Colorado · CO
A plain-English reference to Colorado custody terminology, joint custody, parenting time, relocation, child preferences, and order changes.
C.R.S. § 14-10-124 (allocation of parental responsibilities). In Colorado, courts generally describe the schedule as a parenting plan. The court's decision is based on the child's best interests, not simply a parent's preferred percentage of time.
No presumption; the court allocates decision-making and parenting time by best-interest factors.
Considered where the child is sufficiently mature to express a reasoned preference.
C.R.S. § 14-10-129 requires written notice as soon as practicable, with the intended location and reasons.
Parenting time can change on best interests; primary residence changes require endangerment or consent within two years.
Under the UCCJEA the child generally must have lived in the state for the 6 months before filing (or since birth, if younger). Colorado uses 'parental responsibilities' rather than custody — file JDF forms in district court.
Put regular time, holidays, exchanges, communication, and dispute steps in one written plan. Then keep the actual schedule and handoffs organized as circumstances change.
Colorado applies the statute or rule summarized above and decides parenting time by the child's best interests. Read the official court resource before filing.
C.R.S. § 14-10-129 requires written notice as soon as practicable, with the intended location and reasons.
Parenting time can change on best interests; primary residence changes require endangerment or consent within two years.
Compare the rule with your written plan, schedule, and records before you file or negotiate.
Filing venue, required classes, and the terminology each state's courts use.
2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, week-on/week-off, and every other common rotation.
Count overnights across a full cycle the way state worksheets do.
One-click evidence packets for your attorney or a hearing — unlimited and free.
Applies your state's own guideline model to your numbers.
Terminology, parent-education requirements, and filing venue are taken from each state's court self-help materials and statutes. Requirements change — confirm with the court where you file.
CustodyTrac publishes educational information, not legal advice. Custody and support outcomes depend on facts a calculator cannot see — confirm anything that matters with a family law attorney in your state.