Child Custody Attorney in Denver, CO
When your relationship with your child is on the line, you cannot afford to wait. Biondino Law Firm lead attorney C. Robert Biondino Jr. has spent 27 years fighting for Denver parents in some of Colorado’s most complex custody disputes. With over 300 trials led and more than 7,400 clients represented, we know what it takes to protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests.
Whether you are facing a contested custody battle, an emergency order, or a modification to an existing agreement, our Denver child custody lawyers are ready to stand by your side. Call (720) 706-5151 today for a free confidential consultation or fill out our online form and we will respond within 24 hours.
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Understanding Child Custody Laws in Colorado
Colorado family courts prioritize one thing above all else: the best interests of the child. Understanding how Colorado law defines custody is the first step toward building a strong case.
Legal Custody vs Physical Custody
Legal custody gives a parent the authority to make major decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody determines where the child primarily lives day-to-day. Courts in Colorado can award these jointly or solely depending on the circumstances of each family.
Parenting Time in Colorado
Colorado uses the term “parenting time” rather than visitation. A detailed parenting plan outlines each parent’s scheduled time with the child, covering weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school breaks. Our Denver family law attorneys help you negotiate and draft parenting plans that are fair, enforceable, and centered on your child’s stability.
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The Best Interests of the Child Standard
Denver courts examine multiple factors when determining custody arrangements, including:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment
- The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
- Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
- The child’s own preferences, depending on age and maturity
- Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect
Denver Child Custody Cases We Handle
Every family’s situation is unique. Our Denver child custody attorneys handle the full spectrum of custody matters, from straightforward agreements to high-conflict disputes.
- Contested custody disputes — aggressive representation when parents cannot agree
- Uncontested custody agreements — helping both parents reach fair, lasting solutions
- Emergency custody & temporary orders — immediate action when your child’s safety is at risk
- Custody modifications — updating parenting plans after major life changes
- Relocation & move-away cases — protecting your rights when a parent wants to move
- Fathers’ rights & mothers’ rights — equal advocacy for every parent
- Nontraditional families & same-sex parents — inclusive representation for all families
- Grandparent custody & third-party rights — advocating for extended family relationships
- Military custody & deployment issues — special legal protections for service members
- Interstate custody disputes — navigating UCCJEA regulations across state lines
Not sure which type of case applies to you? Call (720) 706-5151 for a free case evaluation.
How the Child Custody Process Works in Denver
Navigating the Denver family court system can feel overwhelming. Here is what to expect at each stage, and how Biondino Law Firm guides you through every step.
- File the custody petition with the Denver court.
- Complete and submit all required legal documents.
- Attend temporary orders hearings if needed.
- Request temporary custody and parenting time arrangements.
- Participate in mediation to try to resolve disputes.
- Negotiate parenting plans and custody terms.
- Gather evidence such as financial records, school reports, and communications.
- Prepare for any custody evaluations ordered by the court.
- Attend trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
- Present evidence and arguments before the judge.
- Receive the final custody and parenting order.
- Ensure the parenting plan is properly documented.
- Enforce custody orders if the other parent fails to comply.
- Seek legal action when custody orders are violated.
Building a Parenting Plan That Works for Your Family
A well-crafted parenting plan is the foundation of a successful co-parenting arrangement. Our Denver custody lawyers help you design a plan that minimizes conflict and puts your child’s needs first. A comprehensive parenting plan covers:
- Weekly custody schedules, including school days and weekends
- Holiday, school break, and summer vacation schedules
- Decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
- Communication guidelines between parents
- Transportation and exchange arrangements
- Procedures for resolving future disputes
We make sure your parenting plan is practical, enforceable under Colorado law, and approved by the Denver family court.
Modifying or Enforcing an Existing Custody Order in Colorado
Life changes and sometimes a custody arrangement that worked in the past no longer serves your child’s best interests. Colorado law allows custody modifications when there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
- A parent’s relocation to another city, state, or country
- Significant changes in a parent’s work schedule or living situation
- Changes in the child’s needs, such as medical or educational requirements
- Evidence of substance abuse, domestic violence, or parental neglect
- Violations of the existing parenting plan
Attorney Biondino has decades of experience handling both modification requests and enforcement actions in Denver courts. Whether you need to update a parenting plan or hold the other parent accountable, we are ready to act.
