Child custody disputes – legally referred to in Colorado as the allocation of parental responsibilities – are emotionally charged, legally complex, and deeply personal. At Brown Carrington, PLLC, our mission is to provide strong legal advocacy at a time when your family’s future hangs in the balance. Our experienced Denver child custody attorney will use the full force of Denver family law to help you achieve custody outcomes that protect your parental rights and your child’s well-being.

Our family lawyer in Denver is your strongest legal ally in this difficult journey. Whether you are going through a divorce, separating from a long-term partner, dealing with enforcement, or modifying an existing parenting time order, we will leave no stone unturned to help you achieve a favorable result. Choose our family law services to receive dedicated child custody legal support in Denver.

Child Custody Laws in Denver, CO

Denver family law refers to custody as “parental responsibilities,” which includes two primary components: parenting time (physical custody) and decision-making responsibility (legal custody). In Denver, courts aim to promote the best interests of the child and prefer custody arrangements that encourage the involvement of both parents whenever appropriate.

Joint parental responsibilities are common, but they are not guaranteed. The law is nuanced, and courts examine a variety of factors when determining how parental responsibilities should be allocated. At Brown Carrington, PLLC, we prepare our clients to present the strongest case possible, whether that means seeking Joint Decisionmaking, equal parenting time or advocating for primary parental responsibility.

Key Legal Terms You Should Know About Custody Arrangements

• Parenting Time (Physical Custody): This determines where the child lives and the schedule of time spent with each parent. It may be split equally or assigned primarily to one parent.
• Decision-Making Responsibility (Legal Custody): This covers decisions related to the child’s education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare. Parents may share this responsibility, or one parent may be given sole authority.
• Temporary Orders: Issued during the divorce or separation process, they establish parenting responsibilities and obligations until final orders are entered.
• Modification Orders: Parents can request changes to parenting time or parental responsibility arrangements if there has been a substantial change in circumstances.

Factors Denver Courts Will Consider to Determine Custody

Denver courts are guided by the “best interests of the child” standard. Judges review several factors, including:

• The child’s relationship with each parent
• The ability of each parent to put the child’s needs ahead of their own
• The physical and mental health of the parents
• Each parent’s willingness to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
• The presence of any domestic violence or abuse
• The child’s preferences, depending on their age and maturity

At Brown Carrington, PLLC, our role is to ensure that your story, your child’s needs, and the evidence as outlined by the statutory requirements are presented with clarity and in a way that supports your ultimate goals and requested parenting plan.

Services Our Child Custody Lawyers Provide to Clients in Denver

Legal Representation in Custody Hearings

We represent clients at all stages of litigation-from temporary orders hearings to permanent orders hearings. Whether your case requires negotiation, mediation, or courtroom advocacy, our attorneys are prepared to protect your interests and those of your child.

Guidance on Parenting Time and Parental Responsibilities

We help clients know what arrangement is most appropriate based on their family dynamic, their child’s best interests, and relevant legal standards. Some families benefit from shared parental responsibilities, while others require a sole custody approach due to factors like abuse, addiction, or instability.

Modifications and Enforcement of Custody Orders

Life changes. Sometimes, the original custody order no longer works for your family. We help parents petition the court for modifications due to relocation, changes in employment, or other significant shifts. We also enforce existing custody orders if a parent is not complying.

Our services also include motions to restrict parenting time, emergency motions when a child is in immediate danger, supervised visitation requests, and interstate custody issues under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).

Steps Our Child Custody Lawyers in Denver Will Take During the Parental Responsibilities Allocation Process

Step 1: Consultation and Case Evaluation

The process begins with a detailed consultation. We listen to your goals, concerns, and challenges. We gather all relevant information, such as parenting history, health issues, school concerns, and financial matters to help us assess the case thoroughly.

Step 2: Preparing Legal Documents and Evidence

Our child custody lawyers in Denver handle all required court filings, including Petitions for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities, Motions to Modify Parenting Time, and supporting affidavits. We also collect and organize critical evidence, such as communication logs, school records, and third-party reports.

Step 3: Negotiation and Mediation

Many child custody disputes are resolved outside of court through mediation or settlement discussions. Our attorneys engage in strategic negotiations with opposing counsel to arrive at a parenting plan that is in the child’s best interest and aligned with your goals.

Step 4: Court Representation

If negotiations fail, we are prepared to litigate aggressively. Our trial attorneys present your case clearly and persuasively, supported by evidence, expert testimony, and case law. We do not back down when your parental rights are on the line.

Step 5: Final Orders and Post-Judgment Support

Once a parenting plan is approved, we assist with implementation, communication tools (such as co-parenting apps), and post-judgment issues, including modifications or enforcement.

Emotional and Financial Considerations in Denver Child Custody Cases

Child custody cases affect your daily life, your finances, and your emotional well-being. The dedicated child custody attorneys at our law firm in Denver, CO recognize the toll these matters take and offer strategic yet compassionate legal support.

Financially, custody issues often overlap with child support, healthcare costs, educational expenses, and extracurricular activities. We work with financial experts to assess fair support amounts, especially in cases involving self-employment or complex income structures.

Emotionally, we understand how hard it is to be away from your child or fear for their well-being. Our job is not only to achieve a fair child custody agreement, but also to help you make informed decisions even during times of emotional stress. Our firm connects clients with mental health professionals, parenting coordinators, and counselors to help the entire family adjust to new routines.

