The options for child custody in Colorado are limitless. As your child custody lawyers we advise that mothers and fathers have equal rights, and the law views shared custody or "parenting time" as beneficial to both parents and children. Unless there is evidence of mistreatment or the parents have problems with drugs, alcohol or other issues, the divorce court will likely order shared custody.
To find out what this means in reality and what you can do to obtain a parenting plan that is workable for you and beneficial for your children, please contact my law firm - the Law Offices of Doddridge C. Shelby, LLC - for a free Denver divorce consultation.
Parenting time in Colorado may involve both creative and traditional elements:
Some plans call for 50/50 custody while in some cases, the children reside with one parent for most of the time, the other parent on weekends and alternate spending holidays between one parent and the other.
In some situations, restricted or supervised visitation can be ordered.
The children's wishes are considered in addition to what the parents want. Children must be mature enough to voice their wishes, but there is no minimum age requirement for this in Colorado.
The relationship between siblings and other important people (like grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles) may be taken into consideration, along with the children's needs regarding home, extracurricular and community activities.
Ultimately, child custody will be decided based on what it is deemed to be the "best interests" of the children. Are you concerned about safeguarding your rights as a parent? Contact us today!