Golden Child Custody Lawyer

Golden Child Custody Attorney

If you are going through a child custody battle, you need the support of a Golden child custody lawyer. You may not be fully aware of your rights and legal options as they relate to child custody in Colorado. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can rest assured that you will get the quality legal representation you deserve. A family lawyer in Golden can also answer any questions you may have and help you develop a winning strategy during your case.

Types of Custody

Two types of custody exist that you should be aware of — physical and legal custody. Legal custody means a parent has the ability to make significant life decisions regarding a child’s health, education, religious upbringing, etc.

Physical custody decides which parent the child will live with and how much time they get with each parent. This will outline each parent’s responsibilities for providing daily essentials such as shelter, clothing, and food. This can also include visitation arrangements, vacation schedules, and pick-up and drop-off locations. Our firm is experienced in handling a wide variety of family legal cases.

Filing for Child Custody

The steps for filing for child custody can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. For example, the process may look different for married couples versus unmarried couples. The typical process can be broken into five main steps.

1. Develop a parenting plan and decision-making process that serves your child’s best interests: Both parents should try to reach an agreement regarding custody. You should decide if joint or split custody is the right decision. Joint custody is usually preferred by the courts. This allows both parents to have equal decision-making responsibilities.
2. File the petition: You will need to visit the district court in your county to file the petition. There are several forms that must accompany this petition. These can include the order for allocation of parental responsibilities, the case information sheet, and the summons to respond to the petition for allocation of parental responsibilities.
3. Serve the other parent: If one parent files the petition alone, they must serve or notify the other parent. A county sheriff will typically handle this process and provide proof to the court that the notice has been served.
4. Attend your initial status conference: Upon filing the petition, you will receive a case management order. Within it will contain a date for your initial status conference. This is a mandatory hearing for both parents. The proceedings will be outlined by the judge or family court facilitator.
5. Prepare a parenting plan: If both parents reach an agreement, a parenting plan can be developed. Such a plan is an important element used by the court to arrange custody. Parents can either develop a parenting agreement on their own or through mediation.

This is where an attorney can provide a lot of value. They can help parents coordinate, negotiate, and compromise on a plan that suits the child’s best interests. If parents fail to agree on a plan, their case may proceed to court, where a judge will make a decision on the unresolved issues.

Tips for Working Through the Process

During the custody battle, it’s important that you demonstrate good faith behavior at all times. Showing signs of unwillingness to cooperate can only damage your case. Some tips for successfully navigating through a tough custody battle are below:

• Be willing to cooperate: If you are ending your relationship with the other parent, it’s understandable that you may have ill will toward each other. During this process, you must set that aside and show the court you can put your child’s well-being first.
• Look prepared and presentable: Refrain from doing anything that might show you as unfit to parent your child. You must maintain good behavior during this time. Refrain from using drugs or alcohol, show up on time, and be present. Prepare yourself by learning as much as you can about the state’s family laws. Pepper your attorney with questions to familiarize yourself as much as you can.
• Do not tamper with your schedule: If the judge sets a temporary visitation schedule during this time, you should stick to it. Try to avoid asking the other parent to modify the dates out of convenience. It’s important that you show up on time and pick up/drop off your child at the correct time and date issued by the court.
• Don’t bring your child into it: No matter how ugly the custody battle gets, it’s never a good idea to turn your child against the other parent. This can do so much psychological damage to the child, and it could come during your case. It’s better to focus your efforts on spending quality time together.
• Try to seek a resolution outside of court: Don’t be so quick to take your ex to court. A court battle can turn into a long, emotional, and expensive endeavor. You should first try to meet with your ex and come up with a solution that works for both of you. If you come to an agreement, you can present it before the court for approval.Demonstrating that you can be amicable and do what’s right for the child can go a long way in the eyes of the court. Get lawyers involved to help with this process.
• Get a custody lawyer: Don’t try to navigate this process alone. You need sound legal advice and counsel to help you.

FAQs About Golden, CA Child Custody Law

Who Wins Most Custody Battles in Colorado?

In many child custody battles, the mother wins custody. There are a number of reasons for this. In Golden, CO courts will award custody to the parent believed to provide for the child’s best interests. Oftentimes, this happens to be the parent who takes on the child-rearing responsibilities. State laws are not biased toward the mother; fathers do have an equal chance of winning custody. A child custody lawyer can help you build your case for successfully winning custody.

How Much Does a Guardian Ad Litem Cost in Colorado?

The cost of a guardian ad litem can vary depending on the types of services provided and the location. Parents are usually responsible for paying the costs unless they can prove to the court that they cannot afford it. A guardian ad litem tends to charge an hourly rate. The rate varies depending on the circumstances of the case, but the fees can be anywhere from $15 to $100 an hour. Although it can be an added cost, it can be a wise decision to hire a guardian ad litem.

Who Are Good Witnesses for a Child Custody Trial?

Some good witnesses during a child custody trial can be family members, coaches, teachers, doctors, pastors, counselors, or social workers — anyone who has an intimate connection to the child and can speak on the child’s maturity level and emotional state.

These witnesses can help provide an alternative perspective to the court. Child custody cases can become long and complex battles. Any third party who can provide insights or evidence that helps your case can be a good witness to call.

How to Deal With a Nasty Custody Battle?

It’s important that you remain calm and collected when dealing with a nasty custody battle. You should refrain from saying things out of character. During the child custody process, you must remember that you are being judged and watched.

Everything you say and do will influence the court’s view of you. Slander or inappropriate language could call you unfit to care for the child. Remain calm and composed, rely on the advice from an experienced lawyer, and stick to your legal game plan.

Can You Modify a Child Custody Order in Colorado?

Yes, it is possible to modify a child custody order. Circumstances can change, family relationships can be impacted, and a modification of an existing order may be necessary. There could be new evidence brought to light, one party could relocate out of state, or the child’s best interests could change.

If your living situation, visitation abilities of your children, or any other dynamic has changed, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help file a modification order.

Legal Support You Need in Golden, CO

Child custody can be a very sensitive and emotional aspect of family law. If you’re in Golden and facing a divorce, consulting a Golden lawyer for divorce cases can be crucial. Custody battles typically ensue in the aftermath of divorce. Custody and child support are key issues that often need attorneys to help resolve. An attorney can be a worthwhile investment if you are going through a tough custody battle. It can be scary knowing that you could lose custody of your child, but with the right legal support on your side, your chances of success are increased.

At The Law Center P.C., our legal team stands ready to serve you during this process. You can lean on our decades of legal experience. We have helped individuals struggling through custody battles around the state. We are committed to helping you win while keeping your reputation and your legal rights protected. Contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.