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Legal Information: Colorado

Colorado Custody

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Custody

Basic information and definitions

What are "parental responsibilities" and how is it different from custody?

In Colorado, the term “parental responsibilities” is used instead of “custody.” It refers to the rights and responsibilities of a parent to care for his/her child. When a judge makes a decision about parental responsibilities (“allocation of parental responsibilities”), this includes decisions about how much parenting time each parent will have with the child and which parent will get decision-making responsibilities for the child.1

The parent who has responsibility for decision-making can decide the child’s upbringing, including his or her education, health care, and religious training.2 With respect to each issue affecting the child, the judge can give the decision-making responsibility to both parents jointly (mutual) or to one parent individually (sole) or can order split decision-making.1 A judge will make this decision based on what is in the “best interests of the child,” while placing highest consideration on the child’s safety.3 To read all of the factors that a judge will consider when allocating parental responsibilities and parenting time, go to How will a judge make a decision about allocation of parental responsibilities?

1 See generally C.R.S. § 14-10-124
2 See C.R.S. § 14-10-130(1)
3 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5)

What is a parenting plan? Do I have to submit one in court?

A parenting plan sets out how much time each parent has with the child and how decisions about major issues affecting the child will be made, including educational, medical, and religious decisions.

Each party in a custody case can submit a parenting plan for the court’s approval that addresses the allocation of parental responsibilities in a way that s/he would like it to be. If no parenting plan is submitted by either parent, or if the judge does not approve the submitted parenting plan(s), the judge will make his/her own parenting plan that will address parenting time and the allocation of parental responsibilities based on what is in the best interests of the child.1 For more information on how a judge will determine what is in the child’s best interests, see How will a judge make a decision about allocation of parental responsibilities?

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(7)

What is mediation? When will it be ordered?

Mediation is a process that uses a neutral third-party, called a mediator, to help parents agree on matters relating to parental responsibilities without a trial. Sometimes a judge may refer parties to mediation, and sometimes the parties may go to mediation voluntarily to avoid going to court.

The judge can order mediation to help the parties create or modify a parenting plan and can order the parties to pay the mediation costs.1 However, the judge cannot refer you to mediation if you have been the victim of physical or psychological abuse by the other party. If this applies to you, make sure to tell the judge this and that you do not want to go to mediation. Even if you are not a victim of abuse, but you object to mediation for another reason, you can file a motion (legal papers) objecting to mediation that includes convincing reasons why mediation should not be ordered; for example, if prior attempts to resolve the issues were not successful. You must file this motion within five days of the judge’s mediation order.2

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(8)
2 C.R.S. § 13-22-311(1)

When does someone usually file for allocation of parental responsibilities?

A person can file for allocation of parental responsibilities under the following circumstances:

  • as part of a petition for divorce or legal separation;
  • by filing a petition in the district court in the county in where the child lives; or
  • by filing a motion in an existing juvenile court case.1

For more information about whether or not to file, see What are some advantages and disadvantages for getting an allocation of parental responsibilities order? To find out what the process will be like for you based on your particular situation, please consult a lawyer in your area.

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-123(1)(a)

What are some advantages and disadvantages of getting an allocation of parental responsibilities order?

According to Colorado law, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities towards their children if they were married or if paternity has been established.1 For parents who were not married when the child was born, paternity or parentage can be established in court or when the non-birthing parent signs an acknowledgment of parentage or paternity.2 To read additional ways that paternity can be established, go to our Selected Colorado Statutes page. The only way to legally change the equal right to make decisions about your child held by both parents is through a court order – usually after one or both parents file for allocation of parental responsibilities.

There are many reasons you might choose not to get an allocation of parental responsibilities order from a judge. You may decide not to get an order because you don’t want to get the courts involved or you may already have an informal agreement with the other parent that works well for you. You may think that going to court will provoke the other parent to seek more time with your child and more legal rights, which you do not want him/her to have.

However, in some cases, it is a good idea to get an allocation of parental responsibilities order from a judge. For example, it might make it easier to deal with the other parent because the rights and responsibilities for each parent would be stated clearly in the order. You will have to make this choice based on your particular situation. A lawyer might be able to offer you advice about which choice is right for you. To find a lawyer in your area, please see our CO Finding a Lawyer page.

