Denver Child Custody Lawyer

When you decide to leave your relationship, your first consideration often turns to the impact this will have on your child or children. 

At The Law Office of Stephan E. Uslan in Denver, Steve understands how complicated working out the details of parenting responsibilities and parenting time arrangements can be. That's why our Denver child custody lawyer provides compassionate child custody and visitation services for parents in Denver, Colorado. 

His legal representation is backed by over 40 years of experience in:

• Child custody cases
• Divorce law
• Visitation services
• And other family law proceedings

Contact The Law Office of Stephan E. Uslan today to schedule a consultation with a compassionate and knowledgeable child custody lawyer in Denver, Colorado. We are here to help you make the best decisions for your children and protect their well-being.

How Child Custody Is Determined in Colorado

Unlike other states, Colorado doesn’t utilize joint or sole custody in terms of custody arrangements. Rather, it identifies child custody as parental responsibilities, which may include visitation or “parenting time,” who the child resides with, and major life decisions. 

These are determined based on what is in the best interest of the child or children. In order to help navigate through this process, it’s recommended you consult with our top rated child custody attorney serving Denver, Colorado.

Some parenting factors that may influence parental responsibilities and child custody include:

• What the wishes of the child or children are
• What the wishes of the parents are
• How the child or children adjusts or performs in their current school arrangements or home life 
• What the relationships are between the parents, children, siblings, or other family members 
• How close or far the parents are physically 
• How the parents interact with one another and their behavior

Creating Effective Parenting Plans for Child Custody

When it comes to child custody cases, it is important to have a clear and comprehensive parenting plan in place. A parenting plan outlines the rights and responsibilities of each parent, as well as the schedule for visitation and decision-making for the child. 

Our experienced child custody lawyer in Denver at The Law Office of Stephan E. Uslan can help you create a parenting plan that is in the best interest of your child and meets your unique needs.

Key elements of a parenting plan may include:

• Residential schedule: This specifies when the child will be with each parent, including regular visitation, holidays, and vacations.
• Decision-making authority: This determines which parent has the final say in making important decisions regarding the child's education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities.
• Communication and information sharing: This outlines how parents will communicate with each other and share information about the child's well-being and development.
• Dispute resolution: This addresses how conflicts or disagreements between parents will be resolved, such as through mediation or court intervention.

Having a well-crafted parenting plan not only provides structure and stability for your child but also helps to minimize potential conflicts between parents. Our dedicated child custody attorneys are here to guide you through the process and advocate for the best interests of your children.

Steps to Take If the Other Parent Violates the Custody Agreement

When the other parent fails to follow the custody agreement, it can be a stressful and frustrating experience. The first step is to remain calm and focused on the best interests of your child. Document each instance of non-compliance, including dates, times, and specific details of what occurred. This record will be crucial if legal action becomes necessary.

Next, try to communicate with the other parent to resolve the issue. Sometimes, misunderstandings or miscommunications can be resolved through a calm and respectful conversation. If direct communication is not possible or effective, consider using mediation. A neutral third party can help facilitate a productive discussion and work towards a solution that both parties can agree upon.

If these efforts do not resolve the problem, it may be time to consult with a child custody lawyer. A lawyer can provide you with advice on your legal options and help you understand the best course of action based on your specific situation. In Denver, a skilled child custody attorney can assist in filing a motion to enforce the custody agreement. This motion asks the court to require the non-compliant parent to adhere to the terms of the agreement.

In some cases, the court may find the non-compliant parent in contempt, which can result in penalties such as fines, makeup parenting time, or even jail time in extreme situations. The court's primary concern is the welfare of the child, and they will take appropriate measures to ensure the custody agreement is followed.

It's important to address custody issues promptly to prevent further conflict and to protect your child's well-being. With the guidance of an experienced Denver child custody lawyer, you can navigate this challenging situation and work towards a resolution that upholds your child's best interests and maintains the integrity of the custody agreement.

Understanding the Role of Child Custody Evaluators

In many child custody cases, the court may appoint a child custody evaluator to assess the family dynamics and make recommendations in the best interest of the child. Understanding the role of these professionals can help you navigate the custody process more effectively.

Child custody evaluators are trained experts who evaluate the family situation by conducting interviews, observing interactions, and reviewing relevant documents. Their goal is to provide the court with an unbiased perspective on what arrangement would serve the child's best interests. 

Here are some key points to consider:

• Objective Assessment: Evaluators gather information from both parents, children, and other relevant sources to provide a comprehensive view of the family environment.
• Recommendations: After their evaluation, they submit a report to the court that includes recommendations for custody arrangements, which can significantly influence the judge's decision.
• Preparation: Being prepared for an evaluation can make a difference. Our team can guide you on how to present your case and what to expect during the evaluation process.
• Impact on Outcomes: Understanding the evaluator's perspective can help you address concerns proactively, ensuring the best possible outcome for your child.

At The Law Office of Stephan E. Uslan, we can help you prepare for the evaluation process and advocate for your child's best interests. 

Can You Obtain Full Custody in Denver, Colorado?

While it is difficult, what is known as sole custody (or full custody) in other states may be granted in certain situations. 

In Denver, Colorado, full custody is typically only granted when one parent is considered “unfit” because of:

• Substance abuse;
• Mental health disorders;
• Domestic violence/child abuse; and/or
• Other circumstances that endanger the child.

If neither parent is unfit, then Denver courts will draft a plan that allows the child to spend as much time as possible with each parent. The reasoning is that the courts consider having a healthy relationship with each parent to be in the best interests of a child.

Contact our child custody lawyer serving Denver online or call (303) 900-5346 to book a consultation today!

Helpful Resources:

• Colorado Department of Human Services - Child Protection
• Colorado Judicial Branch - Child Custody