That Works—For You and Your Child.
Work with Trust Johnson Law to build a parenting plan focused on your child’s best interests, reducing conflict, and protecting your rights under Colorado law.
FAQ
Common questionsStraight answers about your situation.
What is the difference between custody and parenting time?
Parenting time refers to the physical time a child spends with each parent. Decision-making responsibility (legal custody) refers to who makes major life decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare. Colorado law treats these as separate issues.
Can a parenting plan be changed after it is finalized?
Yes—if there is a significant change in circumstances. Courts will consider modifications when a parent’s schedule or location changes, the child’s needs change, safety concerns arise, or the current plan is being repeatedly violated.
What happens if the other parent violates the parenting plan?
You may be able to take legal action to enforce the order. Options include filing a court motion to enforce parenting time, pursuing contempt of court proceedings, or seeking a modification of the existing plan.
Do I need an attorney to create a parenting plan in Colorado?
You are not legally required to have an attorney, but a poorly written plan can lead to ongoing conflict and costly court battles. An attorney helps ensure your plan is detailed, enforceable, and aligned with Colorado law.
<strong>Get Help With Your Parenting Plan Today</strong>
Don’t see your question? Call (720) 334-7305 for a free consultation.
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Relocation Child Custody Attorney in Colorado
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Child Custody Modification Attorney in Colorado
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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.