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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
In Aurora, Colorado, child visitation is governed within the broader framework of family law. Courts focus on allocating parental responsibilities to support the child’s best interests, including parenting time with each parent. The term most often used in Colorado is “parenting time” rather than the older word “visitation.”
The Colorado system emphasizes a plan that balances involvement from both parents with the child’s safety, stability, and schooling. Courts in Aurora typically require a formal parenting plan or parenting time schedule as part of any order affecting parenting time. These plans can cover holidays, school breaks, and transitions between homes.
Colorado uses the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) to handle interstate custody questions and enforce orders across state lines. This helps when a parent moves to or from Aurora or wants to relocate with the child. For more information on how interstate issues are resolved, see the Colorado Judicial Branch and Colorado government resources linked below.
Colorado courts apply the best interests of the child standard when deciding parenting time and allocation of parental responsibilities.UCCJEA information - Colorado
Colorado law governs child visitation through the allocations of parental responsibilities (APR) and related proceedings. The core statute is the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 14, Article 10, which addresses APR, parenting time, and decision making for children.
Colorado also uses the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) to resolve interstate custody issues and enforce out-of-state orders. This framework helps protect the child when a parent moves into or out of Aurora and when court orders must be recognized across state lines. For official guidance, refer to the Colorado government’s UCCJEA resources and the Colorado Judicial Branch materials on APR and parenting time.
In addition, the Colorado Parenting Time Guidelines provide practical frameworks for scheduling and transitions. These guidelines help judges and attorneys draft schedules that reflect common family situations while allowing for deviations when justified by the child’s needs. See official Colorado resources for the most current guidelines and forms. UCCJEA - Colorado, Colorado Judicial Branch
Parenting time is the time a non-custodial parent spends with the child, as ordered by a court under the allocation of parental responsibilities. It is designed to support continued involvement with both parents while prioritizing the child’s safety and stability. In Aurora, parenting time is usually addressed in a formal parenting plan.
Start by preparing a petition for allocation of parental responsibilities or a motion to modify parenting time. You will file with the district court in Arapahoe County, where Aurora resides. The court will require a scheduling order and may ask for a parenting plan and proposed schedules.
A guardian ad litem is a court-appointed person who represents the child’s best interests in contested cases. They are most often appointed when the court believes the child’s voice needs independent emphasis or when conflicts make parental representation inadequate.
Timeline varies with complexity and caseload. A straightforward case may resolve in a few months, while contested or emergency matters can extend longer. Courts in Aurora encourage settlement through mediation, which can shorten timelines.
While not required, it is highly advisable. An attorney can navigate local court rules, prepare a strong parenting plan, and advocate for your child’s best interests. A lawyer can also help with temporary orders during transition periods.
Costs vary by case and attorney. Typical hourly rates for Colorado family law attorneys range widely, and some offer flat fees for specific services. You should discuss retainer requirements and potential total costs during a consultation.
Sole APR assigns decision making and parenting time largely to one parent, while joint APR involves both parents in decision making and significant involvement in parenting time. The court bases either arrangement on the child’s best interests.
Yes. A relocation request must be approved by the court and is evaluated under the best interests standard. The moving parent must show the move will benefit the child or explain why the relocation is necessary.
Enforcement typically begins with a motion for contempt or enforcement with the court. The process may include hearings, potential sanctions, and measures to restore compliance with the order.
Interstate custody uses the UCCJEA framework. The act determines jurisdiction and enforces out-of-state orders to prevent competing custody decisions and ensure the child’s ongoing relationships.
The court looks at changed circumstances, the child’s needs, and the stability of the child’s environment. Modifications require evidence that the change is in the child’s best interests and often a demonstrated change in parental circumstances.
Gather the current court orders, a proposed parenting plan, calendars, school records, medical information, and any evidence of non-compliance. Bring contact information for any witnesses or professionals involved.