If you go to court, a judge can give you or the other parent:

  • the responsibility to make decisions about education, healthcare, religion and other things for your child;
  • a clear schedule listing where the child will live and when the child will have time with the other parent;
  • clear instructions for how and when the child will be transferred to the other parent and returned to you;
  • an order preventing either parent from moving out of state with the child;
  • the responsibility to make or receive child support payments; and
  • the right to call the police or go back to court to enforce the order and hold the other parent in contempt if the other parent does not follow the court order.

1 C.R.S. § 19-4-103
2 C.R.S. § 19-4-105

Should I start a court case to ask for supervised parenting time?

If you are not comfortable with the other parent being alone with your child, you might be thinking about asking the judge to order that parenting time with your child be supervised. Supervised parenting time may be ordered by a judge to require that a parent’s time with his/her children be supervised by a neutral third party; for example, a professional supervisor or another family member.1 In some instances, such as where there has been domestic abuse between you and the other parent, allegations of drug or alcohol abuse, parental alienation, or to protect your child from immediate danger or abuse, starting a court case to ask for parental responsibility and supervised parenting time is appropriate.2

If you are already in court because the abuser filed for parental responsibilities or parenting time, you might not have much to lose by asking that the parenting time be supervised, provided that you can present a valid reason for your request, although this may depend on your situation.

However, if there is no current court case, please get legal advice before you start a court case to ask for supervised parenting time. We strongly recommend that you talk to an attorney who specializes in parental responsibilities matters to find out what you would have to prove to get the parenting time supervised and how long the supervision would last, based on the facts of your case. Sometimes, at the end of a case, the other parent ends up with more parenting time than s/he had before you went into court or even some form of parental responsibility. To find out what may be best in your situation, please go to our CO Finding a Lawyer page to find a lawyer in your area and get legal advice.

Visits can be unsupervised or supervised, and may involve a neutral place of exchange and/or monitored exchange. You and the other parents may agree to exchange your child at school or another safe place, use a supportive relative or family friend to help with the exchange, or have a professional oversee your transitions. This decision can be written into your parenting plan. If parents cannot agree about when and where to exchange the child, the judge may order one or more of these methods. The reason for this is to make sure of the child’s safety and a calm situation for the child.3

The type of supervised parenting time that is ordered depends greatly on the resources available in your county and the circumstances of the case. Even when supervised visits are ordered, the supervised visitation may be ordered for a short period of time and then changed to unsupervised visits if the supervised visits go well. In the majority of cases, supervised visits are only a temporary measure.

1 C.R.S. § 14-10.5-104
2 See Connecting With Your Kids: Important Information on Parenting Time in Colorado, p. 83
3 See Connecting With York Kids: Important Information on Parenting Time in Colorado, p. 30

In which state do I file for allocation of parental responsibilities?

The general rule is that Colorado state courts have authority to hear a custody case if Colorado is considered your child’s “home state”.1 A child’s “home state” is generally the state where the child has most recently lived with a parent, or a person acting as a parent, for at least six consecutive months. In the case of a child less than six months old, the “home state” is the state where the child has lived from birth. A short, temporary absence from the state does not change anything.

If you and your child recently moved to a new state, generally you cannot file for custody in that new state until you have lived there for at least six months. Until then, either you or the other parent can start a custody action in the state in which your child most recently lived for at least six months.

Example: If a family has lived in Montana for one year and then one parent moved to Colorado with the children and filed in Colorado after living there for only four months, Montana is still the home state. Colorado would likely not have jurisdiction (power) over the custody of the children.

There are exceptions to the “home state rule.” For more information, please see the following section, What are the exceptions to the “home state” rule?

1 C.R.S. § 14-13-102(7)(a)

What are the exceptions to the "home state" rule?

There are exceptions to the home state rule. In some cases, you can file for custody in a state where the children and at least one parent have significant connections. Usually, however, you can only do this if there is no home state or if the home state has agreed to let another state have jurisdiction.1 This can be complicated, and if you think this applies to your situation, please talk to a lawyer in both states about this. For a list of legal resources, please see our CO Finding a Lawyer page.

