Custody Attorney
At Philip Goldberg PC, we represent clients facing child custody issues in Colorado. When it comes to a child’s wellbeing, you need an experienced and compassionate Denver child custody lawyer on your side. We offer high-quality and personalized service.
Contact our office to request an appointment for a family law consultation.
Child Custody in Colorado
Colorado has eliminated the concept of “child custody” and in its place substituted the concepts of “parenting time” and “decision making” for a child. It was thought that the term “custody” connoted a sense of ownership over the child and distracted from the proper focus which was the parents’ responsibilities to their children. Often, these issues arise when parents get divorced, but other circumstances may necessitate the allocation of parental responsibilities.
Colorado law generally considers fit parents of a child as entitled to some amount parenting time and decision-making responsibility for their child. The court decides parental responsibilities based on the best interests of the child.
Parental Responsibilities Proceedings
Colorado has eliminated the concept of “child custody” and in its place substituted the concepts of “parenting time” and “decision making” for a child. It was thought that the term “custody” connoted a sense of ownership over the child and distracted from the proper focus which was the parents’ responsibilities to their children. Often, these issues arise when parents get divorced, but other circumstances may necessitate the allocation of parental responsibilities.
Colorado law generally considers fit parents of a child as entitled to some amount parenting time and decision-making responsibility for their child. The court decides parental responsibilities based on the best interests of the child.
Parenting Plan
Either party with a right to pursue custody may submit a proposed parenting plan or child custody agreement for the court’s consideration. The court may adopt all or part of either party’s proposed parenting plan. The court may also develop a parenting plan.
Parenting Time Rights
The court must consider various factors to determine the child’s best interest when allocating parenting time.
The factors for consideration include:
The court may not consider a party’s conduct or characteristics that do not affect that party’s relationship to the child. For example, the court may not consider a party’s gender, reasons for divorce, or that a party left home due to domestic violence committed by the other party. Child custody and visitation rights are intended to further the best interest of the child.
Decision Making Rights
The court allocates the decision-making responsibility to further the child’s best interest. The court typically assigns decision-making responsibility for significant issues, like healthcare and education. Regardless of decision-making responsibilities, either party may provide the child with emergency medical treatment when required.
The factors for consideration include:
Child Custody FAQs
Experienced Family Law Attorney
Philip Goldberg PC specializes in family law, including issues with parental responsibilities. With a vast knowledge of the law and a compassionate approach, we protect our client’s rights and achieve positive outcomes in the child’s best interests.
Contact us today to discuss your parental rights.