Child Custody Attorneys in Durango, Colorado

Children are precious and deserve the absolute best in life. When child custody comes into play, set them up with a plan that works for everyone far into the future. Whether your children are infants or teenagers, they need structure, consistency, and love from their parents or caretakers.

Our family law attorneys at Durango Family Law can handle everything from initial custody issues as well as modifications and relocations. We have experience with a large variety of cases involving many types of issues, and we're committed to finding solutions that put your child first. 

What truly makes us stand out is our people-first mindset. We believe in treating our clients as individuals, not cases, which means you'll receive the compassionate support you need throughout the entire process. Our attorneys, Rachel Brock and Hugh Boles prioritize effective communication and one-on-one assistance. We listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and tailor our approach accordingly.  

We also understand that legal issues involving loved ones can be emotionally challenging. That's why we're dedicated to providing genuine care and support. Our child custody attorneys are dedicated to helping parents pursue favorable solutions both in and out of the courtroom. Contact our firm in Durango, Colorado, today.

What to Know Before Reaching Out 

Legal issues often leave people feeling powerless, but you can combat this by arming yourself with knowledge. The more you know, the more prepared you can be for meetings with not only your representation but also with the opposing party. You deserve to go into all legal proceedings with confidence. So here are some key things to know before you do anything else regarding your case:  

Child Custody Laws in Colorado 

Child custody or, as it's referred to in Colorado law, "parental responsibilities," can be a difficult process. It's essential to understand that the court's primary concern is always the best interests of the child. In Colorado, parental responsibilities encompass two main aspects: decision-making responsibility (legal custody) and parenting time (physical custody and visitation). 

Decision-making responsibility is about the rights parents have to make crucial decisions concerning the child's life, including education, healthcare, and other significant areas. While Colorado law prefers shared decision-making responsibility, specific decision-making authority may be allocated to each parent by the judge, depending on the circumstances. 

Parenting time, on the other hand, is about where the child will live and how much time they'll spend with each parent. If one parent has less than 90 overnight visits per year, the other parent is considered to have primary parental responsibility. Conversely, if both parents have an equal number of overnight visits, it's considered joint parental responsibility. 

How Colorado Judges Make Custody Decisions 

When making custody decisions, judges consider several factors. These include the parents' wishes, the child's preference (if mature enough), the child's relationship with parents and siblings, the child's adjustment to home and community, the mental and physical health of all individuals involved, and each parent's ability to encourage the child's relationship with the other parent. 

It's important to note that neither gender nor bad conduct of a parent influences custody decisions unless it impacts the parent-child relationship. Domestic violence is taken seriously, and the court always prioritizes the safety of the child and the parent who suffered abuse. 

Modifying Custody and Visitation in Colorado 

Custody and visitation arrangements are not set in stone. Parents can request modifications to parenting time or changes in the child's primary residence. The judge may grant the request if it's in the child's best interests or if circumstances have significantly changed. Your eligibility to modify a decision-making responsibility requires a substantial change in circumstances and evidence that the modification is necessary to serve the child's best interests. 

How to Prepare for Meeting With Your Attorney 

When you consult with us at Durango Family Law, there are certain things we'll need from you to help us understand your case better and formulate an effective strategy.  

• We'll need information about your relationship with the child and the other parent, details about your current custody or visitation arrangement, and your ideal custody or visitation arrangement. 

• We'll also need to know about any concerns you have regarding the child's safety or well-being, information about past legal disputes or court orders related to the child, and any special circumstances such as a parent living out of state or a child with special needs. Understanding potential obstacles to reaching your desired outcome, like the other parent's unwillingness to negotiate, is also crucial. 

• It's also helpful to bring any existing custody orders or parenting plans, documents related to child support or spousal support, evidence of domestic violence or substance abuse, medical or educational records related to the child, and a list of questions or concerns you have about the custody process. 

During your initial consultation with your custody lawyer, don't hesitate to ask questions about the legal process, expected timeline, and potential costs. At Durango Family Law, we're committed to guiding you through this difficult but essential journey with compassion, creativity, and collaboration. Reach out to us today, and let's work together to find the best possible outcome for you and your child.