Centennial Child Custody Lawyer

Best Child Custody Attorney in Centennial, CO

When parents separate or divorce, some of the first legal questions they face involve their children. A Centennial child custody lawyer can help you understand Colorado’s child custody laws and provide practical guidance about parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, and the legal process. Child custody matters are highly fact-specific and vary depending on the needs of the children involved.

About Us

Attorney Susan Fuller founded Fuller & Ahern, P.C. in 1997 after pursuing litigation and client-focused strategies while raising her own children. Since opening our law office, Ms. Fuller has helped Colorado families with practical legal advice for over two decades.

Combined, our attorneys have over 75 years of experience helping clients and remain committed to providing each family with individual attention, honest advice, and clear communication. Fuller & Ahern, P.C., serves families located in Centennial, Parker, Denver, and throughout other Colorado communities.

Our clients enjoy convenient access to the Arapahoe County Justice Center, which houses the 18^th Judicial District Arapahoe County Family Court, located in Centennial at 7325 S. Potomac Street, Suite 100, near the Broncos Parkway Trailhead and the Centennial Airport.

Understanding Colorado Child Custody Laws

Colorado refers to child custody as parental responsibilities. Parental responsibilities include parenting time as well as decision-making responsibility for the child. Parenting time determines how the child spends time between parents. Decision-making responsibility determines who has the authority to make decisions about the child’s education, health care, religious upbringing, and other major issues.

Colorado courts determine parenting time according to the child’s best interests, as defined in Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-124. The court does not issue automatic parenting orders favoring the mother over the father or vice versa. Colorado has a marriage rate of 7.8 per 1,000 and a divorce rate of 2.8 per 1,000. Additionally, 24% of all live births are to unmarried mothers, highlighting the need for effective child custody orders.

How Courts Decide What Is in the Child’s Best Interests

When parents cannot reach an agreement, the court looks at several factors to influence its ruling for a parenting order. The factors that are considered are listed below:

• Each parent’s willingness to allow the other parent to maintain a relationship with the child.
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community.
• The mental and physical health of all individuals involved.
• Past and current conduct of the parents, including each parent’s history of providing care for the child.
• The wishes of the child, if they are mature enough to express reasoned preferences.

If allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect are presented to the court, the judge looks at those issues closely. It is the court’s duty to approve parenting time schedules that protect children’s physical and emotional well-being.

Parenting Plans for Child Custody Cases

In most child custody cases, parents must create a parenting plan for the court. A parenting plan allocates parental responsibilities between parents and should address the items listed below:

• Parenting schedules, including holidays, school breaks, and vacations
• Decision-making responsibility for major issues affecting the child
• Transportation and exchange information
• How parents plan to communicate with each other about the child

Parents who agree on a parenting plan can present the agreement to the court for approval. If the judge finds that the parenting plan is in the best interests of the child, they typically issue an order that matches the agreement. Parents who create a detailed parenting plan help prevent future conflicts by establishing clear expectations.

Modifying Child Custody Orders

It is common for families to experience life changes after child custody orders are entered. Parents can request a modification of an existing order when work schedules, relocation, or the child’s needs change, rendering the previous order ineffective. However, the legal standard that a parent must prove depends on the type of modification they seek.

Because different standards of proof apply to various modifications, speak with your Centennial child custody attorney about the requirements that apply to your situation.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer With Experience in Centennial Family Law Cases

Custody issues can be complicated, and Colorado has specific legal procedures parents must follow to request custody orders. When you hire an experienced and knowledgeable child custody lawyer, they can help you understand your rights, draft a parenting plan, and gather evidence to support your requests.

Fuller & Ahern, P.C., helps clients negotiate agreements when possible and represents them during mediation and court hearings. If necessary, we can assist with modification requests, enforcement, and relocation issues.

FAQs

Can Grandparents Seek Visitation Rights in Colorado?

Yes, grandparents may petition the court for visitation rights with their grandchildren in Colorado in specific situations under C.R.S. § 14-10-124.4. Grandparent visitation requests are limited to certain circumstances. For instance, grandparents may be granted rights after the parents of a child divorce or if one of the child’s parents dies. The court can decide if visitation would be in the best interests of the child before granting an order.

Can a Parenting Plan Include Rules About Introducing New Romantic Partners?

Yes, parents can mutually agree to terms about when children can meet new significant others and overnight guests in their parenting plan. Judges typically uphold these agreements as long as both parents agree to the terms and they are in the best interest of the child. Judges are unlikely to force this term on parents unless there is proof that it would be beneficial.

Can Parenting Time Be Adjusted as My Child Gets Older?

Yes, parenting time can be adjusted as your child gets older. As children grow, their needs change. School schedules, activities, jobs, and social lives can mean that the parenting schedule you already have is no longer practical. Parents may or may not agree to changes in a parenting plan. If you need to formally change the order, you may ask the court to modify it.

Are Child Custody Records Available to the Public?

Most records kept by family courts are available to the public. Records that specifically pertain to children may be sealed or closed to protect the privacy of the minors involved. However, some information may be granted additional protection from the public, such as highly personal information or a minor’s private information.

Request a Consultation From a Qualified Centennial Child Custody Attorney

At Fuller & Ahern, P.C., we treat child custody cases with the care and attention they need. We can help you in your case to advocate for your child’s best interests. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.