Centennial Child Custody Attorneys

Common Issues in Child Custody Cases

• Disruption with Visitation : Visitation disruptions are one of the most common types of custody issues. In some cases, parents disrupt visitation times if the other parent isn’t paying child support. In other cases, a parent may fail to follow court orders, such as dropping off the child at the agreed time or place. These can become a major issue among parents, requiring them to go to court over and over.
• Parent Relocations: Parent relocations are another common issue that is present during custody cases. Often, the parent with sole custody of the child wants to move out-of-state, making visitation times difficult for the other parent. However, parent relocations cannot take place unless the court grants them permission.

Joint & Primary Parenting Responsibilities

In Colorado, child custody arrangements are typically referred to as "parental responsibilities", which include both decision-making responsibilities and parenting time. The state prioritizes the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. Here are the common types of custody arrangements in Colorado:

• Sole Decision-Making Responsibility: One parent has the exclusive authority to make major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. This is typically granted when the court believes joint decision-making would be harmful to the child, such as in cases of domestic violence or severe conflict between parents. The non-custodial parent may still have visitation rights but does not have input on major decisions.
• Joint Decision-Making Responsibility: Both parents share the responsibility of making important decisions about the child’s life. Colorado courts generally prefer this arrangement unless one parent is deemed unfit to co-parent effectively. It requires cooperation and good communication between the parents to make joint decisions in the best interest of the child.
• Primary Physical Custody: The child primarily lives with one parent, known as the custodial parent. The other parent typically has visitation rights or scheduled parenting time but does not have the child most of the time. This arrangement is often chosen when one parent is better suited to handle the child’s daily needs.
• Joint Physical Custody: The child spends significant and roughly equal time living with both parents. Parenting time is divided between both homes, often based on a set schedule. This arrangement works best when parents live near each other and can maintain consistent routines for the child.
• Split Custody: In families with multiple children, each parent may have primary custody of at least one child. This arrangement is less common because courts generally try to keep siblings together, but it may be appropriate if the children have different needs or stronger relationships with one parent.
• Bird's Nest Custody: The child stays in one home, and the parents take turns living with them, while they rotate in and out according to a schedule. This arrangement minimizes disruptions to the child’s life but requires a high level of cooperation and shared living arrangements between the parents. It is rare and often used temporarily during transitional periods.
• Supervised Visitation: One parent is allowed to see the child only under the supervision of a third party, often because of concerns about the child's safety or well-being. This is typically ordered in cases involving substance abuse, domestic violence, or other risks to the child. The goal is to maintain the parent-child relationship while ensuring the child’s safety.

A child custody lawyer can help you identify and pursue the ideal parenting responsibility distribution for you and your child.

What Factors Does the Arapahoe County Court Consider in a Custody Case?

In any custody dispute, the court's primary concern will always be the best interests of the child. Assuming the parents are relying on the judge to develop a parenting responsibility agreement on their behalf, the judge will always do what they think is best for the child. Some factors the court considers in custody cases include:

• Each parent's current relationship and history with the child;
• The health and age of both parents;
• Whether either parent has a history of behavior such as domestic violence or neglect that could make them unfit to parent;
• Each parent's financial situation;
• How a proposed custody arrangement would impact the child's life;
• The child's own preferences if they're mature enough to have a say; and
• Any other factors the court considers relevant to the case.

Our custody lawyers serving Centennial, Colorado, will work with you to ensure you pursue the best possible outcome in your custody dispute, fighting relentlessly for your parental rights in and out of the courtroom. 

Can Custody Arrangements Be Modified?

Custody arrangements can indeed be modified under certain circumstances. As life evolves, so too can the needs of your family. Courts recognize that the custody arrangements that were appropriate when the original order was established may no longer serve the best interests of your child. Whether you are seeking to increase your time with your child or need to address a significant change in circumstances, it is possible to request a modification of the existing custody order.

To modify a custody arrangement, you must demonstrate to the court that a significant change in circumstances has occurred since the original order was put in place. This change must impact the welfare of the child. Common reasons for requesting a modification include a parent relocating for a job, changes in the child's needs as they grow older, or concerns about the other parent’s ability to provide a stable and safe environment.

The court’s primary focus remains the best interests of the child. Any request to modify a custody arrangement will be carefully reviewed to ensure that the proposed changes support the child's well-being. It’s important to understand that the court does not take modifications lightly; the burden of proof lies with the parent requesting the change.

Navigating the process of modifying a custody order can be complex. Legal guidance is crucial to ensure that your request is properly presented and supported with the necessary evidence. Our law firm has extensive experience in handling custody modification cases and is dedicated to advocating for arrangements that reflect the current needs and best interests of your child. If you believe a modification is necessary, we are here to help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process.

Our Centennial Child Custody Lawyers Provide Guidance & Support

At the Law Office of Alexandra White, PC, our child custody lawyers believe that you know your child and family situation best which is why it is in your best interests to reach an agreement outside of court. Our child custody lawyers are here to facilitate a resolution and smooth transition of child custody through sound legal guidance and support throughout Arapahoe County, Colorado.

Talk to One of Our Capable Centennial Child Custody Lawyers. Contact Us Online or Call Now at (303) 647-4245!