When Colorado courts determine which parent will have custody of a divorcing couple’s children, it is usually assumed that both parents will participate in making major decisions that affect the children. Those kinds of decisions might include such things as where a child will attend school, issues related to a child’s health care, religious or spiritual matters, and the like. The court’s chief concern lies in protecting what is known as the “best interests of the child.” In custody matters, the custodial parent’s desire to relocate can be a source of serious contention. The assistance of a lawyer who is experienced in handling custody matters can be vital to achieving a satisfactory outcome in all issues related to child custody.
Ellmann & Ellmann’s Colorado child custody and relocation attorneys know how important and how challenging it can be to balance the needs of parents and their children. Our expertise in working with families who are experiencing divorce and custody issues can be invaluable in striking agreements that truly serve the best interests of the parties involved. When you arrange for a consultation with the lawyers of Ellmann & Ellmann, we will examine the details of your situation and provide the confident and informed guidance you need to reconcile custody and relocation issues.
Living arrangements that address the best interests of your children may mean that they spend more time with one parent than the other, although that certainly is not a hard-and-fast rule. Court systems nationwide are granting greater equality in the residential time children spend with both parents. The challenge then becomes a logistical one, especially if the parents live any distance apart. If that is the case, weekend, holiday, vacation and other visitation schedules may be specified. The ages of the children involved and the difficulty of travel between the parents’ homes may affect such shared custody arrangements.
Issues also arise in cases where a custodial parent wishes to relocate, taking the children along. Colorado statutes address instances where the relocation “substantially changes the geographical ties between the child” and the other parent. The law calls on the court system to give priority to scheduling hearings related to requests for relocation; and the custodial parent wishing to move must notify the other in writing, including the proposed site, the reason for the relocation, and must suggest a revised plan for parenting the children. The requirements apply whether the parent who wishes to relocate has custody of the children for a majority of the time or shares residential obligations more equitably. Relocation is a matter for the court to approve, so retaining the services of an attorney who specializes in child custody matters can prove especially important.
Colorado child custody and relocation attorneys at Ellmann & Ellmann have gained invaluable experience in successfully resolving issues related to custody and relocation. Our firm recognizes that family law matters can be both emotionally-charged and intimidating. We are dedicated to sensitively handling your case with the personal attention and professional expertise you deserve. The Colorado child custody and relocation lawyers of Ellmann & Ellmann encourage you to contact our offices online or call us at (303) 814-2600 to schedule a no-obligation consultation to learn about your legal rights.
When Colorado courts determine which parent will have custody of a divorcing couple’s children, it is usually assumed that both parents will participate in making major decisions that affect the children. Those kinds of decisions might include such things as where a child will attend school, issues related to a child’s health care, religious or spiritual matters, and the like. The court’s chief concern lies in protecting what is known as the “best interests of the child.” In custody matters, the custodial parent’s desire to relocate can be a source of serious contention. The assistance of a lawyer who is experienced in handling custody matters can be vital to achieving a satisfactory outcome in all issues related to child custody.Ellmann & Ellmann’s Colorado child custody and relocation attorneys know how important and how challenging it can be to balance the needs of parents and their children. Our expertise in working with families who are experiencing divorce and custody issues can be invaluable in striking agreements that truly serve the best interests of the parties involved. When you arrange for a consultation with the lawyers of Ellmann & Ellmann, we will examine the details of your situation and provide the confident and informed guidance you need to reconcile custody and relocation issues.Living arrangements that address the best interests of your children may mean that they spend more time with one parent than the other, although that certainly is not a hard-and-fast rule. Court systems nationwide are granting greater equality in the residential time children spend with both parents. The challenge then becomes a logistical one, especially if the parents live any distance apart. If that is the case, weekend, holiday, vacation and other visitation schedules may be specified. The ages of the children involved and the difficulty of travel between the parents’ homes may affect such shared custody arrangements.Issues also arise in cases where a custodial parent wishes to relocate, taking the children along. Colorado statutes address instances where the relocation “substantially changes the geographical ties between the child” and the other parent. The law calls on the court system to give priority to scheduling hearings related to requests for relocation; and the custodial parent wishing to move must notify the other in writing, including the proposed site, the reason for the relocation, and must suggest a revised plan for parenting the children. The requirements apply whether the parent who wishes to relocate has custody of the children for a majority of the time or shares residential obligations more equitably. Relocation is a matter for the court to approve, so retaining the services of an attorney who specializes in child custody matters can prove especially important.Colorado child custody and relocation attorneys at Ellmann & Ellmann have gained invaluable experience in successfully resolving issues related to custody and relocation. Our firm recognizes that family law matters can be both emotionally-charged and intimidating. We are dedicated to sensitively handling your case with the personal attention and professional expertise you deserve. The Colorado child custody and relocation lawyers of Ellmann & Ellmann encourage you to contact our offices online or call us at (303) 814-2600 to schedule a no-obligation consultation to learn about your legal rights.
When a Parent Wants to Relocate
Colorado statutes specify a number of factors that courts must consider when a parent who has custody wants to relocate and the other parent objects. Some of those considerations include:
- Reasons for relocating
- Reasons for the other parent’s objection
- Each parent’s relationship with the children
- A comparison of educational options for the children at their current and proposed locations
- Location of extended family
- Anticipated effects on the child if relocation occurs
- Anticipated impact on parenting plans
Source: Colorado Statutes
