Child Custody

Protect your parental rights. Prioritize your child’s future.

Navigating Child Custody Law in Colorado

Child custody—legally referred to as the allocation of parental responsibilities—is one of the most sensitive areas of family law. Colorado courts prioritize the best interests of the child, aiming to create parenting arrangements that support emotional stability, safety, and healthy development

At Ross Law P.C., we help families navigate these complex decisions with compassion and clarity.

Whether you're seeking joint custody, sole custody, or modifications to an existing order, our team is here to advocate for your child’s well-being and your parental rights.

Understanding Parental Responsibilities

Colorado law breaks custody into two distinct components:

• Parenting Time: Refers to the physical time a child spends with each parent.
• Decision-Making Authority: Covers major decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare

These responsibilities can be shared or assigned solely to one parent, depending on the child’s needs and the parents’ ability to cooperate.

Factors Courts Consider in Custody Cases

When determining custody arrangements, Colorado courts evaluate a wide range of factors to ensure the child’s best interests are protected 

• The child’s relationship with each parent and siblings
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
• Each parent’s ability to encourage a positive relationship with the other
• History of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
• Mental and physical health of all parties
• The child’s wishes (if mature enough to express them)
• Geographic proximity of the parents

Parenting Plans and Mediation

Colorado encourages parents to create detailed parenting plans that outline:

• Visitation schedules (including holidays and vacations)
• Decision-making responsibilities
• Communication protocols
• Transportation arrangements
• Dispute resolution methods

If parents cannot agree, the court will impose a plan based on the child’s best interests. Mediation is often required before litigation begins 

Recent Legal Updates in Colorado Child Custody Law

Colorado has enacted significant reforms to better protect children in custody disputes:

• HB24-1350: Strengthens protections in cases involving allegations of abuse or coercive control.
• Courts must give greater weight to children’s statements about abuse.
• Parenting time may be restricted based on credible allegations, even without formal charges.
• Child and Family Investigators (CFIs) and Parental Responsibility Evaluators (PREs) must meet stricter training standards.
• Courts must justify unsupervised parenting time when abuse is alleged.
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These changes reflect a growing emphasis on child safety and trauma-informed decision-making.

Why Choose Ross Law for Your Child Custody Case

At Ross Law, we understand that custody disputes are emotionally charged and deeply personal. Our attorneys bring both legal expertise and empathy to every case, helping you protect your child’s future while preserving your parental rights.

What Sets Us Apart

• Virtual Consultations for convenience and privacy
• Colorado-Based since 2018, with deep local expertise
• Strategic Legal Advocacy focused on child-centered outcomes
• Award-Winning Service:
• Avvo Client’s Choice since 2013
• AV-Preeminent Peer Rating since 2019
• Super Lawyers recognition (2020–2025)

Let’s Talk About Your Custody Options

Whether you're establishing a new custody arrangement or modifying an existing one, Ross Law is here to help. We’ll work with you to develop a parenting plan that reflects your child’s needs and your family’s values.

Contact Ross Law Today

Schedule a confidential consultation to explore your custody options. We’ll handle your case with the sensitivity it deserves and the skill it demands.