If you’re going through a divorce or separation in Colorado and you have children, you’re going to need a parenting plan. There’s no getting around it — Colorado law requires one, and the court won’t finalize your case without it.
The good news is that a parenting plan doesn’t have to be a source of conflict.
When done right, it becomes the roadmap that keeps your kids’ lives stable while giving both parents clear expectations. The key is understanding what the court requires, what schedule options exist, and how to put together a plan that actually works for your family.
At New Leaf Family, we help parents build parenting plans that focus on real outcomes for their kids — not legal posturing. Your goal becomes our Polaris™, and our team works with you to get there. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Parenting Plan in Colorado?
A parenting plan is a written document that spells out how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after a separation or divorce. It’s required in every Colorado case involving minor children — whether it’s a divorce, legal separation, or parentage case.
The plan must cover who makes major decisions for the child, the physical schedule for where the child will be and when, and how parents will resolve future disagreements.
Once the court approves the plan, it becomes a legally enforceable court order. That means both parents are expected to follow it, and there are real consequences for violations.
You can negotiate the plan between yourselves, work with a mediator, or have your attorneys draft it. However it gets created, the court has the final say on whether it’s approved.
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities in Colorado
Colorado doesn’t use the traditional terms “custody” and “visitation.” Instead, the state uses “allocation of parental responsibilities,” or APR. It’s more than just a label change — it reflects the philosophy that both parents have responsibilities, not just rights.
APR has two main components:
1. Decision-Making Authority
Covers major life decisions about:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Religion
- Extracurricular activities
This authority can be:
- Joint: Both parents must agree on major decisions
- Sole: One parent has the final say in a specific area
Courts can also divide categories. For example:
- One parent has sole authority over education
- Both parents share healthcare decisions
2. Parenting Time
This is the physical schedule — when the child is with each parent.
How Courts Decide
Colorado courts apply the “best interests of the child” standard.
The focus is not on what either parent wants. It is on what is best for the child.
Courts consider factors such as:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
- The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
Any history of domestic violence - Any history of substance abuse
The goal is stability, safety, and a structure that supports the child’s overall well-being.
Common Types of Parenting Time Schedules in Colorado
There is no single “standard” custody schedule in Colorado. The court expects a schedule that serves the child’s best interests given the family’s specific circumstances. That said, several common arrangements come up frequently.
| Schedule Type | Description | Best For |
| Alternating Weeks | Child spends one full week with each parent | Parents living close by with cooperative communication |
| 2-2-3 Schedule | Two days with Parent A, two with Parent B, three-day alternating weekends | Younger children who benefit from frequent contact with both parents |
| Primary Residence with Extended Visitation | One parent has majority time; the other has weekends, holidays, and extended summer time | Situations with significant work or geographic constraints |
| Customized Schedule | Tailored to fit work shifts, school schedules, or special needs | Unique family circumstances |
The alternating week schedule is popular for its simplicity, but it’s not ideal for every family — especially with very young children who may do better with more frequent transitions. The 2-2-3 rotation keeps both parents involved on a near-daily basis but requires a high level of cooperation and proximity.
For families where one parent travels frequently, works nontraditional hours, or lives farther away, a primary residence arrangement with generous parenting time for the other parent may be more practical.
The best schedule is the one your children can actually thrive in — not the one that looks fairest on paper.
How to Negotiate a Parenting Plan in Colorado
You have several options for getting your parenting plan put together.
Direct negotiation between parents is the simplest and least expensive approach. If you and the other parent communicate reasonably well and generally agree on the big issues, you may be able to draft a plan together — or at least agree on the major points before involving professionals.
Mediation with a neutral third party is a strong option for parents who need help working through disagreements. A mediator won’t take sides but will guide the conversation and help you find solutions you might not reach on your own.
Attorney-assisted negotiation is appropriate when the issues are more complex or when there’s a significant power imbalance. Each parent has their own attorney, and the lawyers negotiate on their behalf while keeping the process focused on resolution rather than litigation.
Regardless of which path you choose, a few practical tips go a long way. Focus on your child’s stability and daily routines, not on “winning” time. Be realistic about work schedules and transportation logistics. Keep communication structured and respectful — even when it’s hard. Think long-term, because the plan needs to work next year, not just next week.
Both parents do need to either agree on the plan or have the court decide for them. If you can’t reach an agreement, the court will create a plan based on the evidence presented — and you may not like the result as much as what you could have negotiated yourselves.
