Denver Child Custody Modification Lawyer

Looking Out for Children’s Best Interests

price family law

Child Custody Modification in Colorado

Our Denver Child Custody Modification Lawyer Provides Skillful Assistance When Life Circumstances Change

Life is not static, and it is understandable that changing life circumstances can lead to parents’ asking for modifications to child custody agreements. Both custodial parents and non-custodial parents can request a change to custody orders if circumstances necessitate it; then it is up to the Colorado court to determine if the custody modification is in the child’s best interests. The best interest of the child is the main factor judges consider in custody modification decisions.

Delivering Informed and Compassionate Legal Guidance in Custody Issues

Sometimes parents can agree between themselves or with the help of their lawyers about modifying child custody orders relating to decision-making authority or parenting time. If this is a possibility for you, we can draft an agreement that reflects your changing circumstances. When agreement isn’t possible and the modification request must be decided by the court, our experienced Denver child custody lawyer will advocate firmly for your rights and interests and those of your children.

Contact Price Family Law to speak with our knowledgeable Denver child custody modification attorney in a free consultation. Call 720-615-1750 or reach out online.

Request Free Consultation
img

What are Reasons to Modify Child Custody in Colorado?

There are various reasons that parents may need to modify child custody agreements. Some of the reasons for modification requests include the following:

  • Moving for a job
  • Relocation for military service
  • Non-adherence to the terms of the original custody order
  • Debilitating illness or injury
  • Changing work schedules
  • Job loss
  • Changing children’s needs
  • Alcohol or drug issues
  • Child neglect or abuse
  • Parental incarceration.

These are examples of circumstances in which the Colorado court may agree to modify custody. Once a judge learns the details of your reason for requesting a modification, he or she will decide if the modification is in the best interests of your child under Colorado law C.R.S. 14-10-129, which gives the guidelines for custody agreement changes.

Changing Your Custody Order: How Our Denver Child Custody Modification Attorney Can Help You

We know parents want the best for their children. We also want the best for your children and for you as a responsible parent. When you trust our Denver child custody modification attorney with your case, you can expect highly responsive and compassionate legal help for custody tailored to your individual situation. Our detail-oriented attorney will listen carefully to you and ask insightful questions in order to clearly understand your unique circumstances, your problems and your goals.

We can help you throughout the process by:

  • Guiding you in filling out and filing the appropriate forms. There are different forms to file with the court based on whether the other parent agrees with the modification or is disputing it.
  • Drafting a modified agreement for approval by the court if you and your ex are in agreement.
  • Persuasively presenting your modification request in the hearing if the other parent is disputing it.
  • Representing you if your ex-spouse is asking for a modification to child custody that you wish to dispute.

Contact us today to arrange a free case evaluation about your child custody modification. Our family law firm can be reached at 720-615-1750.

How Does the Child Custody Modification Process Work?

When you want to modify child custody and parenting time modification case, you will go back to the same court that issued the original custody order. You will then fill out the appropriate form based on whether or not your spouse agrees with the modification, whether you are asking for a parenting time modification or restriction, or a change to decision-making authority for the child. You must also pay a filing fee.

If You and the Other Parent Are in Agreement

The best case scenario in modifying an order is typically to arrive at an agreement with the other parent. You can then take the agreement to the court for a judge to review, approve and issue a new custody order, which they probably will as long as they deem it is in the child’s best interests. Even if you and your ex are in complete agreement, you should still make the agreement official in a new court order rather than just informally handling the change between yourselves. You never know when or if the other parent may change their mind about the custody modification, and only court-ordered modification agreements are enforceable by law.

Asking the Colorado Court to Modify Your Child Custody Order

If you and your spouse do not agree about the modification, then you will need to go to court and provide evidence to a judge as to why the child custody order should be changed. A judge will not change child custody simply because you or your ex have experienced life changes. The modification will only be made if it is in the child’s best interests. We can help you identify and present the evidence in a way that may advantageously influence the judge. For expert guidance, you can reach out to spousal support law firm, which specializes in family law matters.

