Broomfield Move-Away Dispute Attorney
As financial, familial, and marital circumstances change, so may a parent’s desire to stay in a location, job, or relationship. However, any move that affects the other parent’s court-ordered parenting time may be objected to by that parent.
If you are a parent considering moving or relocating with your child or a parent faced with a co-parent’s request to move, reach out to the experienced Broomfield move-away attorneys at Danielsen Westhoff, PC. We can review your circumstances and advise you on protecting your child’s custody and visitation rights in the event of a relocation. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Move-Away Cases in Colorado
Colorado has specific procedures in place that parents with whom a child resides the majority of the time must follow when the proposed move would “substantially change the geographic ties between the child and the other parent.”
Written Notice of Relocation Must be Provided
Colorado’s relocation laws require a parent wishing to relocate to provide written notice to the other parent of:
- The intent to relocate
- The location of the proposed new home
- Any reasons for the requested relocation
- A proposed and revised parenting schedule and plan
A parent who objects to relocation may contest the move as a whole and seek a custody change or object to the proposed parenting plan and present an alternative. Any proposed relocation and objection are considered in light of the child’s best interests.
Relocation and The Best Interests of the Child
The court considers all case circumstances when determining if a move-away request is in the best interests of the child. Factors reviewed by the court include but are not limited to:
- Reasons for the relocation
- Reasons for any relocation objection
- Each parent’s history and quality of relationship with the child since earlier court orders
- The child’s present educational opportunities versus any in the proposed location
- Whether the extended family is present in the present or the new location
- Benefits of the child remaining with the parent proposing the move
- The anticipated impact of the move on the child
- Whether meaningful parenting time is affordable for the other parent should the move-away be permitted
- Any other relevant factors
Each parent has the burden of proving their proposed parenting time plan and child custody arrangements serve the best interests of the child.
Initial Child Custody Decisions in Colorado
In an initial child custody case, a parent may not be ordered by the court to remain in Colorado. Instead, the court must look to the best interests of the child and create a stable family environment out of the given circumstances.
The parents are on equal footing in an initial child custody decision.
Contact an Experienced Broomfield Family Law Attorney Today
If you have questions about relocating with your child or would like information on objecting to a proposed move-away, reach out to the experienced Broomfield family law attorneys at Danielsen Westhoff, PC. You can call our Broomfield office at (720) 649-4876 or send us an online message.
It is vital you have a workable parenting plan to present to your co-parent and the court. Danielsen Westhoff, PC, can help you create a plan and present an organized relocation case and argument. Contact us today to set up your free initial consultation.