Filing a Parenting Plan in Colorado
Your parenting plan is filed with the court as part of your divorce, legal separation, or parentage case. The required forms are available through the Colorado Judicial Branch website, and the specific filing requirements may vary slightly by county.
Once filed, the court reviews the plan to make sure it meets legal requirements and serves the child’s best interests. In straightforward cases where both parents agree, approval can be relatively quick. If there are disputes or concerns, the court may require additional hearings, a parental responsibilities evaluation, or mediation before signing off.
Timelines vary by county and depend on the court’s caseload. Don’t assume your plan will be approved overnight, but also don’t let the process intimidate you — most agreed-upon plans move through without major issues.
What Happens If a Parent Violates the Parenting Plan?
Once your parenting plan is approved, it carries the full weight of a court order. That means violations are taken seriously.
If one parent consistently fails to follow the schedule — refusing to return the child on time, blocking parenting time, or making unilateral decisions that should be shared — the other parent can file a motion for enforcement with the court. Courts have a range of tools at their disposal, including makeup parenting time, modification of the schedule, fines, and, in extreme cases, changes to decision-making authority.
Before escalating to court, document everything. Keep a record of missed exchanges, late pickups, and any communication that shows the pattern. Courts respond to evidence, not emotions. If the violations are serious or ongoing, having an attorney help you file an enforcement motion sends a clear message that the order needs to be followed.
Modifying a Parenting Plan in Colorado
Parenting plans aren’t set in stone forever. Life changes — and when it does, the plan may need to change too.
Colorado allows modifications when there’s been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Common examples include a parent relocating, a major change in work schedules, safety concerns involving the child, or a significant shift in the child’s needs as they grow older.
The court applies the same best interests standard it used when approving the original plan. You’ll need to show that the change is real, ongoing, and significant enough to justify a new arrangement.
If both parents agree to the modification, the process is typically faster and less expensive. If one parent objects, you’ll need to make your case to the court.
Templates and Professional Help
Colorado provides official forms and templates through the Colorado Judicial Branch that you can use as a starting point. These are helpful for understanding what the court expects and making sure you don’t miss required elements.
However, a template is just a framework. If your situation involves complex scheduling, high conflict, relocation issues, or significant disagreements about decision-making, professional guidance is worth the investment.
At New Leaf Family, we take the stress out of parenting plan creation by focusing on what matters most — your kids and your goals. With our fixed monthly billing model, you know exactly what your legal costs will be. No hourly billing surprises. Just a dedicated legal team that acts as the calm in your storm, advocating for the outcome you want. Schedule a free case evaluation to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is required in a Colorado parenting plan? A Colorado parenting plan must address decision-making authority for major issues, a parenting time schedule, and a method for resolving future disputes. The plan must be filed with the court and approved before it becomes enforceable.
How do I file a parenting plan in Colorado? You file your parenting plan with the court as part of your divorce, legal separation, or parentage case using forms available from the Colorado Judicial Branch. The plan is reviewed and must be approved by a judge.
Is a parenting plan required in every divorce? Yes, if minor children are involved. Colorado requires a parenting plan in every divorce, legal separation, or parentage case where the parents share children under 18.
What does allocation of parental responsibilities mean? It’s Colorado’s term for what other states call “custody.” It includes two components: decision-making authority (who makes major decisions) and parenting time (the physical schedule).
Can a parenting plan be modified in Colorado? Yes, if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Either parent can request a modification, and the court will evaluate the request based on the child’s best interests.
What is the standard parenting time schedule? There is no single standard schedule. Courts approve plans based on what works best for the child, considering the parents’ circumstances. Common arrangements include alternating weeks, 2-2-3 rotations, and primary residence with extended visitation.
How does Colorado determine child custody? Colorado uses the best interests of the child standard, looking at factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
Do both parents need to agree on the plan? Ideally, yes. If parents can’t agree, the court will decide based on the evidence. Agreed-upon plans are generally approved more quickly and give parents more control over the outcome.
What happens if a parent violates the parenting plan? The other parent can file a motion for enforcement with the court. Consequences can include makeup parenting time, schedule modifications, fines, or changes to decision-making authority.
How long does court approval take? It depends on the county and whether both parents agree. Uncontested plans are typically approved faster, while disputed plans may require additional hearings and evaluations.
