If you are considering a divorce or child custody modification in Greeley and are unsure how to proceed, contact an experienced family law attorney at The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci, LLC. Colorado takes child custody matters very seriously and carefully weighs every case involving the best interests of minors.
Why Choose The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci, LLC, for Your Child Custody Matter?
The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci, LLC, offers competent, compassionate advice to parents contemplating child custody actions. Our goal is to work through conflict to achieve the best possible parenting arrangements for you and your child.
The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci, LLC, has years of experience, and we are a dedicated family law practice. Schedule a confidential consultation our Greeley child custody attorney today.
Child Custody in Colorado
Either parent can file a child custody case in Colorado. With few exceptions, the child must live in Colorado for six months prior to filing.
The child custody process in Colorado is called an allocation of parental responsibilities or APR. In an APR, a parent requests parenting time and responsibilities be allocated in regard to a shared child or children.
Parents can agree on parenting time and responsibilities or the court can make an APR ruling on their behalf.
The Best Interest of the Child
When the court decides on a custody matter, its decision is primarily based on the standard of the best interest of the child. Many factors comprise this standard, including but not limited to:
The parents’ wishes
The child’s wishes (if sufficiently mature)
The ability of each parent to foster a relationship with the other (except in cases of abuse and neglect)
The child’s relationship with each parent
Whether the parents can make joint decisions about the child
The child’s health and safety is of the utmost importance in any court order. No preference is given to either parent based on gender.
Parental Responsibilities in Colorado
Colorado considers a parent with more than ninety overnights per year as having primary parental responsibility for their child. Whereas, parents who each have more than ninety overnights per year are said to have joint parental responsibility for their child.
Colorado divides residential responsibility from decision-making responsibility. One parent may hold sole decision-making responsibility for their child, or the parents may share this responsibility jointly.
Decision-making responsibility includes all major choices for a minor such as their:
School
Medical care
Religious upbringing
Extracurricular activities
Parents may or may not share residential and decision-making responsibilities. This is highly dependent on their ability to co-parent. A Greeley divorce attorney can guide you through the legalities when determining parental responsibilities.
Modification of Parental Responsibilities in Colorado
A parent can request an APR order be modified. However, there are criteria that must be met to prove the modification is in the best interest of the child.
Contact an Experienced Greeley Child Custody Attorney Today
Parents need to protect their most vital assets. Ensure your child’s future and well-being. Speak to an experienced Greeley child custody lawyer prior to filing or replying to any custody action.
Reach out to The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci, LLC, to put a plan in place that prioritizes your child.
