Child Custody Attorneys in Boulder
We Create Custody Arrangements Following the Colorado Child’s Best Interest Standard
Child custody disputes often arise in non-marital relationships and in divorce cases. When the parties are not married, a child custody case is started when one of the parents files a Petition for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR). Regardless of whether you are married, when you have a child together, one of the biggest decisions you and your partner will face is that of custody. Where will your children live? Who will make the major life decisions for them? How will the other parent fit into their lives? These are all questions that you and your partner will have to find the answers to. Unfortunately, separating couples are not always in agreement and custody disputes are common.
When this occurs, you need an experienced Boulder child custody attorney on your side to help protect your parental rights.
Schedule your consultation with our firm by calling (303) 816-3171 today.
Colorado law doesn't recognize the word "custody". Instead, the law focuses on parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. Yet many still refer to these decisions as physical custody and legal custody. No matter what you call it, the result is the same. Parents need to decide if there will be a primary guardian or primary caregiver for their children or if they will share that responsibility jointly. They will also need to determine who will make major decisions regarding their child's care and well-being.
What Is Physical Custody?
Custody or parenting responsibilities include two separate issues: where the child will physically reside and who will make legal decisions regarding the welfare of the child. In contested cases, the courts will appoint a child and family investigator to decide who is best suited for these responsibilities. In uncontested cases, separating couples are usually able to agree on a parenting time schedule and decision making that best fits their family, work schedules, and desires.
What Is Legal Custody?
Besides deciding where the kids will reside and how much time each parent will get to spend with them, parents must decide who will ultimately be responsible for making major decisions regarding their care. This can include where the children will go to school, what type of medical care they will receive, and what type of religious training, if any, the children will receive. This is known as legal custody. Joint legal custody is ideal for many parents, especially those that are amicable and cooperative. Joint decision making enables both parents to both participate in making major decisions which affect their children's well-being.
Custody Disputes in Boulder
Sadly, many domestic cases involve disputes regarding custody and parenting time. At Goff & Goff, LLC, our Boulder child custody attorneys work diligently to protect your parental rights, while making an effort to reach a beneficial child custody agreement. We realize that there are times when custody must be contested—especially in situations where there is drug abuse, domestic violence, accusations of sexual abuse, or neglect.
Speak with One of Our Experienced Attorneys Today
If you have questions about a child custody issue we can help. Contact the Boulder attorneys at Goff & Goff, LLC today for a free initial consultation.
Call us at (303) 816-3171 or fill out our confidential contact form for more information.