What if My Ex Files for a Modification that I Disagree With?

When the other parent files a modification request, you will be served with the paperwork. You will then have an opportunity to respond. Once you fill out the response form, a copy of your response will need to be delivered to your ex and then the response form must be filed with the court. Our Denver child custody attorney can assist you with the steps involved and defend your interests with the court.

Contact our Denver child custody modification lawyer for a free consultation about your situation by calling 720-615-1750.

Modifying Child Custody Can Be Challenging

Our Denver Child Custody Modification Attorneys Address Common Concerns

It is not a cut-and-dried process to modify child custody agreements. Each case is considered based upon all the facts surrounding it and whether a change is in the child’s best interests. But there are some common questions and concerns that many parents have when it comes to custody modifications. Here are responses to some of the frequent questions we get about modifying child custody.

Whether an order can be modified again depends upon the timing involved. In general, child custody orders can only be changed every two years, so if it is not yet two years since the last modification or the initial order, the party wishing for a modification will have to wait to file for one. Exceptions to this rule include if the child may be in physical or emotional danger in their current situation or if the main residential parent is planning to relocate a significant distance away.

If you are the main parent that your children live with or if you are in a 50/50 parenting time plan, you will need permission from the other parent or the court to relocate to another state or even to move more than 45 minutes away. If you can’t come to agreement with the other parent, you will need to file a motion with the court and prove to the judge how the move is in your children’s best interests. Relocation requests can become very complicated. Our Denver child custody modification lawyer at Price Family Law can help you understand your rights in a relocation and work with you to achieve your goals. Call 720-615-1750 for a free consultation.

There is no standard answer to this question. If you wish to modify a custody order to become the primary residential parent and the other parent agrees, then a judge may sign off on the change and issue a new order. If not, you will need to show the court why it is in your child’s best interests to live with you more than with the other parent. Depending on the situation and your child’s age and maturity, the judge may or may not take their wishes into account.

Modifying your custody agreement could affect child support if there is a substantial change in how parenting time is divided. There are other factors involved in child support, however. Who pays and how much is not exclusively determined by who has more parenting time. The income of both parents is also considered. Additionally, child support will not change automatically based on a custody modification. You will also typically need to request a modification to child support based on your new custody order. Speak to our attorney to learn more about how a child custody modification may affect child support payments.

We hope these answers were informative and helped you better understand different situations related to modifying custody. Remember, though, that every parent’s situation is unique. To get targeted legal advice for your specific circumstances, contact The Price Family Law firm to speak with our child custody modification lawyer. We provide free consultations.

Attorney Trista Price

Trista McElhaney Price is a founding partner at Price Family Law, LLC. She specializes in high-asset divorce cases and legal matters involving complex business and financial issues as well as complex custody matters involving domestic violence, substance abuse issues, and mental health issues. Read Full Bio.

Request Free
Consultation

Please complete the form below to let us know how we can help you. Our team will be in touch to arrange a consultation.

    Experienced Child Custody Modification Lawyer

    price family law

    We Will Staunchly Advocate for You in Your Child Custody Modification Request

    Asking for a modification to an existing child custody order can be stressful, especially if your ex-spouse disputes the change and you are forced to go to court. When a modification is disputed, it will be up to you to convince the judge that your change in circumstances is significant enough to warrant the modification and that it is in your child’s best interests. You will have a better chance at success when you have a skilled child custody modification lawyer who understands how the process works and knows how to present your case in the most compelling way, advocating for your rights and interests.

    Reach Out for Help with Your Child Custody Modification Today

    At Price Family Law, we have a deep empathy for our clients and the difficulties they face when circumstances change substantially, and they are trying to be the best parent they can be to their children. Do not go it alone. We can help you whether you are asking for a modification or wish to fight a modification request from the other parent. Speak to a skilled family lawyer today. Call us to schedule a free consultation at 720-615-1750.