High-Conflict Custody Cases: Domestic Violence, Parental Alienation & Relocation
Some custody disputes involve serious complications that require specialized legal experience.
Domestic Violence & Protective Orders
If domestic violence is a factor in your case, Colorado courts take it very seriously. We help survivors obtain protective orders and build custody cases that prioritize the safety of the child and the protective parent.
Parental Alienation
When one parent deliberately undermines the child’s relationship with the other, it is known as parental alienation. We document alienating behavior and bring it before the court to protect your parental bond.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Issues
Cases involving a parent’s addiction or mental health challenges require careful evidence and expert testimony. We know how to present these issues effectively and advocate for appropriate protections for your child.
Interstate & International Custody Disputes
When parents live in different states or countries, custody cases become significantly more complex. We navigate the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and international treaty law to protect your rights across borders.
How Custody Affects Child Support in Colorado
Child custody and child support are closely linked under Colorado law. The amount of parenting time each parent has directly impacts child support calculations. As your parenting time increases, child support obligations typically adjust accordingly.
Our Denver family law attorneys advise clients on both custody and support simultaneously, ensuring your parenting plan and financial arrangements work together fairly for your family’s long-term stability.
Why Choose Us?
- 27+ years of experience handling child custody cases across Denver and Colorado
- 300+ trials led — we are fully prepared to fight for you in court if needed
- 7,400+ clients represented — a proven track record Denver families trust
- Deep knowledge of Denver family courts — we know the judges, procedures, and local rules
- Personalized strategy — every case is unique, we tailor our approach to your family’s situation
- Child-first approach — every decision we make is guided by your child’s best interests
- Responsive communication — we keep you informed at every step, no surprises
- Free consultation — get honest legal advice with zero pressure or obligation
FAQs
Can I get 50/50 custody in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado courts can award equal parenting time if it serves the child’s best interests. Judges consider each parent’s involvement, the child’s schedule, and each home’s stability. Equal custody is increasingly common, but it is not guaranteed a strong legal strategy makes a significant difference.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about your child’s education, medical care, and upbringing. Physical custody is where the child lives. Parents can share both types jointly or one parent may have primary custody of either or both.
At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in Colorado?
Colorado does not set a specific age. Courts consider a child’s preferences based on their age and maturity, but the judge always has the final say based on the child’s best interests.
Can a custody order be modified in Colorado?
Yes. A custody order can be modified if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common reasons include relocation, changes in a parent’s situation, or changes in the child’s needs.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested custody case?
Even when both parents agree, working with a Denver custody attorney ensures your parenting plan is legally enforceable, covers all necessary provisions, and is properly filed with the court. Mistakes in uncontested agreements can cause problems for years.
What happens if my ex violates the custody order?
If your co-parent violates a court-ordered custody arrangement, you can file a motion for contempt. The court has authority to modify the order, impose fines, or in serious cases, change custody. Our attorneys move quickly to enforce your rights.
How long does a custody case take in Denver?
Uncontested cases can resolve in a few weeks. Contested custody disputes that go to trial typically take several months to over a year, depending on complexity and court scheduling. Experienced legal representation often helps move things along more efficiently.
What is a parenting coordinator in Colorado?
A parenting coordinator is a trained professional appointed by the court to help high-conflict parents resolve day-to-day disputes without returning to court. They can be an excellent resource in ongoing co-parenting situations.
Meet C. Robert Biondino Jr.
C. Robert Biondino Jr. has been a licensed Colorado attorney since 1998, holding a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. With 27 years of experience, 300+ trials, and over 7,400 cases handled, he holds an Avvo Rating of 8.3 with a 4.6 star client rating from 68 verified reviews. A member of the American Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association, and American Trial Lawyers Association, Attorney Biondino is recognized for his aggressive courtroom style, deep knowledge of Denver family courts, and genuine commitment to every client’s family. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Areas We Serve
Biondino Law Firm represents parents and families throughout the Greater Denver metro area and across Colorado. We proudly serve clients in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Centennial, Englewood, Littleton, Parker, Castle Rock, Brighton, Commerce City, Wheat Ridge, and Golden.
Speak With a Denver Child Custody Attorney Today
You do not have to face a custody dispute alone. Whether your case is just beginning or you need to modify an existing order, Biondino Law Firm is ready to protect your rights and fight for your child’s best interests. Call (720) 706-5151 now or complete our contact form for a free, confidential consultation. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