Another exception to the home state rule exists in the case of filing for temporary emergency custody in a state in which a parent and child have recently arrived.2 See Can I get temporary allocation of parental responsibilities in Colorado? for more information.

1 C.R.S. § 14-13-201(b)
2 C.R.S. § 14-13-204(1)

Who can get allocation of parental responsibilities

Who is entitled to allocation of parental responsibilities?

At least one of the child’s parents is entitled to be allocated (given) parental responsibilities, unless there is clear and convincing evidence that both parents are unfit. A non-parent may petition for allocation of parental responsibilities if s/he has physical care of the child for a period of six months or more and an action is commenced within six months of the termination of such physical care.1 The judge will allocate parental responsibilities according to what s/he believes is in the best interest of the child.

If only one parent is granted allocation of decision-making responsibilities by the judge, the other parent may still be granted parenting time.

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-123(1)(b), (1)(c)

Can I get temporary allocation of parental responsibilities if I have a protection order against the other parent?

If a protection order is granted due to domestic violence, the order may include temporary allocation of parental responsibilities of minor children and temporary visitation.  Be sure to tell the judge that you want temporary allocation of parental responsibilities during your protective order hearing so that the judge can take your request into consideration.  It is important to note that allocation of parental responsibilities granted with a protection order expires with that order.  The judge may also extend temporary orders as s/he feels is necessary.1  For more information, see How can a domestic violence protection order help me?

1 C.R.S. § 13-14-104.5(10)

Can a parent who committed abuse against me or my child get parental responsibilities?

If the judge believes that the other parent committed child abuse or neglect, that parent will not get mutual decision-making powers. If the judge believes that other parent has committed domestic violence, including a single act of domestic violence, a pattern of domestic violence, or a history of domestic violence, that parent will not get mutual decision-making powers. The only exception would be if the judge believes that the parties are able to make decisions cooperatively in the best interest of the child in a way that is safe for the abused parent and the child.1 If the other parent committed an act of sexual assault that resulted in the conception of the child, see If my child was conceived due to a sexual assault, can the offender get parenting responsibilities? for more information.

The judge’s primary concern should be the safety and well-being of the child and the abused parent, including their physical, mental, and emotional condition and needs.2 If the judge orders parenting time, the judge include any of the following conditions when creating, or approving, a parenting plan:

  • an order limiting contact between the parties and allowing only contact that the judge believes is safe and minimizes unnecessary communication between the parents;
  • ordering supervised parenting time or exchange of the child in a protected setting;
  • an order restricting overnight parenting time;
  • an order that the abuser cannot possess or drink alcohol or take controlled substances (drugs) during parenting time or for twenty-four hours prior to the beginning of his/her parenting time;
  • an order directing that the address of the child or of any party remain confidential;
  • any other condition that the judge believes is necessary to protect the child, the abused parent, or any other family or household member; and
  • an order that requires child support payments to be made through the child support registry to avoid the need for any related contact between the parties.3

The judge can also order an evaluation to determine if the abuser should participate in a domestic violence treatment program and can require a report from the treatment provider regarding his/her progress. At any time, the judge can then order a new evaluation to determine whether additional treatment is necessary.4

Note: Even if the parent is no longer abusing you but you believe there is domestic violence occurring in that parent’s home with his/her new intimate partner, this can be something that you may want to raise in court. The Colorado Legislature declared that a child has the right to be emotionally, mentally, and physically safe when in the care of either parent and has the right to live in and visit homes that are free of domestic violence and child abuse or neglect.5

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(4)(a)(I), (4)(a)(II)
2 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(4)(d)
3 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(4)(e)
4 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(4)(f)
5 C.R.S. § 14-10-123.4(1)(b), (1)(c)

If my child was conceived due to a sexual assault, can the offender get parenting responsibilities?

