Lafayette, CO Child Custody Lawyer
Custody decisions are crucial when parents no longer live together. However, this can be a difficult change for parents and children alike. A Lafayette, CO child custody lawyer can provide support and ease the strain with straightforward counsel and resources. Navigating child custody with a Lafayette family law lawyer from Danielsen Westhoff, PC by your side can streamline the process and help couples work together to reach an agreement.
Why You Should Entrust Your Case to Danielsen Westhoff
When you entrust your case to Danielsen Westhoff, you have the support of a skilled team of lawyers whose purpose is to provide support and advocacy throughout family law cases. Our team ensures:
- Your child’s best interests are honored and protected
- You receive the care, compassion, and knowledgeable representation you deserve
- You have a legal team of Lafayette child custody lawyers you can trust
Lafayette Child Custody Defined
Child custody refers to who a child lives with (physical custody) and who has the authority to make decisions (legal custody) about the child’s care. Physical and legal custody can be allocated solely to one parent or shared between both parents. Even when parents share custody, the amount of time each parent has with their child can vary based on the child’s age, the parent’s capacity, and other factors. You can consult a lawyer about the different types of child custody arrangements that are available to you.
The Role of Parenting Plans in a Child Custody Agreement
When it comes to physical custody, parents must work together to create a parenting plan that outlines each parent’s allocation of time with their child each week, as well as how vacations are handled. Parenting plans should also address where a child will go to school, how healthcare needs will be managed, as well as social activities, religion, and their overall well-being. There should also be provisions for how parents will communicate and handle conflict.
This agreement should be thorough and account for every aspect of your co-parenting responsibilities to ensure it provides stability for the child.
When a Lafayette Child Custody Order Can be Modified
Modifications can be made to a Lafayette child custody order under specific circumstances. Colorado generally allows parents to pursue a modification if there has been a substantial change to a parent or child’s circumstances, such as illness, moving out of state, and deployment, to name a few. Additionally, if a child’s safety is in question, then a parent may pursue a modification to ensure their protection.
A lawyer can help you submit a petition to change parenting time if you are eligible to do so. The court will review your case and provide direction on additional steps to take. Changes can only be made once a decision is made and a modified order is issued by the court. Any changes made independently before the new order takes effect are considered a violation and may be penalized.
Contact Our Lafayette Child Custody Attorneys Today
Danielsen Westhoff, PC helps you protect the best interests of your child and help you and your co-parent reach an agreement that fosters safety and stability. Our team of Lafayette child custody attorneys provides resources to help you navigate both the legal process and the adjustment to your life and your child’s life. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our team.