Fort Collins Child Custody Lawyers
Protecting your relationship with your children. Local attorneys who know Larimer County family court inside and out.
Colorado Doesn't Use "Custody"
Colorado law replaced "custody" with the term parental responsibilities, which is broken into two parts:
- Parenting Time: When each parent has the child -- what most people mean by "physical custody."
- Decision-Making Responsibility: Authority to decide on education, healthcare, and religious upbringing -- what most people mean by "legal custody."
How Larimer County Courts Decide
Colorado courts use the "best interests of the child" standard. Factors include:
- * The wishes of the parents and the child (depending on age and maturity)
- * The child's relationship with each parent and siblings
- * The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
- * The mental and physical health of all involved
- * Each parent's ability to encourage a relationship with the other parent
- * History of domestic violence or child abuse
- * Proximity of the parents' residences
Custody Issues We Handle
Initial Parenting Plans
Creating schedules and decision-making allocations in divorce.
Modifications
Updating parenting time or decision-making when circumstances change.
Relocation Cases
When one parent wants to move with the child -- or stop the other from moving.
Enforcement
When a parent violates the parenting plan.
Paternity & Unmarried Parents
Establishing rights when parents were never married.
Child & Family Investigator (CFI) Cases
Representing you when a CFI is appointed by the court.
Common Questions
Does Colorado favor mothers in custody cases?
No. Colorado law is gender-neutral. The court applies the "best interests of the child" standard equally to both parents.
At what age can a child choose which parent to live with?
Colorado has no specific age. The court may consider the wishes of a child mature enough to express a reasoned preference, but the child does not get to decide.
How is child support calculated?
Colorado uses a formula based on both parents' incomes, parenting time overnights, and health insurance/childcare costs. See our full breakdown.
Protect Your Time With Your Kids
Talk to a Fort Collins child custody attorney today.