Child Custody Work With An Experienced Licensed Paraprofessional

Fort Collins Child Custody "Allocation of Parental Responsibilities" Representation

Negotiating Plans that Put Families First

Your children's well-being is your top priority, and developing a strong custody arrangement that serves their best interests requires experienced guidance and thoughtful planning. Child custody decisions have lasting impacts on your family's future, which is why New Beginnings Family Law approaches every case with the care, knowledge, and dedication it deserves. With over 20 years of focused experience in Colorado family law, our licensed legal paraprofessionals know what it takes to create custody arrangements that prioritize children's needs while protecting parents' rights.

Whether you're facing a contested custody dispute or working collaboratively to develop a parenting plan, we're here to guide you through Colorado's complex custody laws, answer all of your legal questions, and provide the compassionate support you need in this time of change. Colorado courts promote shared responsibilities and co-parenting, regardless of a parent's gender, and we'll help you understand how these principles apply to your unique family situation.

New Beginnings Family Law has helped countless families navigate changing custody situations. Call us at (970) 251-1661 or contact us online to request a free 30-minute consultation and see what we can do for you.

When to Start Developing Your Child Custody Plan

The timing of your custody planning can significantly impact both the process and outcome of your case. Ideally, you should begin developing your custody strategy as early as possible in your separation or divorce proceedings, even before formal legal action begins. Early planning allows you to document your current involvement in your children's daily routines, school activities, and healthcare decisions, which can be crucial evidence in custody determinations. If you're already involved in divorce or separation proceedings, it's essential to start your custody planning immediately, as temporary custody arrangements often influence final orders.

For parents who aren't married but need to establish legal custody, the sooner you begin the formal process, the sooner you can protect your parental rights and create stability for your children. Even if you and your co-parent initially agree on custody arrangements, having a legally enforceable plan prevents future conflicts and provides clear guidelines when circumstances change.

Factors Courts Consider in Child Custody Decisions

Colorado courts are required to allocate parental responsibilities in a manner that prioritizes the child's safety, physical well-being, mental health, emotional needs, and overall conditions. Understanding these key factors helps you prepare a stronger case and develop arrangements that truly serve your children's best interests.

Judges, mediators, and other legal professionals typically base their custody advice and decisions on:

A Child's wishes and maturity. Colorado judges must consider the custody preferences of children, but only if they're mature enough to express a "reasoned and independent" opinion about which parent they want to live with, with no set age limit for this consideration.
Each parent's caregiving history. Courts evaluate each parent's past involvement in the child's daily care, including feeding, bathing, school participation, medical appointments, and emotional support provided throughout the child's life.
Physical and mental health. The physical and psychological health of all parties, including the child, is carefully assessed to determine each parent's ability to provide appropriate care and maintain the child's well-being.
Stability and living environments. Courts consider the stability of each parent's home environment, including housing security, neighborhood safety, proximity to schools, and the child's established community connections.
Co-parenting ability. Each parent's willingness and ability to support the child's relationship with the other parent is crucial, as courts strongly favor arrangements that maintain healthy relationships with both parents.
Work schedules and availability. Each parent's work schedule, travel requirements, and general availability to care for the child directly impact custody determinations and parenting time allocations.
History of domestic violence. When the court finds abuse in the conception of the child, the court shall consider, as the primary concern, the safety and well-being of the child and the abused party, which can significantly impact custody decisions.

Our experienced team can help you understand how these factors apply to your specific situation and develop strategies to present your case most effectively, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.

Special Custody Considerations for Multiple Children

Families with multiple children face unique custody challenges that require careful consideration and planning. Colorado courts recognize that keeping siblings together is generally in children's best interests, but they also understand that individual children may have different needs based on their ages, relationships with each parent, and specific circumstances. When parents have children of significantly different ages, courts may consider split custody arrangements if it better serves each child's developmental needs and maintains their strongest parental bonds.

The complexity increases when considering factors like school districts, extracurricular activities, and each child's individual relationship with both parents. Our experience with multi-child custody cases helps families navigate these complexities while developing comprehensive parenting plans that address each child's unique needs and maintain important sibling relationships whenever possible.

Ready to develop a custody plan that protects your children's best interests? Schedule your complimentary30-minute consultation today and let New Beginnings Family Law guide you through this important process.

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“Tara is one of the most professional people I have had the chance to work with. Her ability to solve problems and navigate different situations is absolutely incredible. From the very beginning, I was treated with respect and felt like I was the only priority. Her skills to calm any situation are one of a kind, and not just calming the situation, but calming you as well. You are treated like a human going through a difficult time. She shows compassion and empathy, all while getting everything done that needs to be done! I will refer her over and over again! You will not be disappointed!”

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- J.P.
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“Tara Adkins was my legal representative throughout the divorce process. She showed great attention to detail and was so helpful and compassionate during an incredibly painful time in my life. I couldn't have navigated this complex process without her. Highly recommend Tara!”

- D.O.
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“She helped greatly to minimize expenses for a process that can be costly, and made it less stressful.Tara helped walk me through divorce proceedings in CO court, step by step. With an amicable divorce and good co-parenting relationship, we didn’t have complicated proceedings, but needed assistance with filing everything properly. She helped greatly”

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