Divorce and Children FAQ: Colorado Family Law
The stress involved in getting divorced can be magnified if you have children. No matter what age your kids are, you may fear the short-term and lasting implications a divorce can have on your children. No lawyer can predict how your children will react to the divorce, but kids tend to cope better when both parents are committed to protecting their kids’ best interests.
Highly Sensitive to Divorces Involving Children in Colorado
I am attorney Shea L. Burchill, focused exclusively in family law for more than a decade in Boulder County, Colorado. I am highly attuned to the additional complications of getting divorced with children. I am sensitive to your children’s best interests and want to help alleviate your concerns. Contact my law firm in Longmont to learn how you can move forward in your life without putting your children at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce and Children
In Colorado, which parent is generally awarded child custody? In Colorado, child custody is broken out between parental responsibility and visitation. Generally, parental responsibility refers to making decisions about a child’s well-being, education, religious upbringing, and medical treatment. Often, both parents are awarded joint parental responsibility, when in the children’s best interests. Parenting time refers to where your child will live. This can vary greatly based on how much each parent wants to be involved and your child’s best interests.
How much time will my kids spend at each house? Determining a schedule is often one of the most negotiated aspects of divorce. This is often a complicated process, especially when both sides want primary parenting time. A child specialist could help you understand what would be in your child’s best interests. The answer to this often relates to what your child is already accustomed to. If you have been separated for some time, you may want to keep your current schedule if it is working. However, you may negotiate for your son or daughter to live primarily with you, if you have been the primary caregiver or if your ex has a history of:
- Domestic abuse
- Substance abuse
- Incarceration
If you and your spouse decide to co-parent, your schedule may vary depending on your child’s age and the distance between your homes. You may decide to have your schedule rotated more often, if you have a baby. However, if you live far apart another arrangement may be more effective. As your lawyer, I can help you negotiate a schedule that makes sense for you and your children.
Do I need a parenting plan? I recommended creating a parenting plan, which can serve as a roadmap to try and avoid potential disputes. A parenting plan is a written document that can be as detailed or simple depending on what you decide.
This helps make sure each side is on the same page for how to deal with important issues such as education, religious upbringing and medical care. You can include logistical details to identify, for example, who will be responsible to make medical appointments or specify how holidays will be spent. I can help you anticipate important issues left unaddressed could lead to unnecessary headaches or bitter disputes.
Contact Shea L. Burchill, P.C., in Longmont, Colorado
I understand nothing is more important than your children’s best interests. I provide unwavering support to help clients move on without putting their children at risk. Contact my Colorado family law firm for an initial consultation in Longmont. You can also reference my family law FAQ page for additional information.