Like all states in the U.S., Colorado has laws upholding a parent’s legal right to physical and legal decision-making custody. They also have an obligation to support their child financially. Despite these inherent parental rights, the court can terminate a parent’s rights under specific circumstances, including when the parent themselves voluntarily requests a termination of their rights, such as to allow the adoption of an infant. In other cases, the termination of parental rights occurs in response to a petition…

The term parental rights refers to a parent’s legal rights and responsibilities to their child. Parents have a legal responsibility to financially support their children and the right to physical and decision-making custody. Parental rights are upheld by the Colorado court, which makes all family court decisions with the child’s best interests as its highest priority; however, there are some circumstances under which the Colorado court will terminate a parent’s rights. The termination of parental rights can occur either voluntarily…

The legal system in the United States is complex, involving multiple areas of law and distinctly separate court systems, including the criminal justice system, civil court, and family court. Each type of court has different goals, objectives, and procedures. While criminal law and family law are separate entities, it’s important to note that they sometimes intersect.  Understanding the differences between family law and criminal law in Colorado and elsewhere is important when navigating the legal system, but it’s also helpful…