how to get a lawyer for a child in the state of colorado

What is considered a minor under Colorado law?

Under the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act (CYEOA), a minor is defined as any person under the age of eighteen, except a person who has received a high school diploma or a passing score on the general educational development examination.

How do I file for divorce in Colorado?

You will need to file several forms with the district court to start your divorce case in Colorado. You can either complete these forms yourself or you can retain a lawyer to assist you. If you are the one who is filing, you are the petitioner. If you are the one receiving the papers, then you are the respondent.

Who is eligible to file a child custody case?

A person other than a parent who has taken physical care of a child for 182 days or more. Such a person must file the case within 182 days after he or she stops physically caring for the child; OR

How to start a child custody or child support case?

Decide if you can start a child custody and/or child support case. 1. A parent; 2. A person other than a parent if the child is NOT in the physical custody of one of the parents; 3. A person other than a parent who has taken physical care of a child for 182 days or more.

How much does a custody lawyer cost Colorado?

A custody evaluation (or Parental Responsibility Evaluation as they are called in Colorado) are another pricey aspect of the matter. These can be order by court in case the mediation failed and you are now going to a trial. The estimated rate for a parenting responsibilities evaluation report is between $2,500-$3,000.

What is considered an unfit parent in Colorado?

Generally speaking, a parent is considered an unfit parent in Colorado if they have either failed to meet the child's needs or endangered the child's well-being.

Is Colorado a mom State?

Is Colorado a mother or father state? Neither. Colorado family law does not err on the side of either parent, but encourages custody and parental responsibility to be equal between parents.

Is Colorado a mother or father state?

Colorado does not have joint custody or sole custody. Colorado uses the term parental responsibility – which can either be joint or primary. If you equally share in overnight visitation with the minor child, you have joint parental responsibility.

How can a mother lose custody of her child in Colorado?

For example, if a mother emotionally or physically abuses her children, or knowingly puts them in a dangerous situation, she could lose custody. Endangerment also includes a parent who tests positive for illegal drugs or who is known for habitual substance abuse.

What do judges look for in child custody cases?

The child's age, gender, characteristics and background will all be a factor in the decision process. The judge or magistrate will want to ensure that the child is safe from any possible harm and the parent has the ability to meet the child's needs.

Can a mother keep child from father Colorado?

Colorado favors joint custody arrangements, where both parents remain present in their children's lives post-divorce. Respectively, without strong legal grounds such as a restraining order or an emergency motion to restrict parenting time, the other parent cannot limit your time with the kids.

Is Colorado a 50/50 State child custody?

Colorado is one of the most favorable states for fathers going through a divorce or in a child custody dispute. There is no Colorado law that makes equal parenting time the default. However, according to the study most Colorado legal professionals confirmed that the most commonly awarded schedule is 50/50.

What rights does a father have in Colorado?

Under Colorado law, fathers enjoy equal rights and opportunities to the raising of their children. So long as the court determines that it is in the children's best interests, fathers may enjoy equal or even greater parenting time that the mother.

Who gets child custody in Colorado?

The common grounds for getting full custody in Colorado are: Legal incarceration of one parent. Ongoing mental or emotional illnesses in severe form. Court-issued decision stating that the parent is unfit for providing timely care.

How is child custody determined in Colorado?

A child's own wishes are considered in making a child custody determination in Colorado. The judge will listen to the child if the child is mature enough to have an independent opinion. Unlike many states, there's no age at which the judge must listen to the child's wishes.

How much does it cost to file for custody in Colorado?

$222In Colorado, the process starts by filing a Petition for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities. A parent will need to complete this document when they file for custody, along with paying a filing fee of $222.