Divorce necessitates many difficult conversations about family and the future. If two Colorado residents decide to end their marriage and share kids, many of their considerations will focus on how to protect their children during the process of legally terminating their marital relationship. Their children may worry about what their new living arrangements will be and how they will share time with their parents.
In Colorado, parenting time refers to the time that a child spends under the physical control of a parent. Parents can share parenting time, or it may be granted to one parent if the circumstances require. Parents who go through divorces should be aware of the factors courts can consider when making parenting time decisions.
The best interests of the children
Of paramount importance to parenting time decisions is the best interests of the children. All family law matters concerning the custody of children will evaluate the subjective factors that will best serve children’s individual needs and interests. Those factors can include, but are not limited to:
- The relationship of the child to their parents and siblings
- The health of the child and the parents
- The adjustment of the child to their school and community
- The capacity of the parents to encourage healthy relationships between their child and their co-parent
- The proximity of the parents’ homes
Based on these and other factors, courts make the best decisions they can to serve children’s needs in parenting time cases.
Advocacy on family law matters
It can be difficult for a parent to stand by and watch as custodial matters concerning their children are made. It is possible for a parent to have a voice in the process, and with the help of a family law attorney, a parent may be able to include their knowledge and support of their child in parenting time decisions. All parenting time decisions are unique, and parents can participate to benefit the outcomes for their kids.