If the judge believes that you were the victim of sexual assault that resulted in the conception of your child, there is a “rebuttable presumption” against the offender getting sole, split, or mutual decision-making authority. What this means is that the judge is supposed to assume that it is not in the best interests of the child for that parent to decision-making authority; but the offender may be able to present evidence to overcome the judge’s assumption. The judge will also decide if it’s in the child’s best interests to prohibit or limit the offender’s parenting time with the child.1

If the offender was convicted in criminal court of this sexual assault, you can file a petition in the juvenile court to terminate the parent-child legal relationship and to prevent future contact the offender if all the following requirements are met:

  1. the offender must have been convicted of an act of sexual assault against you or convicted of a crime in which the underlying factual basis was sexual assault against you;
  2. the child must have been conceived during that sexual assault;
  3. the conviction must have been on or after July 1, 2013;2 Note: A “conviction” includes a plea of “no contest,” or, for a juvenile defendant, a disposition or adjudication of juvenile delinquency based on committing any act that constitutes sexual assault;3 and
  4. termination of the parent-child legal relationship of the offender is in the best interests of the child.4 Note: The judge will automatically assume that termination is in the best interests of the child but the offender has the right to try to convince the judge otherwise.5

If you file this petition to terminate the offender’s rights, the law states that your and your child’s whereabouts must be kept confidential. In addition, the judge can grant any sort of protective measures in the courtroom if you request them - such as allowing you to not appear in court when the offender is present.6

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(4)(a)(III), (4)(a)(IV)
2 C.R.S. § 19-5-105.5(3), (4)(a), (4)(b)
3 C.R.S. §§ 19-5-105.5(2)(a); 19-1-103(39)
4 C.R.S. § 19-5-105.5(4)(c)
5 C.R.S. § 19-5-105.5(7)(c)
6 C.R.S. § 19-5-105.5(6)

I am not the child's parent. Can I get parental responsibilities of the child?

A person other than a child’s parent can file a petition seeking parental responsibilities of a child in the county where the child permanently resides or in the county where the child is located if:

  • the child is not in the physical care of one of the child’s parents;
  • the petitioner has had physical care of the child for a period of 182 days or more (and, if applicable, the petition must be filed within 182 days of the termination of that physical care); or
  • the petitioner has been granted custody of a child or has been allocated parental responsibilities through a juvenile court order.1

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-123(1)(b)-(d)

Can grandparents file for visitation ("family time")?

A grandparent or great-grandparent can file a petition for visitation, known as “family time,” in the district court where the child lives if:

  1. there is/was a child custody case; or
  2. any of the following are true:
    • there is/was a case for divorce, legal separation, or one in which the marriage of the child’s parents was declared invalid;
    • legal custody/parental responsibilities have been given or allocated to someone who is not the child’s parent or the child does not live in the home of the child’s parent – but this doesn’t apply if the child has been placed for adoption or already adopted; or
    • the child’s parent, who is the child of the grandparent or grandchild of the great-grandparent, has died.1

If the child’s parent or custodian objects to the petition, the judge would hold a hearing to decide if grandparent family time is in the best interests of the child. The judge must assume that the parent’s decision regarding visitation is in the best interests of the child but the grandparent can present evidence to change the judge’s mind and convince the judge to order visitation. The judge will also consider the best interest factors that are used in custody proceedings between parents when making a decision.2

A petition seeking grandparent family time can only be filed once every two years unless there is proof of “good cause” to file more than once in a two-year period.3

Note: If an order for grandparent family time is issued, and the parent refuses to follow it, the judge can hold the parent in contempt of court and issue various penalties or conditions to ensure that the parent follows the order. You can read the actions the judge can take in our Selected Colorado Statutes page.

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-124.4(3)
2 C.R.S. § 14-10-124.4(4)
3 C.R.S. § 14-10-124.4(6)
4 C.R.S. § 14-10-124.5(2)

How the allocation of parental responsibilities process works

How will a judge make a decision about allocation of parental responsibilities?

