What Does a Court Expect from Parents?

When a family law case involves children, one of the central issues is how each parent will share in the care, decision-making, and support of their child. In Colorado, these rights and duties are referred to as parental responsibilities, a term that encompasses both how much time each parent spends with the child and how major decisions about the child’s life are made.

The court’s primary concern in any dispute over parental responsibilities is the best interest of the child. Judges expect parents to focus on the child’s needs rather than their own disagreements and to provide a stable, supportive environment. This includes making thoughtful choices about education, healthcare, and everyday wellbeing.

Colorado courts also look for evidence of healthy cooperation between parents. A parent who communicates respectfully, follows court orders, and encourages a positive relationship between the child and the other parent is more likely to earn favorable consideration. Conduct that undermines the other parent’s role or involves the child in adult conflicts can be viewed negatively by the court.

In some cases, the court may appoint a neutral professional — such as a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) or a Parental Responsibility Evaluator (PRE) — to gather information about family dynamics, discuss parenting practices with both parents, and provide the court with a written assessment and recommended parenting plan.

We assist parents in all aspects of parental responsibility matters, including establishing or modifying decision-making authority, crafting workable parenting time schedules, addressing relocation concerns, and ensuring compliance with court orders. Our approach prioritizes the child’s wellbeing while protecting your rights as a parent through informed strategy and effective representation