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Child Custody & Child Support Lawyers in Denver

Child Custody is Now Known as “Allocation of Parental Responsibility” in Colorado

When children are part of a divorce proceeding, it’s crucial to have an experienced Denver child custody lawyer to help secure a financial outcome for them that is advantageous, as well as to help craft a situation that will suit them emotionally. In the state of Colorado, the legislature took the significant step of changing the law in order to clarify that the central goal of determining custody arrangements is to ensure that parents take responsibility for their children. Because the term “custody” can lend itself to the perception of a property right rather than a parental duty, the terms “allocation of parental responsibility” and “allocation of decision-making responsibility” have officially replaced the term “child custody.” This new language is intended to emphasize the duties of the parents to cooperate, share, or divide the responsibilities of raising a child, including making decisions involving education, health, religious upbringing, and other discrete areas. In addition to this wording change, the legislature also made changes to the terms “legal” child custody and “residential” child custody: Whereas legal custody once referred to decision-making and residential custody referred to where the child lived, residential child custody and visitation are now referred to as “parenting time.”

Divorce raises delicate, emotionally-charged issues for parents and children alike, and compassionate resolution is needed to create custody arrangements and parenting plans that minimize, rather than aggravate, the potential for negative impact on the children and the parent-child relationships. The Denver child custody attorneys at Decker & Jones develop child-related arrangements that are realistic, promote a healthy relationship with both parents, and that work.

Child Support is the Right of the Child

The state of Colorado holds parents responsible for providing child support until a child is emancipated. The formula used to calculate child support, known as “Child Support Guidelines,” is based on what would have been spent for the child if the parents had not separated. The child’s age, needs, number of visits with each parent, as well as the parents’ combined gross income, are all considered when calculating child support. In 2003, new laws became effective that include adjustments for low income, very low income, and extraordinary medical expenses when calculating child support. In addition, these adjustments also take into account the change in the Federal Child Care Credit.

Once child support has been calculated and ordered, changes in circumstances could arise that justify modification of the existing child support agreement. For example, if spousal support has been terminated or if the parent is in a position to pay more, a change may be warranted. Also, if you are not receiving child support payments in Denver, legal action may be needed to address the situation. The state of Colorado takes the obligation of a parent to provide support to their child very seriously, and so do the Denver child support attorneys at Decker & Jones. By the same token, if you are being taken to court for an amount of child support that is unreasonable, you will also require legal guidance and protection.

Call a Denver Child Support Attorney or Child Custody Lawyer Today!

Decker & Jones provides representation to ensure that the well-being of the children in the present and the future always takes priority when matters of child support are involved. Please do not hesitate to contact our seasoned, caring Denver child support Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your options, and to get answers to all your child support questions. Likewise, our Denver child custody attorneys are standing by to provide you with the support you need throughout this process. To contact us, you can either fill out this simple online contact form, or you can call our Denver or Golden offices today at (303) 573-5253.

Decker & Jones

Decker & Jones - Denver Criminal Defense Attorney

GOLDEN OFFICE

Golden, CO
(303) 573-5253 - Phone
303-573-5257 - Fax

DENVER OFFICE

2025 York St.
Denver, CO 80205

(720) 443-5576 - Phone
303-573-5257 - Fax

Golden Law Office
Testimonials
  • Super Guy Fabulous Attorney

    David has given my son a second chance at a good life. He was looking at a serious conviction and an uncertain future. David, with his experience, professionalism, knowledge and savvy, delivered an ou...

    - Jean Erickson
  • David is simply "THE BEST"

    When I was accused of serious charges that I did not do, I did not know what to do or who to call. After starting with one firm, my case was farmed out to a adjunct attorney who I worked with only by...

    - Dr. B
  • 5 Stars for D.R. Jones!

    D. R. Jones represented a loved one and recently won the case before it came to trail. The extensive knowledge, care, and insight that went into the case was of the utmost professionalism and ultimate...

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  • Exceptional Legal Representation

    We had a very difficult situation which required complex negotiations with various levels of prosecution to reach cooperative agreements in several different jurisdictions. David demonstrated exceptio...

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  • Fortunately!

    In the Fall of 2010, our lives were turned upside down with a knock on the door from a federal agent. Our son, just 18 years old, was arrested. With absolutely no idea what to do, David R. Jones was r...

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  • Utmost Professionalism

    I stood accused of a crime that if convicted, carried a substantial jail term. My case was also complicated by an out of state component. I called several local attorneys but found David to be the onl...

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    As we begin this Thanksgiving holiday we are continually giving thanks to David for his help during our recent involvement with the Colorado Legal System. Of the four attorneys I interviewed , Pat an...

    - Arnold
  • Saved my career

    “I am a teacher who loves her job. One night I got into an argument with my then boyfriend, who called the police. I ended up getting charged with domestic violence. I contacted David immediately...

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    My husband Johnny was convicted of a serious offense after a jury trial. He was represented by a lawyer who did not prepare the case. I remember each time I went with Johnny to court, it was like he w...

    - Francine
  • David saved my life

    I am a fairly young and successful doctor. When a woman I had known for over a year and a half became angry with me and accused me of things I had not done, I could have lost everything. I picked Da...

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