Caring Representation in Parenting Disputes
Child custody issues are often some of the most difficult and delicate issues to be decided in divorce or between unmarried parents. Most parents are concerned about how their relationships with their children will be affected by this process and about how their time with their children will change.
At Hulen & Leutwyler, LLC, we understand how difficult this time can be for parents and how emotionally distressing it can be for parents and children. We work to achieve amicable solutions that are focused on the needs and best interests of your children throughout divorce and custody disputes, while also preserving your goals. We invite you to contact our law firm to arrange a free consultation with our child custody lawyers. In Littleton, Colorado, our law firm represents parents throughout the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs.
Understanding Colorado Child Custody Laws
Colorado law no longer uses the terms "child custody" or "visitation" to identify the rights and responsibilities of divorced or unmarried parents. Rather, the law utilizes the terms "parenting time" and "allocation of parental responsibility." Therefore, whether custody issues are decided through an agreement or by the court, it is necessary that both parenting time and allocation of parental responsibilities are each thoroughly addressed.
- Parenting time: Parenting time refers to the time a child spends with each parent. Courts identify the primary care parent as the parent with the most overnights with the child. Parenting time can be tailored to the unique needs of each case, particularly if an agreement is negotiated with the assistance of an experienced lawyer. We can help you address unique schedule issues and other needs to fit the plan to your situation and the best interests of your children.
- Allocation of parental responsibilities: The allocation of parental responsibilities involves allocating how decisions should be handled on important issues such as education, religious upbringing, health care and other critical issues in the child's life. Parental responsibilities can be shared (where parents agree to make important decisions together) or may be allocated (where certain decisions are allocated separately to each parent). In some situations, a parent may have sole authority over all parental responsibilities.
Our family law attorneys offer compassionate and dedicated guidance as we help you understand the laws in Colorado, understand your goals and work to establish a negotiated child custody arrangement that thoroughly addresses parenting time and allocation of parental responsibilities. We also offer mediation services to resolve custody and family law disputes. If an agreement cannot be reached, we have the trial experience necessary to take your case to court.
Littleton and Highlands Ranch Custody Modification Lawyers
Situations are bound to change as your children grow older. While in many instances, these changes are minor, in other instances, it is necessary to revisit the custody order to determine if it is still in alignment with the best interests of the children. Examples of changes that may require a modification of parenting time or allocation of parental responsibilities following your original divorce decree or custody orders include:
- A parent jeopardizes the safety and well-being of the child/children
- A parent is no longer able to care for the child due to an alcohol or drug problem resurfacing
- A parent needs to relocate with or without the child
- A parent subjects a child to physical, verbal or emotional abuse, or neglect
Our family law attorneys can help you pursue or contest modification of child custody/parenting time and address underlying issues, such as restraining orders/protective orders.
Contact Our Littleton Child Custody Attorneys
If you have questions about the custody laws in Colorado or would like to discuss the specifics of your case with a lawyer, schedule a free consultation with the attorneys at Hulen & Leutwyler, LLC. Please contact us online or call us at 303-731-6254 or toll free at 888-717-7891.
