Englewood, CO Custody Lawyers

Key Takeaways:

• Colorado uses the terms “parenting time” and “decision-making” rather than “custody,” emphasizing how parents divide physical time with their children and make important decisions regarding their upbringing.
• Custody matters can often be settled through mediation when parents are able to collaborate, but in cases of high conflict or unresolved disputes, a judge will make the final decision based on the “best interests of the child.”
• At New Leaf Family, we provide transparent flat-rate billing, prioritize strategies designed to reduce conflict, and offer full-service support to help parents achieve favorable custody outcomes without unnecessary stress or unexpected financial burdens.

Navigating a custody dispute can be challenging and emotional, but it’s also an opportunity to create a foundation upon which your kids are able to enjoy a safe and stable childhood. While it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions during this process, remember that no one knows what your family needs more than you, and you have the strength to advocate for those essential considerations to be a part of your future. New Leaf Family is here to guide you every step of the way!

Our Englewood custody lawyers bring decades of combined experience in Colorado custody cases and the family court system. We are committed to empowering parents during difficult transitions, as well as helping them pursue outcomes that protect their children and reflect the unique needs of their families.

Whether you’re in the midst of a divorce and struggling to reach a custody agreement, or you’re dealing with a co-parent who refuses to honor your custody arrangement, we’re ready to help you take control of the situation.

Call today to schedule your free case evaluation and let us help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

The Building Blocks Of Colorado Custody

Each state has their own custody laws and guidelines, so it’s essential that you familiarize yourself with some of the most important factors that will influence the relationship you have with your children from here on out.

• Physical custody vs. Legal custody – Colorado is shifting away from the term “custody” and instead uses “parenting time” and “decision-making” to describe physical and legal custody. Parenting time refers to where the children primarily reside and the schedule for time spent with the other parent. Decision-making, on the other hand, defines how parents share responsibility for making key decisions about their children’s lives, such as their education, healthcare, and religious exposure.
• Contested vs. Uncontested – The degree of agreement between you and your co-parent typically determines whether your custody case is contested or uncontested, no matter if you’re navigating a divorce or seeking a modification to an existing arrangement. If you and your co-parent can collaborate to reach an agreement that aligns with your family’s needs – perhaps through mediation – your case can proceed uncontested.

On the other hand, if reaching an agreement isn’t possible, or if litigation is the necessary path forward because of extenuating circumstances, your contested custody case will be resolved by a judge in family court. Regardless of the circumstances, our Englewood custody lawyers are committed to advocating for your children’s safety, stability, and best interests every step of the way.

• “Best Interests of the Child” Standard – 

This is the basis on which Colorado family court judges make decisions regarding custody if the parents are not able to reach their own agreement. The courts generally prioritize joint parenting time and decision-making, as it is widely believed to be the arrangement that meets this standard. This means examining several different factors, including:

• The child’s relationship with each parent
• Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
• The child’s adjustment to home and school
• Any history of abuse or neglect
• The child’s preference (depending on their age and maturity level) 
• And more. 

How Our Englewood Custody Lawyers Lead Your Family To A Brighter Future

New Leaf Family is unique because we:

• Offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation, so you can spend some time getting to know us better before you decide if we’re the right fit for your family
• Have opportunities like educational seminars and coaching sessions built in to our comprehensive services to arm you with the tools you need to build the future you want after your case is resolved
• Focus on what truly matters – while some firms provoke conflict to stir up court battles and increase their fees, our Englewood custody lawyers put your and your kids’ needs at the heart of every decision we make
• Offer predictable, flat-rate monthly billing, which gives you can have peace of mind knowing that there won’t be any unexpected fees or financial surprises that catch you off-guard
• Work diligently to reduce conflict and drama while remaining fully committed to doing whatever it takes to protect your kids and achieve a custody arrangement that supports their best interests

Let’s take the next steps together. Call today to book your free case evaluation!