Lakewood Child Custody Lawyers
When a divorce happens or a relationship ends, who gets the kids? Who will they live with? When will they be with me? These questions go through the minds of most people going through a divorce. The answer to these questions changes with each case, and has certainly changed over the course of the last couple of decades. Families come in all shapes and sizes and courts, today, generally view each case from the starting point of presuming equal time with both parents would be optimal. In Colorado, the term “custody” has been replaced in statute with “parental responsibility.” Child custody is a major aspect of family law. Custody issues can arise as part of a divorce, or between two parents who are not married. With all that is at stake and all the intricacies involved, who do you want by your side during your custody dispute?
An experienced Lakewood child custody lawyer, familiar with helping Lakewood residents, can help you not only with issues of establishing parental responsibilities, both parenting time and decision-making, but can also help with other child custody issues, including modification of orders, enforcement of orders, or relocation. The family lawyers at Plog & Stein, P.C. have over 70 years of combined experience helping clients with all matters related to child custody. Let us help you!
Top-Notch Child Custody Lawyers Guiding Lakewood Residents
In Colorado, family court judges take into account the entire picture of a family to determine a balance of custody and visitation that is in the best interest of the children. Parental responsibilities that need to be determined, either by agreement between parties or in court by a judge, are: who the children will live with primarily, what the visitation schedule for each parent (parenting time), and who has the right to make major decisions for the children. Judges usually prefer parents to make major decisions for the children jointly, absent a valid reason why sole decision-making would be best. They generally believe that for the sake of your children, you should be able to communicate with their other parent and work together in the best interest of your children. Of course, this is not practical in all cases, particularly when there is substance abuse, significant mental illness, or a provable inability to work together.
As you go through your custody case and for all interactions in the years to come, your number one goal should be to keep your children safe, healthy, and happy. While equal parenting time has become more the norm in Colorado, it may not be best or practical in all cases. Conferring with a child custody attorney in Lakewood, prior to starting your case can be invaluable for purposes of understanding not only your rights and options, but what a court is likely to do given your facts and circumstances. Sometimes it becomes necessary to engage a child custody expert, whether a Child and Family Investigator, appointed pursuant to C.R.S. 14-10-116.5, or a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator, appointed pursuant to C.R.S. 14-10-127. These experts will investigate the relevant issues and ultimately make recommendations to the court regarding both custody (decision-making) and parenting time. Issues they may look at will tie into each parent’s involvement with the child, any safety concerns, and potentially parental alienation, should one parent be inappropriately impeding the parent-child relationship.
At Plog & Stein, our attorneys practice solely family law, which includes child custody cases. We know what courts are looking for and will be your advocate and guide each step along the way. While doing so, we will appropriately and honestly advise you on how best to present your case and deal with situations that may arise as your go through the litigation process. Your goals are our goals and we understand nothing matters more than the future of your children. Whether your Lakewood child custody cases is in Jefferson County or elsewhere in Colorado, we can help. With any custody case, the issue of child support will also come up. Our attorneys are equally skilled in handling child support matters and understand the law and its application. We also recognize that raising a child takes not only love, but also resources.
Consult with a Child Custody Lawyers Who Understands Lakewood
A child custody battle is one of the most gut-wrenching experiences a person can go through, and many of our clients find themselves in this unenviable position. We have spent combined decades in this arena and have the know-how and experience to step into your case at any point and fight for your rights to your children. We will work with you to find the best strategy for your individual situation in furtherance of your child custody goals. Call us at 303-781-0322 or contact us online to speak with one of your attorneys regarding your case and our family law services.
