In El Paso County, child custody is, typically, awarded based on which parent spends the majority of time with the child. This volume of time equates to the number of overnight visits each parent has with the child at the time in which a child custody petition is filed. In a majority of cases in the state, the judge may award custody to the mother, if traditional parenting roles were maintained during the marriage. However, any parent who has a disputed may hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Colorado Springs CO to represent them.
Child Custody in El Paso County
Most judges in El Paso County review the current visitation arrangements initiated by the parents. They favor consistency in responsibilities on the behalf of both parents. It is often ruled that equal time with parents is in the best interests of the child. However, when custody is awarded the judge reviews the roles assumed by the parents and determines, which has upheld their responsibilities further than the other.
The primary care or custodial parent is often the parent who puts the child’s interests ahead of their own. Any efforts presented as evidence of these actions may provide leverage in a custody hearing. If the parents have become comfortable with the limitations imposed during their marriage in relation to who is most active in the child’s life, the court will rule in favor of continuing these arrangements.
However, parents who dispute this arrangement should provide the court with documentation showing why changes to these arrangements are necessary in promoting the child’s best interests. For example, if a parent has acquired an order of protection since submission of the divorce petition which states risks to the child, the court may rule in their favor.
The opposing spouse has the opportunity to present evidence that these risks have been eliminated to acquire custody. If these risks were associated with drugs or alcohol abuse, he or she is required to provide evidence showing successful completion of a treatment program. Any parent who wishes to contest visitation may acquire a Child Custody Lawyer in Colorado Springs CO by visiting us website.