Douglas County Child Custody Lawyer

Douglas County Child Custody Attorney

Colorado law encourages child custody issues to be resolved in a way that prioritizes a child’s interest. Working with a Douglas County child custody lawyer may afford you the support you need as you petition or challenge the allocation of parental responsibilities for a child you love and care for.

Kinnett & Cordes is a law firm dedicated to resolving family law disputes. Whether a couple with children is going through a divorce or a relative hopes to care for a child, we assist Douglas County families in protecting and caring for their loved ones.

Colorado Child Custody Rights and Responsibilities Explained

At the core of child custody issues are questions such as where a child should physically reside, how much time – supervised or unsupervised – they may spend with a parent or loved one, and who has the right to make decisions about the child. In Colorado, child custody issues are dealt with under the term allocation of parental responsibilities (APR). Each county has jurisdiction over the adjudication of APR, with cases reviewed under the county’s family court system.

Douglas County typically breaks down the allocation of parental responsibilities into:

• Parenting Time – the rights a party has to when and where they may see or spend time with a child.
• Decision-making responsibilities – rights and responsibilities held by a party to decide on a child’s health, education, and other legal matters.

Disputes in the allocation of parental responsibilities may arise following a divorce or the death of one or both parents and in cases where parents are unable to physically care for a child, among other situations.

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Process in Colorado Family Court

The process of allocating parental responsibilities starts at the Douglas County court. Even if you and your ex-partner have decided how to divide a child’s legal responsibilities and physical custody, it is required by Colorado law that you outline a parenting plan during a divorce. A request for allocation of parental responsibilities can also be initiated if you are an unmarried couple who is separating and has children.

To start the process, you should:

• Establish jurisdiction in the county where you need to file your petition: there is a minimum residency requirement for a child to request APR in Douglas County.
• Submit the required forms and files, along with the filing fee, to the clerk of the court at Douglas County.
• Have the petition for APR served to the respondent – a party involved in the child’s custody dispute (i.e. the other parent). You may also file a petition with your ex-spouse or partner as co-petitioners.

In cases of dispute, a Douglas County family court judge can review requests made by both parties and decide on the allocation of parental responsibilities that take into consideration the child’s well-being.

Relatives and other non-biological caretakers may also request guardianship or custody of a child in cases where biological parents are unwilling or unable to take care of a minor. There is a minimum period of time the child must have resided with the caretaker before filing a request with Douglas County court.

Advantages of Working With a Douglas County Child Custody Lawyer

Not all child custody issues can be resolved amicably, and hiring a child custody attorney may afford you the support and peace of mind to ensure the interest of your child during an allocation of parental responsibilities.

A knowledgeable Douglas County child custody lawyer may help with:

• Case management, including filling required forms with the county clerk, keeping track of court dates, and ensuring effective communication with the other party.
• Representation in front of a Douglas County family court judge as you present your argument for a particular APR arrangement.
• Assertion of parental rights by requesting a paternity test for a biological parent.

Working with a seasoned attorney who is knowledgeable about family law and disputes regarding parental responsibilities can help you avoid delays in your case. It could also help you to separate the emotional aspects of the case and instead focus on what is suitable for the child or children involved.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Colorado?

A: In Colorado, the cost of a child custody lawyer is contingent on multiple factors. An attorney’s location, how long they have been working on child custody and family law issues, and the scope of a case can all contribute to the cost of a child custody lawyer. The longer a case takes to resolve, the more likely that attorney and court fees can increase.

Q: How Do You Win a Child Custody Case in Douglas County, CO?

A: A win in a child custody case in Douglas County, CO, is subjective. At the core of the matter is a child’s well-being and safety. As long as the child’s mental and physical health is secured, all sides win. When it comes to allocating parental responsibilities, a judge takes into consideration a child’s relationship with the petitioner and respondent, any records of abuse or domestic violence, and the location where each individual resides, among other factors.

Q: Is It Hard to Get Full Custody in Colorado?

A: In Colorado, sole custody may refer to decision-making responsibilities. A parent could get sole decision-making responsibilities if it is determined that it is not in the child’s interest to afford similar responsibilities to the other parent. However, this should not impact the parental time of the other parent. An experienced child custody lawyer could help you if you have further questions.

Q: What Are Colorado Child Custody Laws for Unmarried Parents?

A: Unmarried parents can also file a petition for allocation of parental responsibilities with the Douglas County court. The filing parent should submit a petition along with a fee and supporting documents. They should also ensure the other parent has been properly served as a respondent.

The court processes for APR petitions by unmarried couples are similar to those of petitions submitted by a couple going through divorce. Establishing legal paternity may also be required.

A Douglas County Child Custody Lawyer Can Help

When a family dispute arises, a child’s well-being should be prioritized above anything else. As a parent or caretaker, it may be challenging to negotiate the allocation of parental responsibilities if you are in the middle of a divorce or have a contentious relationship with the other parent.

Attorneys at Kinnett & Cordes are skilled and knowledgeable about Colorado family law and child custody issues. Our legal team is here to help regardless of where you are in the process. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case with one of our dedicated lawyers.