When awarding allocation of parental responsibilities, the judge will consider what is in the best interests of the child, giving the highest consideration to the child’s safety.1 In general, s/he will assume that frequent and continuing contact between each parent and the child is in that child’s “best interest” in most cases but the court recognizes that this is not always appropriate.2

When making a decision about parenting time the judge will consider all relevant factors, including:

  1. the wishes of the child’s parents as to parenting time;
  2. the wishes of the child if s/he is mature enough to state his/her preference as to the parenting time schedule;
  3. the interaction and relationship of the child with his/her parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interests;
  4. the child’s adjustment to his/her home, school, and community;
  5. the mental and physical health of all people involved; (Note: A disability alone cannot be a reason to deny or restrict parenting time);
  6. the ability of the parties to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other party; however, if the judge believes that a party is acting to protect the child from witnessing domestic violence or from being a victim of child abuse or neglect or domestic violence, the party’s protective actions will not be considered with respect to this factor;
  7. the past pattern of involvement of the parties with the child, considering the values shown, the time commitment made, etc.;
  8. how close the parties live to each other as this relates to a practical schedule of parenting time; and
  9. the ability of each party to place the needs of the child ahead of his or her own needs.3

Note: Regarding factor #2, above, either party can file a motion to ask the judge to interview the child in the judge’s office (chambers) in order to find out the child’s wishes.4  

The judge should not consider information or recommendations that are biased, including bias regarding religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, culture, race, ethnicity, national origin, or disability.5

When making a decision about parental decision-making responsibilities, the judge will consider all relevant factors, including:

  • all of the factors listed above;
  • if the parties can cooperate and make decisions jointly, looking at the past pattern of involvement of the parties as one way to decide this; and
  • if an allocation of mutual (joint) decision-making responsibility on one or more issues would cause more frequent contact between the child and each of the parties.6

When a claim of child abuse or neglectdomestic violence, or sexual assault that resulted in the conception of the child has been made in court, the judge must consider the factors discussed in Can a parent who committed abuse against me or my child get parental responsibilities?

Note: The judge will not consider conduct of a parent that does not affect that parent’s relationship to the child and the judge will not presume that one parent is better able to serve the best interests of the child because of that person’s sex.7

In general, a parent will be given parenting time unless, after a hearing, the judge finds that parenting time would endanger the child’s physical health or significantly harm the child’s emotional development.3

1 C.R.S. §§ 14-10-124; 14-10-123.4
2 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1)
3 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5)(a), (4)(a)
4 C.R.S. § 14-10-126(1)
5 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5)(a.5)
6 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5)(b)
7 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(2), (3)

Can I get temporary allocation of parental responsibilities in Colorado?

If you have recently arrived in Colorado state, and Colorado is not the home state of the child, a federal law called the UCCJEA allows for a person to file for temporary emergency custody in a state other than the home state if:

  • the child is present in the state; and
  • the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, a sibling or a parent of the child is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse.1

If the child’s home state is Colorado, and you are currently in the middle of a custody proceeding, it may be the case that temporary parental rights and responsibilities orders may issued while the case waits to be resolved through trial or a settlement where a final order will be issued. Please speak to a lawyer who is familiar with Colorado custody laws to find out for sure whether or not this may be available in your county and in your situation. For lawyers, go to our CO Finding a Lawyer page.

For more information, please see Can I get temporary emergency custody? in our general parental kidnapping section.

1 C.R.S. § 14-13-204(1)

If I leave the home because of domestic violence, will this hurt my chances of getting parental responsibilites?

According to the law, if you are absent or leave the home because of an act or threatened act of domestic violence by the other parent, your absence is not supposed to be a factor used by the judge in determining the best interests of the child.1

If you have not yet left the home, you may want to get help to make a plan that will allow you to safely and legally take the children with you when you leave.  If you want help doing this, you can talk to a lawyer who has experience with domestic violence and custody issues and/or a domestic violence advocate in your area.  See our CO Places that Help page.

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-124(4)(c)

After I file for allocation of parental responsibilities, can I take my child out of state? Are there any other restrictions?

