Child Custody & Parenting Time in Colorado

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Few issues in family law are as emotionally charged as those involving children. 

At O’Brien Law Firm LLC, we understand that your children’s well-being is your highest priority — and it’s ours, too. 

We provide steady, compassionate guidance to help parents throughout the Denver metro area navigate Colorado’s custody laws and build parenting plans that truly support their children’s best interests.

In Colorado, child custody is referred to as “parental responsibilities,” which include both decision-making and parenting time (physical custody). The courts focus on one guiding principle: the best interests of the child.  

When determining custody arrangements, Colorado courts consider factors such as:

• The child’s relationship with each parent
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, loving environment
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
• Each parent’s willingness to encourage a healthy relationship with the other parent
• The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
• The child’s wishes (if mature enough to express a reasoned preference)

No single factor decides custody — instead, judges balance all relevant circumstances to promote stability and safety for the child.

Parenting time refers to when each parent spends time with the child. Colorado law encourages children to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible. Parenting plans may vary widely depending on family needs — from equal shared parenting time to arrangements that reflect work schedules, distance, or other factors.

At O’Brien Law Firm, LLC, we help parents design customized parenting plans that are practical, child-centered, and sustainable. When disputes arise, we advocate firmly yet respectfully to protect your parental rights and your child’s emotional well-being.

Life changes — and so can your custody or parenting time order. If one parent relocates, experiences major life changes, or if a current arrangement no longer serves the child’s best interests, a modification may be necessary.

We assist clients with:

• Parenting plan modifications
• Enforcement of custody and visitation orders
• Addressing parental relocation requests
• Protecting children in cases involving safety or abuse concerns

Our approach balances compassion with effective advocacy. We understand the emotions behind custody disputes and work to resolve them in ways that minimize conflict and promote healthy family dynamics.

We offer:

🤝 Negotiation and Mediation

Whenever possible, we guide parents toward cooperative solutions through negotiation or mediation — allowing families to craft agreements tailored to their unique needs rather than relying on a court’s decision.

⚖️ Court Representation

When litigation becomes necessary, our firm provides experienced, strategic courtroom advocacy. We present a clear, child-focused case supported by evidence and guided by Colorado’s legal standards.

💬 Ongoing Support

Custody issues often evolve over time. We remain a trusted resource for ongoing guidance as your family’s needs change.