Colorado Divorce Laws
A divorce is an emotional thing for anyone to go through. There are various issues to resolve in all divorce cases. Issues negotiated and solutions met between couples are hopefully amicable. However, not all divorce cases are the same. Each case is unique and individualized.
Each state designs specific divorce laws, and these laws may vary from state to state. In this instance, The Cossitt Law Firm meets the needs of residents in Fort Collins, Colorado, Greeley, and surrounding areas. As a result, the divorce laws and rules may differ in Colorado, and this is one of many examples.
Our seasoned and experienced family attorneys in Fort Collins, Colorado, and surrounding areas attempt to settle divorce issues amicably with each couple in agreement outside of the court.
- If couples cannot reach peaceful agreements, the case goes before the judge. The judge then decides on issues and makes these decisions for the couples. These decisions may not be what either one expects or wants.
Resolving issues outside of court is especially important when considering the welfare of children. Unfortunately, children are, many times, caught in the middle of a divorce.
Always Consider the Well Being of Children
Divorce brings with it unique issues for children. Sometimes we see children blame themselves because they think they did something wrong to cause their mom and dad to divorce. However, a divorce goes much better for everyone when parents reassure and support the children. Parents must learn to communicate peaceably and agree on solutions.
It is vital for the child’s welfare when the parents refrain from arguments in front of them. Neither parent should spend time tearing the other parent down in front of the children. Likewise, parents should never spend visitation times with children accusing and belittling the other parent.
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
The decision regarding the responsibilities of the parents is called, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities. Our attorneys at Cossitt Law always consider the best interest of the children. However, the court can determine the child’s best interest through priority and legal standards.
When there are children to consider during a divorce, each couple must have a parenting plan in place. The courts in Colorado may order each parent to attend a parenting class if the children are minors. We help you decide which parent is more suitable for holding the power of decision-making concerning the child. Additionally, we guide the parent as to which parent is more suitable for primary guardianship or is equal custody a reasonable and workable goal?
The court decides which parent gets the children. However, the court considers the children to determine whom they want to live with, and age is not necessarily a factor. In some instances, the children may speak with the judge privately.
The Vital Need for Parenting Plans
Parenting Plans must clearly state the responsibilities of each parent. We will help you to create a parenting plan unique to your situation. This plan is a legal paper outlining shared custody. This plan may include,
- Parenting time
- Holiday and vacation time
- Telephone time
- How to make significant decisions?
It is always wise to have your parenting plan in place, no matter what your state dictates, even if parents are in total agreement on the issues. A parenting plan is a guide as to what each parent expects from the other. Parenting plans can be altered if both parents agree. However, if parents do not agree or effectively communicate, the parenting plan is enforced until legally modified.
A parenting plan outlines where the child will attend school. If one parent is given primary custody of the children, this parent may live outside of the child’s current school system. Pulling children from their current school means that they are separated from friends and beloved teachers. This issue is frequently upsetting and emotional for children and must be considered and discussed.
It is vital how much time is allocated for each parent to spend with the children. A fair schedule must be drawn up and agreed upon by each parent.
Parents must agree to support the children in all aspects of their life, from school, church, friendships, and much more. Each milestone in a child’s life deserves exceptional support and understanding. Each parent must be ready and prepared to meet these unique challenges and, if possible, lean on the other parent for support during these times.
In shared custody cases, the parent’s income bears strong consideration, as do overnight stays to calculate financial support. Colorado law states that financial support continues until the child reaches the age of 19 years or the child becomes legally emancipated from the parents.
Parenting plans consider the long-distance parent who lives a distance away from the other parent and children. Long-distance parenting can work, and we help create plans that include the following.
- A schedule that accommodates miles apart.
- Travel costs for visitations.
- Quality of time between these parents and their children
All families are unique, and parenting plans are not cookie-cutter plans. One form of parenting plan will not meet the needs of every family. Cossitt Law Firm creates the best parenting plan, which is well developed and custom-tailored to your needs. Some parenting plans incorporate terms that apply far into the future, as when a child emancipates into adulthood. Our plans are custom-tailored, individualized, and well-written to answer your situation.
Emergency Help When Children are in Danger
Children are always at the forefront of a divorce. We offer immediate help and support if your children are in imminent danger or are at risk of physical, mental, or emotional harm from parents. The court can legally suspend all unsupervised visits by the at-risk parent. The children are placed under emergency child custody with a legal guardian. Call us immediately at 970-488-1887 if you find yourself and your children in a dangerous situation.
A Call to Action When Children are in a Divorce
Contact our family attorneys at The Cossitt Law Firm for more information. Every child custody case is different and unique. We understand the uniqueness of each case and work hard to protect you and your children’s well-being and happiness. So call us today at 970-488-1887 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to support you and make sure your children’s best interests remain at the forefront of your divorce.