Supporting Children Through Transitions in Denver Child Custody Cases

Children are resilient, but transitions during Denver family law cases can be destabilizing. At Brown Carrington, PLLC, we help our clients create parenting plans that minimize conflict and provide predictability for children.

We prioritize the child’s needs in every case. That means encouraging cooperative co-parenting when possible and safeguarding children from exposure to conflict, manipulation, or instability. When needed, we work with child therapists, Child and Family Investigators (CFIs), and Parental Responsibility Evaluators (PREs) advocate for child-centered parenting time schedules, especially for infants, toddlers, or children with special needs.

Our lawyers also provide guidance on how to communicate with your children during custody transitions. From helping you navigate difficult conversations to setting up parenting schedules that work with school calendars, our goal is to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible for the entire family.

FAQs About Denver Child Custody Cases

Can I Prevent My Co-Parent from Relocating with Our Child?

Yes, but it depends. If a parent wants to move more than 60 miles away or out of state, Denver law requires a formal notice and court approval if the move affects parenting time. We help clients present strong objections to relocation (or compelling reasons for relocation) based on the child’s best interests.

What If My Ex is Interfering with Court-Ordered Parenting Time?

Custodial interference is a serious issue. We act quickly to document violations and file motions for contempt or enforcement. Courts may modify parenting time or even change custody if interference is persistent or harmful.

Can My Child Decide Which Parent to Live With?

Denver law does not give children the final say, but courts may consider the preferences of mature children, especially teenagers. We may introduce evidence or request a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) or Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) to assess and present the child’s perspective.

How are Custody Rights Handled for Unmarried Parents?

Unmarried parents have the same legal rights to seek parental responsibilities as married parents, but establishing them requires action. If you are a father seeking custody or parenting time, our Denver divorce attorneys assist in establishing paternity and obtaining legally enforceable orders.

How Does Domestic Violence Impact Custody?

Significantly. Allegations or findings of abuse may lead to limited parenting time, supervised visitation, or even sole custody awards. We represent both survivors and those wrongfully accused, ensuring the facts are fully investigated and presented.

Can Orders Allocating Parental Responsibilities/Custody Orders Be Changed Later?

Yes, but only with a substantial change in circumstances. Modifications often involve parental relocation, changes in a child’s needs, or violations of the original order. We carefully evaluate whether a modification is viable and guide clients through the legal process.

Why Choose Our Child Custody Lawyers in Denver, CO?

Child custody is about your child’s wellbeing, your parenting rights, and your future as a family. At Brown Carrington, PLLC, we deliver strategic, results-driven, and deeply personalized representation, led by our top-rated founding attorneys and a dedicated legal team.

Dorothy Walsh Ripka has over two decades of relentless dedication to her craft and is a passionate advocate committed to crafting innovative legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation. As a seasoned litigator with over twenty-four years of experience, Dorothy thrives in the heat of high-conflict and complex family law matters. Licensed in six states, her expertise is sought after across the nation, but her heart lies in the Denver Metropolitan area, where she has honed her skills and built a reputation for excellence.

Kirsten Etre is a dedicated family law attorney at Brown Carrington, PLLC, newly licensed and bringing extensive practical experience across criminal law, civil litigation, family law, personal injury, and dependency proceedings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida and earned her law degree from New England Law Boston, where she focused on family law. Kirsten’s background includes work with the Guardian Ad Litem program and the State Attorney’s Office on domestic violence cases, equipping her with a compassionate and knowledgeable approach to advocating for families in Colorado.

Stephanie Exner joins the Denver team of Brown Carrington with 14 years of experience in family and child protection litigation. Having worked with families from all walks of life, and during one of their greatest personal struggles, has provided Stephanie with a unique view into the many dynamic and complex relationships that exist within a family unit. Stephanie prides herself on having an empathetic and client- focused practice.

The Brown Carrington Difference in Family Law Matters

• Adaptable Legal Strategy: Whether your custody case is contentious or cooperative, our Denver family lawyers adapt our tone and tactics accordingly.
• Holistic Support: We don’t just argue cases. Our family law attorneys in Denver guide clients through one of the most emotionally intense periods of their lives.
• Specialist Collaboration: When appropriate, we work with parental responsibilities experts, forensic psychologists, and child therapists to support your legal and parental objectives.
• Clear Communication: From day one, you will have access to a secure client portal, regular updates, and a legal team that always returns your calls.

Let us carry the load. Whether you are facing a custody battle that demands courtroom muscle or one that requires skilled negotiation or mediation, our Denver child custody lawyers will be the force behind your peace of mind and your future.

Let Our Denver Child Custody Lawyers Help Protect What Matters Most

Your child’s future is too important to leave to chance. At Brown Carrington, PLLC, we offer trusted legal counsel and compassionate advocacy to parents dealing with Denver’s custody system. Our deep understanding of Colorado law, coupled with our courtroom experience and personalized service, makes us a strong ally in your case.We work relentlessly to protect your rights and support your child’s best interests. Whether you are seeking custody, modifying an existing order, or facing a contentious custody battle, we are here to fight for the outcome your family needs. To schedule your confidential consultation, call us at 720-927-7006 or contact us online.