Our Denver child custody lawyers will help you with such things as parental responsibility, visitation and parenting time matters, military divorces and separation matters that would trigger child custody litigation.
We provide you with solid child custody advice; you make the decisions. CALL (720) 941 7200
Our custody lawyers assist clients in Aurora, Cherry Creek, Centennial, Parker, Lakewood, Thornton, Englewood, Arapahoe, Adams, Denver and Jefferson Counties
Parenting Time
Colorado courts prefer parents to agree on dicision making and parenting time. Child custody cases are less costly when parents agree on the issues and visitation schedules. Our lawyers make sure that you focus on what is in the child's best interest when deciding custody matters.
Issues related to child custody or parental rights can be raised and addressed in proceedings relating to delinquent or neglected children, as well as proceedings relating to guardianship, adoption, or termination of parental rights. Custody issues also arise in foster care and other similar proceedings.
During a divorce case, "custody detemination" is a required matter for the court to decide if there are children. Also, your rights to spend time with a child who primarily lives elsewhere is usually called visitation.
Custody Jurisdictional Issues
In all cases, and under Colorado child custody laws, the court must have jurisdiction over the child in order to enter an order for custody. A skilled child custody attorney must understand the prerequisites for establishing jurisdiction. The UCCJA establishes several custody juridictional bases for matters directly related to the child.
Homestate jurisdiction is commonly referred to under Colorado child custody laws. This is where the child has lived with his or her parents for at least six months immediately preceding the time involved. Another common child custody jurisdictional issues includes emergency situations where the child's well-being needs the immediate attention of the court.
When you retain Watson and Associates child custody and family law attorneys, we ensure that we address these critical issues before proceeding to the court house. we do not believe in wasting your money on issues that are so often overlook by attorneys.
Out of State Custody Matters
Colorado child custody laws allow attorneys to handle cases in Colorado where our courts still retain jurisdiction over the child. If you have a previous order that you are attempting to modify, our Denver attorneys can more than likely help you. We handle numerous out of state child custody matters affecting Colorado clients.
Commonly Asked Child Custody Law Questions
Do I have to married to exercise my custody rights as a parent?
No. A parent not seeking a divorce, legal separation or other marital action can still start a custody proceeding to determine allocation of parental responsibility. Also this entitlement to custody does not depend on whether the parties currently live together or have done so in the past.
Does Colorado Custody Laws Recognize "Joint Custody"?
The correct answer is NO. The concept of "joint custody" has been eliminated from Colorado custody laws in February, 1999.
Although the term joint custody is no longer used our Denver child custody attorneys still are familiar with the concept because we have to know the current distinction. Where in the previous Colorado laws, joint custody meant that all major decisions be made jointly, the currently law focuses on decision making responsibility with respect to "each issue affecting the child.
What happens when parents can not agree on child custody and decision making?
Simply put, the courts like when parents can agree on these issues. Our Colorado attorneys make sure that all efforts are made to resolve these concerns. Otherwise the Family judge can return with a decision that you may not like.
We have the custody experience to resolve complex matters: We have handled complex family law and Colorado child custody matters although every case does not have to complex. Our lawyers also handle out of state, interstate and child relocation issues. Read what you need to know about child custody. For your convenience, feel free to visit our focused family law site.
