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Understanding Child Custody
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Understanding Child Custody
decision-making ability and parenting time.
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A Successful Custody Case Starts With Finding The Right Lawyer
Custody cases most often go wrong because of the attorneys handling the case, and the techniques (or lack of techniques) that are used in the case. We are different from other law firms because we specialize in divorce and family law, know the legal roadblocks, and will guide you through the daunting process with a personalized strategy.
The Ultimate Guide to Child Custody
Decision-making refers to which parent has the right to make major decisions in the lives of their children. Oregon courts like to see the parents share joint decision-making for their children, although this is not appropriate in all cases. Joint decision-making would mean that parents have to agree on major decisions as related to the children’s education, healthcare, and other major aspects of their lives. Joint decision-making arrangements require a collaborative effort between the parents. Decision-making is determined on a case by case basis, and in some situations, the court may award one parent sole decision-making for the children.
Decision-Making Ability
Parenting time, on the other hand, is where the children physically reside during the week/weekend, during summers and other major holidays. Parents can share equal parenting time or make alternate agreements.
If the children are with one parent for a majority of the time, that parent is typically referred to as the “primary custodian,” or “primary parent.” If the parents cannot agree on parenting time, a judge will examine a set of factors related to the best interests of the children and determine parenting time accordingly.
Parenting Time
and Visitation
Decision-Making Ability
Decision-making refers to which parent has the right to make major decisions in the lives of their children. Oregon courts like to see the parents share joint decision-making for their children, although this is not appropriate in all cases.
Joint decision-making would mean that parents have to agree on major decisions as related to the children’s education, healthcare, and other major aspects of their lives. Joint decision-making arrangements require a collaborative effort between the parents. Decision-making is determined on a case by case basis, and in some situations, the court may award one parent sole decision-making for the children.
Parenting Time
and Visitation
Parenting time, on the other hand, is where the children physically reside during the week/weekend, during summers and other major holidays. Parents can share equal parenting time or make alternate agreements.
If the children are with one parent for a majority of the time, that parent is typically referred to as the “primary custodian,” or “primary parent.” If the parents cannot agree on parenting time, a judge will examine a set of factors related to the best interests of the children and determine parenting time accordingly.
Meet the Team
As an attorney, author, litigator and mediator, David brings over 22 years of divorce and family law experience to the Colorado courts. In addition to being a highly skilled trial lawyer and negotiator, David is a frequent speaker in the legal community, often advising other attorneys on best court practices and case management strategies. For all clients who have retained the firm, David is available for strategic planning at no extra cost in the case.
Hannah practices exclusively in the area of divorce and family law, and handles cases ranging from simple uncontested matters to complex litigation. Hannah has also developed a special expertise in divorce mediation, and assists clients with mediated divorces across the state of Colorado. She is a 10 star rated AVVO attorney and has an average Google review rating of 5 stars (highest possible ratings).
Paige has dedicated her entire professional career to the practice of divorce and family law in the state of Colorado. Paige represents clients throughout the state in all areas of divorce and family law, including child custody and support, spousal support, property division, division of retirement assets and all other matters. She has an average Google review rating of 5 stars and has been voted a top 40 under attorney in the state of Colorado.
Having clerked in the 20th Judicial District of Boulder, Lauren knows what Judges are looking for, and the specific skills required to excel in the courtroom. She has brought this insight to her clients' representation guiding them through demanding cases with ease. Her firsthand experience as a stepmother helps her relate to any parent facing a custody case and the importance of having an experienced attorney.
Meet the Team
As an attorney, author, litigator and mediator, David brings over 22 years of divorce and family law experience to the Colorado courts. In addition to being a highly skilled trial lawyer and negotiator, David is a frequent speaker in the legal community, often advising other attorneys on best court practices and case management strategies. For all clients who have retained the firm, David is available for strategic planning at no extra cost in the case.
Hannah practices exclusively in the area of divorce and family law, and handles cases ranging from simple uncontested matters to complex litigation. Hannah has also developed a special expertise in divorce mediation, and assists clients with mediated divorces across the state of Colorado. She is a 10 star rated AVVO attorney and has an average Google review rating of 5 stars (highest possible ratings).
Paige has dedicated her entire professional career to the practice of divorce and family law in the state of Colorado. Paige represents clients throughout the state in all areas of divorce and family law, including child custody and support, spousal support, property division, division of retirement assets and all other matters. She has an average Google review rating of 5 stars and has been voted a top 40 under attorney in the state of Colorado.
