Child Custody Lawyers in Denver

Establishing child custody agreements becomes one of the first things couples think about when filing for divorce. In some situations, it can be challenging to come to an amicable agreement on parenting time. The professional child custody lawyers at McCoy Family Law in Denver, CO, are here to help you fight for custody. Call us today at (720) 741-7442 to learn more about our family legal services in Colorado.

Child Custody Laws in Denver

One of the most important things to remember about Colorado family law is that Colorado is not a 50/50 child custody state. This means that when parents divorce, the law bases custody decisions on the best interest of the child rather than giving each parent equal parenting time. Colorado has two basic types of custody orders:

• physical custody
• legal custody

Physical Custody

Physical custody orders determine which parent the child or children live with. In some cases, physical guardianship can be split between parents. This common option works for parents that live near each other as split physical custody can create unnecessary stress on the child or children. The parent awarded physical custody remains ultimately responsible for providing primary care for the child. This includes satisfying emotional, physical, and social needs.

Legal Custody

Legal custody orders refer to the decisions that a parent makes for their child. For example, parents granted legal guardianship will make education-, religious-, and healthcare-related decisions for their child. In most cases, parents will share legal custody. If you share legal custody with another party but have difficulty reaching amicable decisions, it may be time to reach out to a family law firm. Family attorneys can help parties reach agreements that benefit the child without the added stress of constant disagreement.

Types of Custody Arrangements

As previously mentioned, the Colorado legal system awards parental rights and custody based on the well-being of the child or children involved. Consider the five primary forms of custody arrangements:

• Split custody: Each parent has full responsibility of certain children.
• Sole custody: Only one parent has both legal and physical guardianship.
• Joint custody: Both parents share physical and legal custody.
• Shared custody: Both parents share legal, but not physical custody.
• Alternating custody: Parents alternate who has physical and legal responsibility.

What Factors Affect Child Custody Decisions?

When entering a custody battle, it is crucial to understand which factors influence a court's decision.

• The location of each parent's home
• The custody preferences of each parent
• The well-being and preferences of the child or children
• The mental and physical health of each parent

Signs of child abuse, alcoholism, neglect, and mental illnesses represent common factors that will prevent a parent from being awarded any custody. Although several factors contribute to a court's decision, custody will be awarded according to the child's best interest. We know that no custody case is the same. Child Custody Lawyers at McCoy Family Law provides customized legal services to fit the specific needs of your family and legal objectives. When you need help fighting for custody rights, let McCoy Family Law in Denver, CO, represent you in court. Call us today at (720) 741-7442 to schedule a consultation.

Child Custody Lawyer FAQ