Jefferson County Child Custody Lawyer

Jefferson County Child Custody Attorney

Family dynamics are often complicated, and a child’s welfare may be negatively impacted by a separation between parents or a dispute regarding a child’s future when a parent or parents are absent. The role of a Jefferson County child custody lawyer is to support individuals as they fight for parental responsibilities through family court.

Attorneys at Kinnett & Cordes are dedicated to resolving child custody disputes in Jefferson County, Colorado. We help secure a prosperous legal arrangement for families and their children.

Situations When Parental Responsibilities Issues Are Litigated

Jefferson County prioritizes the well-being of children and their families. The county recognizes that issues of child custody, referred to in Colorado as allocation of parental responsibilities (APR), may arise at any time. Allocation of parental responsibilities may need to be petitioned or pursued:

• following a divorce
• when unmarried parents separate
• after the biological parent requests to establish legal paternity
• in the event of a parent or parents’ death
• when a relative has been caring for a child

In the face of different family dynamics and life-changing situations, the county is committed to resolving allocation of parental responsibilities disputes by encouraging involved parties to create parenting plans, allowing the space for mediation between parties, and hearing arguments in court if necessary.

APR resolution may be part of the divorce process or may be initiated by one or more petitioners (parents or individuals with a vested interest in the welfare of the child). Parents can act as co-petitioners or one parent can be the petitioner and the other parent a respondent. Litigation of APR may also involve the determination of child support.

How Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Is Determined

When a parent or interested party submits a petition for allocation of parental responsibilities, Jefferson County encourages both sides to create a parenting plan. A parenting plan may include information about where the child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, and who makes decisions about the child’s education, health, religious upbringing, and other decisions affecting a child’s mental and physical health.

There are times when parents cannot agree on a parenting plan or when mediation is not appropriate due to a history of domestic violence or abuse. A Jefferson County family court judge may determine the allocation of parental responsibilities based on the child’s interest. A judge may consider the following when determining the allocation of parental responsibilities:

• a parent or parents’ wishes
• the wishes of the child if mature enough
• the relationship of the petitioner and the respondent with the child
• factors that may affect the child’s life, including where each party lives
• the petitioner’s and respondent’s demonstrated commitment to the child
• the criminal history (if any) of either party

A court’s decision regarding APR should be adhered to by each parent or responsible party, and modifications to the allocation of parental responsibilities may be requested at a later time.

The Role of a Jefferson County Child Custody Lawyer

Jefferson County court provides the path to resolution of parental rights issues. Family court judges work to interpret the law from an objective point of view and adjudicate parental responsibilities based on Colorado law and child welfare guidelines. Having a Jefferson County child custody lawyer by your side is important in cases where the law does not take into consideration circumstances unique to you and your family structure.

A child custody attorney could help you initiate the petition for allocation of parental responsibilities, helping ensure that all forms are appropriately completed so that your wishes and circumstances can be understood. County clerks and staff cannot provide legal counsel. A family law attorney can help you navigate the process of APR with more security and clarity.

If you are a parent who wants to establish legal paternity, a relative who has been caring for a child and wants to receive parental responsibilities, or if you are unsure if you meet the requirements to file an APR petition in Jefferson County, an experienced child custody lawyer can help.

FAQs

Q: Who Wins Most Child Custody Cases?

A: Those who win child custody cases are those that can guarantee the physical and mental well-being of a child. Issues of allocation of parental responsibilities in Colorado revolve around decision-making responsibilities and parenting time. County judges take multiple factors into consideration when determining APR.

Even if a parent is afforded sole decision-making responsibilities, this does not detract from or diminish the other parents’ right to personal time with the child.

Q: What Type of Custody Cases Costs the Most?

A: The cost of a custody case is subjective. Cases may be resolved with both parents agreeing on the allocation of parental responsibilities. An APR dispute may be prolonged if there is a disagreement between both parents or if a judge determines that the child’s well-being will not be prioritized with the previously submitted arrangement. This may prolong the resolution of the case, leading to an increase in attorney and court fees.

Q: How Long Does a Child Custody Case Take in Colorado?

A: The time it takes to resolve a child custody case is determined by multiple factors. The court provides a timeline and dates for submission of forms, responses to petitions, and scheduling of court hearings. A knowledgeable Jefferson County attorney may help clarify how long the process may take. You may also contact the county court to learn more about their schedule.

Q:  Do I Need a Child Custody Lawyer in Jefferson County, CO?

A: It is not legally required to hire a child custody lawyer in Jefferson County, CO. However, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended if you are in disagreement with the other parent regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities. Having a family law attorney guiding you may also help resolve APR disputes faster since they can provide legal advice through each step of the process.

Contact a Jefferson County Child Custody Lawyer

Matters of child custody can become complicated. Working with a seasoned Jefferson County child custody lawyer may provide you with the support you need to guarantee your child’s well-being and to create the most appropriate parenting plan for all parties involved.

With Kinnett & Cordes, you can rest assured that you are working with a law firm that has worked on a substantial number of child custody cases and understands the allocation of parental responsibilities disputes and how to most adequately resolve them. Schedule a consultation to discuss your child custody questions today.