Greeley Child Custody Attorney

At The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci, LLC, we understand how crucial issues pertaining to your child are in a divorce case. Child custody is often the most contested part of a divorce. Our lawyers aim to help parents protect the relationships that they have with their children through sound legal advice and child-focused strategies. We will work closely with you on a parenting agreement and child custody order in Greeley that fits your needs and protects your child.

Why Choose Stephen Vertucci?

We simplify the legal process for divorcing parents. We offer strategic planning and case management that is free from confusing legal jargon.
Your lawyer will put your child first in all decisions made on your case. We are dedicated to your child and family’s well-being.
Our family law attorneys in Greeley will bring decades of experience in divorce, legal separation, child custody, visitation, mediation and trial law to your case.
Our law firm handles child custody litigation in Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and Windsor.

Is an Attorney Necessary in a Child Custody Case?

If your case goes to trial, an attorney can help you prove that your desired custody arrangement is what is best for your child’s safety, welfare and happiness. Hiring a lawyer from the beginning of your divorce case, however, can improve your chances of avoiding the cost and uncertainty of a trial by coming to a satisfactory parenting time arrangement with your spouse. No matter what your divorce case looks like, the right child custody lawyer in Greeley will advocate for you and your family.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements

Colorado no longer uses the term “child custody.” It refers to custody as parenting time and parental responsibilities under Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) 14-10-123. State law gives the following definitions for different types of custody arrangements:

Parenting time. Physical custody of the child, such as overnight visits at the parent’s residence.
Parental responsibilities. Legal custody or decision-making responsibilities, such as regarding a child’s health care, education and religion.
Joint custody. When both parents have an equal amount of overnight visits and share parental responsibilities.
Primary custody. When one parent has less than 90 overnight visits with a child, the other has primary custody.
Sole custody. Sole custody means no overnight visits with one parent (with or without visitation).

If a divorce case goes to court, a judge can choose any combination of these types of custody. This decision is not made lightly; a judge carefully analyzes all the facts surrounding the case to determine which arrangement protects the child’s best interests the most.

Child Custody in Colorado

C.R.S. Section 14-10-124 states that the courts shall determine the allocation of parental responsibilities in accordance with the best interests of the child. This means the courts will decide based on what best protects the child’s safety and fulfills his or her physical, mental and emotional needs.

This statute also says that, in most circumstances, it is in the best interest of all parties to encourage frequent and continuing contact between each parent and the child after a divorce. With this in mind, the courts tend to lean toward joint child custody arrangements, unless there is a reason why one parent should have sole custody.

Do Children Have a Say?

The answer to this question depends on the age of the child and whether he or she is mature enough to make this decision without undue influence by either parent. A judge makes this determination on a case-by-case basis. If the will of a child is considered, it is not the only factor used. The courts will still rule according to the child’s best interests.

Call a Greeley Child Custody Attorney Today

Child custody is a highly complicated and emotional part of a divorce case in Colorado. Contact The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci, LLC for assistance with your case. We will help you and your family through a custody case using top-quality legal advocacy. Call (970) 900-1800 today to request your initial consultation and discuss your case with an experienced Greeley child custody lawyer.