If you already have a Parenting Plan (child custody agreement) in place following the separation of you and the other parent, to modify it, you will need to show the courts that there has been a change of circumstances and that a modification of the Plan is in the children's best interests.
Considerations for a Modification of Parenting Time in Colorado
Divorcing with a child: How early is too early?
You've always been close with your spouse, so when you found out that they had been sleeping with someone else, you were furious. It was like your friendship and marriage were shattered at the same time.
Using parallel parenting for custody and parenting time plans
When Colorado couples started their families, they probably felt as though their marriages would last forever. Unfortunately, at some point, the marital relationship soured, and one or both spouses decided that divorce would be the best course of action. Even if at least some of those couples want to co-parent, their relationship may not allow them to do so, in which case they may want to consider parallel parenting for their custody and parenting time plans.
Some custody and parenting time plans are problematic
One of the most challenging aspects of a Colorado divorce is agreeing to a parenting plan. The best interests of the child are paramount. Although there are many configurations that can be used, some may be less effective than others.
Effectively Navigating the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities: Parenting Time and Decision-Making Authority in Colorado
Colorado Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (child custody, visitation and decision-making authority) are frequently complicated and can lead to disputes. Regardless of the relationship between the parents, issues can arise. Resolving these disagreements often hinge on formulating strategies for effective co-parenting.
Use a parenting agreement to reduce future tension, arguments
When you decide to divorce, you know it will impact you, your ex and your children in a variety of ways. But rather than give in to this and hope for the best, you can create a parenting agreement that affords both parents the opportunity to have a clear understanding of their role, responsibilities and legal rights moving forward.
Prevent parenting time interference with clear expectations
Sharing custody or visitation rights with your child's other parent is almost always a difficult experience, even when everyone involved attempts to remain respectful of each other's needs and rights. The realities of sharing parenting time can flare tempers or bring out behavior that is simply not acceptable, especially when it comes to each parent's right to time with their child.
How to help your children cope with the challenges of divorce
Going through the divorce process has the potential to bury you in stress, tension and uncertain feelings about the future. While you're personally dealing with these concerns, it's critical to take into consideration the well-being of your children.
How to parent from hundreds of miles away
Colorado parents may spend days, weeks or months separated from their children. However, this doesn't mean that a parent can't have a quality relationship with a son or daughter. One way to stay in touch is to send letters or postcards on a regular basis. They should have supportive or funny messages that a child will look forward to reading. Those who have multiple children can address a single letter or postcard to everyone in the same house.
Can you resolve a child custody case in mediation?
There is nothing more important in your divorce than working through matters of child custody. The right agreement can make all the difference for you, your ex and the manner in which you raise your children.