If you are going through a divorce in Boulder and have minor children, you need a Boulder child custody attorney with a thorough understanding of Colorado law and the processes involved in the allocation of parental responsibilities.
At Stahly Mehrtens Miner LLC, our experienced Boulder child custody lawyers are here to help with family law issues. With offices in Boulder, Denver, and Steamboat Springs, our Boulder family law lawyers proudly represent clients throughout Northern Colorado. Call 303-797-2900 today to schedule a consultation with our Boulder child custody attorney.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“Their process was smooth, efficient, and easy to navigate. They were responsive, kind and patient.”
– Lena S.
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Meet Todd A. Stahly: Found and Partner
Mr. Stahly possesses extensive experience in managing intricate custody matters, including interstate disputes, parenting time, decision-making, parental alienation, and allegations of child abuse and neglect. Employing a child-centered approach, he crafts tailored solutions that prioritize the well-being of the child, fostering resolutions both in and out of the courtroom.
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Why Choose a Boulder Child Custody Lawyer from Stahly Mehrtens Miner LLC?
- Child-Centric Approach: When selecting a child custody attorney, our child custody attorneys in boulder prioritize the well-being and best interests of your children throughout the legal process.
- Understanding Your Family Dynamics: The experienced attorneys at our firm comprehensively evaluates your family dynamics, including the children’s needs and preferences, to help tailor a custody plan that fosters stability and positive relationships.
- Advocacy and Support: Our legal team values our attorney-client relationship. We strive to provide compassionate advocacy and unwavering support, ensuring your rights as a parent are protected while facilitating a smooth transition for your children.
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How Is Child Custody Determined in Colorado?
Creating A Comprehensive Parenting Plan
Co-Parenting Classes Are Required in Boulder Divorces
Contact Our Boulder Child Custody Attorneys Today
How Is Child Custody Determined in Colorado?
In Colorado, the allocation of parental responsibilities (also known as child custody) is decided based on what is in the best interest of the child. The court will look into several different factors before making a final decision.
A full list of factors that play a part in the Court’s decision (as outlined in Colorado Revised Statues (C.R.S.) 14-10-124) include:
- The wishes of the child’s parents as to parenting time
- The wishes of the child if he or she is sufficiently mature to express reasoned and independent preferences as to the parenting time schedule
- The interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or her parents, his or her siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interests;
- The child’s adjustment to his or her home, school, and community
- The mental and physical health of all individuals involved (disability alone is not a basis to deny or restrict parenting time)
- The ability of the parties to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other party
- Whether the past pattern of involvement of the parties with the child reflects a system of values, time commitment, and mutual support
- The physical proximity of the parties to each other as this relates to the practical considerations of parenting time
- The ability of each party to place the needs of the child ahead of his or her own need
There also may be additional considerations that are important to your case which are specific needs of your child and/or family.
Custody and Visitation vs Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time
The words “custody” and “visitation” were the main concepts used in Colorado for years. Over time, “visitation” was changed to parenting time and, in 1999 under the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) 14-10-103, the Colorado legislature replaced the term “custody” with the concept of parental responsibilities. The concept of parental responsibility includes decision-making ability and parenting time.
Previously, legal custody (decision-making authority) could be sole or joint, while physical residential custody (where the child spends most of the time) could be sole or shared. Now in Colorado, parents have parental responsibilities for their children and their decision-making abilities can be sole or joint.
This decision-making process and parenting time are set out in a parenting plan. A Boulder child custody lawyer can help you create this plan.
Creating A Comprehensive Parenting Plan
Creating a comprehensive parenting plan is a joint effort. Parents may work together to come up with a plan that works for both of them and submit the arrangements to the court for approval.
In Colorado, your parenting plan must be court-approved, and once approved it is legally binding. If parents cannot come to an agreement on what the plan should look like, then they can submit a proposal for the court to look at and use to make a final determination.
In the parenting plan, parents are encouraged to address topics pertaining to their child(ren) including:
- Specifications as to what days and weeks the child will live with which parent (including a plan for transportation between locations)
- Educational decisions
- Religious upbringing and participation
- The child’s holiday schedule (who they will spend which holidays with)
- Religious participation and upbringing
- Decisions related to participation in extracurricular activities
- Financial matters pertaining to child support, medical and health insurance, and how tax deductions will be allocated between the parents
- Any other factors that affect the physical or emotional health and well-being of the child
If you are pursing a child support agreement, whether it be a new agreement or filing to modify and existing one, our Boulder child support lawyer can help you.
Co-Parenting Classes Are Required in Boulder Divorces
In the state of Colorado, all parents going through the divorce process are required to attend a mandatory co-parenting class before the court will grant a divorce. Divorcing parents in Boulder can find a list of providers for these classes on the state court website.
In the 20th Judicial District (Boulder), the approved co-parenting seminars are offered as Zoom Videoconferences or online:
Zoom Videoconference Class
Steve Gimpel, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Offered in English Only
Cost: $40.00 per person
Duration: 2.5-hour class
Upon completion, your certificate will be filed for you by Boulder County Coparenting.
Online Parenting Classes
Offered in English and Spanish
Cost: $45.00 per person
Duration: 4-hour estimate
Upon completion, you will receive a completion certificate that you must file with the court.
Offered in English and Spanish
Cost: $45.95 per person
Duration: 4-hour estimate
Upon completion, you will receive a completion certificate that you must file with the court.
Contact Our Boulder Child Custody Attorney Today
At Stahly Mehrtens Miner LLC, our child custody attorney in Boulder is here to help you understand the legal process of child custody and visitation.
Our law firm wants to help you with your family law case and properly allocate parental responsibilities and create a parenting plan that is in the best interests of you and your child. Our Boulder family law attorney can also help with the modification of parenting plans should your circumstances change.
Our priority is protecting your rights and time with your child. To get started, call us at 303-797-2900 or contact us online today.