Once either parent files a petition concerning the allocation of parental responsibilities, there is an automatic temporary injunction stating that both parties cannot:

  • bother or disturb the peace of the other party, which can be enforced by the police;
  • remove the child from the state without the consent of all other parties or an order of the court; and
  • cancel, modify, or stop paying premiums on a health insurance policy that provides coverage to the child or a life insurance policy that names the child as a beneficiary unless:
    • the parent gives all parties at least fourteen days’ notice; and
    • either
      • all parties consent to the cancelation or change in writing; or
      • the judge allows the change or cancelation in a court order.1

These restrictions becomes effective on the party who files the petition immediately upon filing; they become effective on the other party when s/he is served.1 They stay in effect until the judge enters the final custody order, dismisses the petition, or enters an order modifying the injunction’s restrictions.2

Note: If either party files for divorce, the same restrictions apply as well as an additional restriction against transferring, concealing, or getting rid of marital property.3

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-123(3)(a),(d)
2 C.R.S. § 14-10-123(3)(b)
3 See C.R.S. § 14-10-107(4)(b)

Will my child get a lawyer appointed to represent his/her interests?

When awarding allocation of parental responsibilities, the judge can appoint a lawyer to serve as the legal representative of the child. It is the legal representative’s responsibility to represent the best interests of the child with respect to custody, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, the child’s property, parenting time or any other issue related to the child that is identified by the legal representative of the child or the court.1

Either or both parents may have to pay the fees of the child’s legal representative unless the parent(s) are determined to be indigent (poor), in which case the state will pay the fees.2

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-116(1), (2)
2 C.R.S. § 14-10-116(3)(a)

Do I need a lawyer?

You do not need a lawyer to file for allocation of parental responsibilities. However, it is highly recommended that you get a lawyer to make sure that your rights are protected. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be able to find sources of free or low-cost legal help on our CO Finding a Lawyer page.

If you are unable to get a lawyer to help you and you plan to file for custody on your own, you may want to visit the Colorado Judicial Branch website, which provides links to paperwork you need to fill out and file with the court. Even if you plan on representing yourself, you should try to have a lawyer review your papers before you file them.

If you are going to be in court without a lawyer, our Preparing for Court – By Yourself section may be useful to you.

After a parental responsibilities order is in place

If an allocation of parental responsibilities order is already in place, how can I get it changed?

If you have an allocation of parental responsibilities order already in place, you can petition the court to change (modify) it. The judge may do so if the modification would serve the best interests of the child.1

Generally, the judge will not change an order that substantially changes the parenting time and changes with which parent the child lives a majority of the time unless all of the following are true:

  • There are new facts that have come up since the prior order that the judge did not know about;
  • There is a change in the circumstances of the child or the party with whom the child lives the majority of the time; and
  • The modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child.2

Evidence of abuse, a criminal conviction for certain crimes, or domestic violence will most likely be considered a new fact or change in circumstance.3 To read more about Colorado’s modification law, go to our Selected Colorado Statutes page. If you want to relocate with your child, go to What steps do I have to take if I want to relocate?

If you believe that your child is in immediate physical or emotional danger because of the other parent’s contact or parenting time with the child, you may file a motion to restrict his/her parenting time or contact with the child. The judge will hold a hearing to decide your motion within seven days. During those seven days, any parenting time that the other parent has with your child must be supervised by an unrelated third party who has been approved by the judge.4 Note: If the judge finds that your motion to restrict parenting time based on the child being in immediate physical or emotional danger was frivolous, groundless, or intended only to annoy or harm the other parent, the judge will order you to pay the fees and costs of the other parent’s attorney or licensed legal paraprofessional.5

To modify an allocation of parental responsibilities order, you will generally need to go to the court that issued the order, even if you have moved. Generally, once a court has jurisdiction, that court will keep jurisdiction, even if you move to another state. If you have moved, you can ask the court to change the jurisdiction to the new state that you are in. This is often complicated, and as with all allocation of parental responsibilities issues, we recommend that you talk to a lawyer about this. Go to the CO Finding a Lawyer page to find someone who can help you.

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-129(1)(a)(I); see generally C.R.S. § 14-10-129
2 C.R.S. § 14-10-129(2)
3 C.R.S. § 14-10-129(3)
4 C.R.S. § 14-10-129(4)
5 C.R.S. § 14-10-129(5)

What steps do I have to take if I want to relocate?

