In Colorado, Child Custody Presumptions Are Changing
In the old days, moms would have custody of the kids after divorce, and dads would see them every other weekend. Today child custody is called parental responsibility, and some judges may start out with a presumption it should be split 50-50 for an older child unless there is a reason that is not in the child's best interests.
If you are a parent who is going through divorce, there are many issues relating to child custody that you probably haven't thought about. At the law firm of Buchholz, McDowell & Norman, our lawyers have more than 25 years of experience of helping families in the Denver-Boulder area draft workable parenting agreements.
Will You Need a Lawyer's Help?
If you are a parent who is going through a divorce, here are some of the child custody and visitation issues that could trigger the need for an attorney's help:
- Child custody disputes: If you and your spouse do not agree on a parenting plan, do you know what factors the court will use in making this decision?
- Parenting time: If your child will live primarily with your spouse, will you have enough time with your child to preserve your relationship? There are many things that are not covered in a standard parenting plan, such as extracurricular events and visits with grandparents.
- Overnight visits for younger children: At what age can a baby or toddler begin overnights with the parent the child is not living with?
- Unfit parents: Does your child need to be protected from a parent who has a problem with anger, drugs or alcohol?
- Your taxes: Exemptions for children will be allocated by the court. They don't always go to the parent with primary time with the child.
- Modifications: Parenting agreements are modifiable after divorce. Is there anything you should be aware of as to when and how parenting time may change?
- Disputes: These may be resolved by mediation or arbitration. Mediation and arbitration are faster and less expensive that going back to court. You and your attorney may want to discuss the benefits of appointing and using a parenting coordinator after the divorce is final.
Schedule a Free Attorney Consultation
To discuss your child custody case with a lawyer at Buchholz, McDowell & Norman, call 303-578-4215 or fill out the contact form on this site. We serve clients in the Denver-Boulder area.