Having clerked in the 20th Judicial District of Boulder, Lauren knows what Judges are looking for and the specific skills required to excel in the courtroom. She has brought this insight to her clients' representation guiding them through demanding cases with ease. Her firsthand experience as a stepmother helps her relate to any parent facing a custody case and the importance of having an experienced attorney.
Meet the Team
As an attorney, author, litigator and mediator, David brings over 22 years of divorce and family law experience to the Colorado courts. In addition to being a highly skilled trial lawyer and negotiator, David is a frequent speaker in the legal community, often advising other attorneys on best court practices and case management strategies. For all clients who have retained the firm, David is available for strategic planning at no extra cost in the case.
Hannah practices exclusively in the area of divorce and family law, and handles cases ranging from simple uncontested matters to complex litigation. Hannah has also developed a special expertise in divorce mediation, and assists clients with mediated divorces across the state of Colorado. She is a 10 star rated AVVO attorney and has an average Google review rating of 5 stars (highest possible ratings).
Paige has dedicated her entire professional career to the practice of divorce and family law in the state of Colorado. Paige represents clients throughout the state in all areas of divorce and family law, including child custody and support, spousal support, property division, division of retirement assets and all other matters. She has an average Google review rating of 5 stars and has been voted a top 40 under attorney in the state of Colorado.
Joe guides clients through complex divorce and family law cases protecting their finances and family. While he is confident, poised, and prepared in the Courtroom, he is an equally effective advocate at the negotiation table. Whether through settlement or trial, Joe will work tirelessly to resolve your case on terms that are in the best interest of both you and your children.
PROUD MEMBERS OF
Meet the Team
As an attorney, author, litigator and mediator, David brings over 22 years of divorce and family law experience to the Colorado courts. In addition to being a highly skilled trial lawyer and negotiator, David is a frequent speaker in the legal community, often advising other attorneys on best court practices and case management strategies. For all clients who have retained the firm, David is available for strategic planning at no extra cost in the case.
Hannah practices exclusively in the area of divorce and family law, and handles cases ranging from simple uncontested matters to complex litigation. Hannah has also developed a special expertise in divorce mediation, and assists clients with mediated divorces across the state of Colorado. She is a 10 star rated AVVO attorney and has an average Google review rating of 5 stars (highest possible ratings).
Paige has dedicated her entire professional career to the practice of divorce and family law in the state of Colorado. Paige represents clients throughout the state in all areas of divorce and family law, including child custody and support, spousal support, property division, division of retirement assets and all other matters. She has an average Google review rating of 5 stars and has been voted a top 40 under attorney in the state of Colorado.
Joe guides clients through complex divorce and family law cases protecting their finances and family. While he is confident, poised, and prepared in the Courtroom, he is an equally effective advocate at the negotiation table. Whether through settlement or trial, Joe will work tirelessly to resolve your case on terms that are in the best interest of both you and your children.
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is a specialized divorce process that is controlled by the parties and their attorneys with an upfront agreement to avoid litigation.
Mediated Divorce
In a mediated divorce, one attorney handles the case and acts as a neutral third party in which they provide no legal advice but help both spouses work toward resolution.
Litigated Divorce
Litigation is when your attorney files a petition for divorce and takes it through procedural steps for litigation which may include hearings and possibly a trial.
Uncontested Divorce
When spouses are in general agreement about getting a divorce and dividing up assets and debts they may be able to have an uncontested divorce.
Your Divorce Options
COMMON LAW RELATIONSHIPS
COLLABORATIVE LAW
LITIGATION
ADOPTION AND SURROGACY
COHABITATION AND
PRE-NUPTUAL AGREEMENT
DIVORCE
LEGAL
SEPARATION
CHILD CUSTODY
CHILD SUPPORT & ALIMONY
MEDIATION AND ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Our Family Law Services
Our Family Law Services
ADOPTION AND SURROGACY
MEDIATION AND ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
COHABITATION AND
PRE-NUPTUAL AGREEMENT
LEGAL
SEPARATION
CHILD CUSTODY
DIVORCE
LITIGATION
COLLABORATIVE LAW
CHILD AND
SPOUSAL SUPPORT
COMMON LAW RELATIONSHIPS
Your Divorce Options
Uncontested Divorce
When spouses are in general agreement about getting a divorce and dividing up assets and debts they may be able to have an uncontested divorce.
Litigated Divorce
Litigation is when your attorney files a petition for divorce and takes it through procedural steps for litigation which may include hearings and possibly a trial.
Mediated Divorce
In a mediated divorce, one attorney handles the case and acts as a neutral third party in which they provide no legal advice but help both spouses work toward resolution.
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is a specialized divorce process that is controlled by the parties and their attorneys with an upfront agreement to avoid litigation.