What is a Child Custody Agreement?
Child custody agreements are similar to what a parenting plan would look like. A child custody agreement should effectively outline parenting time schedules, including pick-up and drop-off times. Custody agreements outline agreed on parental roles and responsibilities, including aspects of legal and physical custody. Legal custody illustrates the right of one parent to make decisions for a child while the physical custody relates to the child’s daily care. Custody between parents must be adequately defined to determine the role each party plays.
Military Child Custody Agreement
A child custody agreement gets complicated when one or both of the spouses are in the military. Each situation needs to be dealt with individually. The best-case scenario is when both parties can agree on conditions. Otherwise, the judge needs to determine what is ideal for the children involved. If something changes after the custody agreement has is established, such as if a parent gets sent overseas, then the terms might need to be revisited.
How to File?
To start a child custody agreement, you can file with your petition for divorce. If you aren’t married, then you need to file a complaint tor allocation of parental responsibility with the Colorado court. Before you head to court, you will want to have all the evidence you need to prove that you have the best interests of the child at heart. Prepare any past evidence of your parental responsibility and any proof of irresponsibility against the other party, if necessary. The process isn’t any different for a military family.
Filing for a Military Divorce While Spouse is Overseas
When it comes time to file for a Colorado divorce or child custody agreement while a spouse is stationed overseas, you might need to wait. The law protects the person out of the country and allows the process to wait until they return. In the meantime, you can meet with Thomas Ramunda Jr. at South Denver Law to discuss your options and get everything in order.
Whom is Involved in the Child Custody Agreement?
Typically, the child custody agreement in Colorado refers to the biological parents and affected children. Depending on the family arrangement, it might also include stepparents, adoptive parents, grandparents, or close relatives. Usually, it is tailored to the needs of the children and caretakers.
What Happens if a Child Custody Agreement is Violated?
Once the child custody agreement is approved by the family law court or judge, it is enforceable by law. If the agreement is violated, there are penalties including a contempt order, loss of custody or visitation plus possible criminal consequences. It’s possible to change the order to adjust to new needs, so make sure you receive a consultation with your Denver divorce lawyer if you are in violation or have a concern about any part of the agreement.
The Cost of a Child Custody Agreement
There are several fees involved with the Colorado child custody agreement. You have the Petition for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities, which is your primary document filing. The cost of this petition is $222. If you need to enforce the child custody agreement, the cost is $166. There is a $105 filing fee anytime you want to modify, amend or alter the decree. Other factors come into play when filing, so it’s always best to have a consultation before moving forward.
Child Custody in the Military
What makes the child custody agreement even more complicated is when one spouse or both are in the military. This is when a professional lawyer is essential. You want a lawyer that has experience dealing with these matters. Thomas Ramunda Jr. has over 25 years in family law and can assist you with the Military Divorce and Military Child Custody Laws in Colorado.
Family Law Lawyer for Child Custody Agreement
At South Denver Law, we understand the stress you feel when working out a child custody agreement. Thomas Ramunda Jr. is an expert in family law and military divorce to help your family navigate this difficult time. If you are in need of a Denver divorce lawyer, visit our Parker, CO or Denver, CO office to protect the best interest of your children with a detailed and concise custody agreement.
GIVE US A CALL
303.840.2700
OR
Schedule a Consultation