Colorado judges are very serious about their role as advocates for children who are caught in the middle of a divorce. Many children actually do not want to see their family divided, but they often have no choice or say in the matter other than what the court will allow. As opposed to the traditional concept of full custody and control for one parent, most judges now prefer to see divorcing couples include a co-parenting plan for their children going forward. Just because the parents separate does not mean the family connection ends, it just primarily means the living arrangements change. This is especially true for children.
Mental health concerns
Physical well-being is surely important for all children following a divorce, but mental well-being is just as important if not more so. When dealing with child custody, parents who have a well-crafted and feasible plan that involves them both while being focused on the children are always an advantage when seeking a final decree.
Maintaining routines
One of the most important aspects of a divorce is how the children’s routine will change. One primary issue is education. Many children like their school and circle of friends, and changing locations can also result in them transferring to a different school. Additionally, when parents live in different communities or even in different states, a definitive schedule can be difficult to establish. Any problems of this type should be a central focus when developing a co-parenting plan and seeking a child custody order, and a scenario allowing the children to settle into a reasonable life pattern should be the goal.
Always remember that what the children think about the changes in their lives can matter. The judge is not necessarily required to be receptive to a co-parenting plan in all situations. Living accommodations can matter as well as the distance between the two parents. Stability for the family after the separation will often rest on how well the children can adjust to their new living arrangements, and parents should keep that in mind when coming to an agreement.
