Allocation of parental responsibilities

Child Custody

Usually, all parties in child custody situations believe they are advocating for the best interests of the child.  Unfortunately, there are often differences in where the best interests lie and that is why this issue in particular can become highly emotional.

When parents or guardians cannot agree, the court will determine what is in the child’s best interests.  Judges do this by listening to what all parties believe would be best in terms of parenting and decision-making.  They will want to know if the parents/guardians have an amicable relationship, where each person lives along with the child’s current routines and how these logistics play out in the overall scheme, whether the parents/guardians are able to put personal issues aside for the sake of the child’s needs, work situations, and a number of other factors.

If you are divorcing, you will want a parenting plan, formally filed in Colorado.  This plan must be approved by the Court, and once approved becomes an enforceable order. It will include specifics about when and where the child spends time with each parent/family, decision-making responsibilities, schooling, holidays, vacations, etc.

A good family attorney can help you understand what judges will find reasonable and help you negotiate this plan that will become so important to your child’s future.  You want a parenting plan that helps your child live his or her life as normally and successfully as possible.

Sometimes, mediation can bring parties together when there are issues with the parenting plan that need resolution. This plan can always be modified as children grow older, people move, or circumstances change. Your attorney can help you file these modifications when needed.

When differences arise and a custody situation becomes highly emotional and contested, you may want to bring a Child Family Investigator (CFI) or a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) on board.  Dylla Family Law has experience choosing these individuals and working with them so your child’s best interests are truly and fairly represented

We know how much this means to you and we will work tirelessly to make sure every child gets the best representation without breaking the bank, so to speak, in the process.