Aurora Child Custody Lawyers
Protecting Your Parental Rights in Custody Disputes
Child custody matters are among the most emotionally sensitive issues in family law. When you are trying to secure a stable future for your child, you should start by getting experienced guidance and calm, steady support. At Denver Family Lawyers, we have represented parents throughout Aurora and Colorado since 1997, so you know that you can trust us with your child custody case.
You should choose our firm for your Aurora child custody case because we offer:
- Decades of experience with Colorado custody and parenting time laws
- Strategic guidance designed to minimize conflict and protect your parental rights
- Clear communication to help you understand each step of the process
- Compassionate, child-centered approach to difficult family transitions
Call us at (303) 225-3343 today to discuss your child custody goals and learn how we can support you during a case evaluation.
Colorado Child Custody Requirements & Arrangements
In some legal contexts, Colorado law uses the term “parental responsibilities” rather than “child custody,” but the idea is the same: determining how parents will share parenting time and decision-making authority after a separation or divorce. Courts focus on creating arrangements that reflect the child’s best interests, not the preferences of either parent. Before approving any agreement or issuing a court order, Colorado requires both parents to disclose important information related to the child’s needs, their schedules, and their ability to care for the child safely.
Parenting arrangements in Colorado generally fall into two categories:
- Joint parental responsibilities: Both parents share decision-making responsibilities and/or parenting time.
- Sole parental responsibilities: One parent has the majority of decision-making power, parenting time, or both, depending on the circumstances.
Joint arrangements are more common and often preferred, as they typically support a child’s ongoing relationship with both parents. However, courts may award sole parental responsibilities if one parent has a history of endangering behavior, domestic violence, or an inability to meet the child’s basic needs.
Even in joint arrangements, parenting time does not need to be exactly equal. The schedule must simply be workable, child-focused, and aligned with the child’s age, school commitments, and overall well-being and best interests.
Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody
Many parents are surprised to learn that “custody” involves two related but separate concepts, including:
- Legal custody (decision-making responsibilities): Determines which parent has the authority to make major decisions about the child’s health care, education, religious upbringing, and significant developmental needs.
- Physical custody (parenting time): Determines where the child lives and how parenting time is divided between the parents.
A parenting plan may assign legal and physical custody jointly or solely, depending on what the court determines is most appropriate. For example, parents may share decision-making responsibilities while one parent has the majority of parenting time, or vice versa. We’re here to understand what custody arrangement you think will be best for your child, and help you argue for it.
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR) for Unmarried Parents
Not all child custody disputes arise from divorce. Many parents in Aurora are unmarried, and Colorado provides a specific process called an Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR) case to address child custody, parenting time, and child support. APR cases function similarly to custody matters in divorce, but they begin with establishing paternity or acknowledging parentage if it has not already been determined.
Once the case is filed, both parents typically must provide financial and parenting-related disclosures to the court. They may be required to participate in mediation, create a proposed parenting plan, and attend court hearings if disagreements remain unresolved. The court then determines how parenting time and decision-making responsibilities should be shared based on the child’s best interests.
For unmarried parents who are trying to establish or protect their parental rights, an APR case provides a clear legal framework that defines expectations, responsibilities, and stability for the child. Thanks to our extensive experience and resources, our Aurora child custody lawyers are well-prepared to handle an APR case for you, too.
How the Court Decides Child Custody
Colorado courts rely on a detailed set of “best interest” factors when determining whether a parenting plan should be approved or when deciding custody disputes between parents. If a factor or decision would detract from the child’s best interests, then the court won’t want to approve it without changes.
When ruling on child custody, courts may consider:
- Child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s physical and emotional needs
- Child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
- Mental and physical health of each parent
- Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or unsafe behavior
- Child’s own wishes, depending on age and maturity
- Distance between the parents’ homes and logistical considerations like transportation
FAQs About Child Custody in Aurora, Colorado
1. Do Colorado courts prefer joint custody?
Colorado law does not require joint custody, but courts often favor arrangements that allow both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life. Joint arrangements are common when both parents can safely and responsibly share parenting duties without conflict.
2. Can my child choose which parent to live with?
There is no specific age at which a child can decide where to live. However, courts may consider a child’s wishes if the child is mature enough to express a reasoned preference; although the child’s preference is only one factor among many. Typically, the court will only be interested in what a teenager thinks about custody arrangements because it is assumed that younger children won’t understand the situation.
3. Is mediation required in child custody cases?
In most contested custody cases in Aurora, mediation is required before the court will hold a hearing. Mediation helps parents attempt to reach agreements cooperatively, though the court will still review the final parenting plan to check that it serves the child’s best interests.
Get Guidance for Your Child Custody Case
Child custody matters require thoughtful planning, a clear understanding of Colorado law, and an approach that centers on your child’s needs. At Denver Family Lawyers, we are committed to helping you navigate this process with stability, compassion, and confidence. Whether you are divorcing, separating, or establishing parental rights for the first time, we are here to protect your relationship with your child and guide you through each step, all while working to uphold your child’s best interests.
Contact us today online or dial (303) 225-3343 to schedule a consultation with an Aurora child custody attorney from our firm.