If according to your current parenting plan, your child lives with you a majority of the time and you want to relocate to a place that would substantially change the geographical ties between the child and the other party, you have to first provide the other party with written notice as soon as possible. The notice must explain:

  • your intention to locate;
  • the new location where you plan to live;
  • the reason for the relocation; and
  • a proposed revised parenting time plan.1

Usually, then a hearing would be held where the judge would decide whether or not to allow the relocation based on whether it’s is in the child’s best interests. The judge would consider all relevant factors, including:

  1. the reasons why you want to relocate with the child;
  2. the reasons why the opposing party is objecting to the proposed relocation;
  3. the history and quality of each party’s relationship with the child since any previous parenting time order;
  4. the educational opportunities for the child at the existing location and at the proposed new location;
  5. the presence or absence of extended family at the existing location and at the proposed new location;
  6. any advantages to the child if s/he remains with the party who is the primary caregiver;
  7. the anticipated impact of the move on the child;
  8. whether the judge will be able to create a reasonable parenting time schedule if the judge allows the relocation;
  9. whether a party has committed an act of domestic violence, has engaged in a pattern of domestic violence, has a history of domestic violence, and whether the violence happened before or after the original order was entered;
  10. the wishes of the child’s parents as to parenting time;
  11. the wishes of the child if s/he is mature enough to state his/her preference as to the parenting time schedule;
  12. the interaction and relationship of the child with his/her parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interests;
  13. the child’s adjustment to his/her home, school, and community;
  14. the mental and physical health of all people involved;
  15. the ability of the parties to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other party (except that, if the court determines that a party is acting to protect the child from witnessing domestic violence or from being a victim of child abuse or neglect or domestic violence, the party’s protective actions will not be considered with respect to this factor);
  16. the past pattern of involvement of the parties with the child, considering the values shown, the time commitment made, etc.;
  17. how close the parties live to each other as this relates to a practical schedule of parenting time;
  18. the ability of each party to place the needs of the child ahead of his or her own needs; and
  19. any other relevant factors bearing on the best interests of the child.2

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-129(1)(a)(II)
2 C.R.S. § 14-10-129(2)(c)

What can I do if the other parent violates the order?

If the other parent violates the order, you can file a motion for contempt. The judge can set the matter down for a hearing or order the parents to go to mediation and report back to the court. The judge can then approve an agreement reached by the parents or hold a hearing.1

Upon completing the hearing, if the judge finds that a parent has violated the court order, the judge should do one or more of the following:

  • make additional terms and conditions that are consistent with the prior order;
  • change the previous order to meet the best interests of the child;
  • require either or both parents to attend a parental education program to be paid for by the parent who violated the order;
  • require the parties to participate in family counseling to be paid for by the parent who violated the order;
  • require the parent who violated the order to place money with the court (post a bond) to ensure that s/he will follow the order in the future;
  • require that makeup parenting time be provided to the parent who was denied time at a time that works for him/her;
  • hold the parent who did not follow the parenting time schedule in contempt of court and order a jail sentence or a fine of up to $100 per incident of denied parenting time;
  • schedule a hearing for modification of the existing order concerning custody or the allocation of parental responsibilities; or
  • anything else that is in the best interests of the child.2

Also, if the judge determines that a parent did violate the order, s/he will have to pay the other party’s attorney’s fees or licensed legal paraprofessional’s fees, court costs, and expenses that are associated with bringing the contempt motion. If the parent accused of violating the order is found by the judge to have not violated the other, the parent who filed may have to pay those same fees of the accused parent.3

1 C.R.S. § 14-10-129.5(1)
2 C.R.S. § 14-10-129.5(2)
3 C.R.S. § 14-10-129.5(4)

If I move to a new state, can I transfer my child custody case there?

After a final custody order is issued, there may come a time when you and your children move to a different state. For information about how to request to transfer the custody case to a new state, please go to the Transferring a custody case to a different state section in our general Custody page. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you may likely first need to get permission from the court or from the other parent to move your children out of state. Please talk to a lawyer to make sure your plans to move don’t violate your custody order or your state’s parental kidnapping laws.