Chapter 3 - § 3.8 • PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND SUPPORT OF CHILDREN

• Jurisdiction: Colorado

§ 3.8 • PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND SUPPORT OF CHILDREN

Parental responsibilities, formerly called "custody," include assessing parenting time between the children and each parent that is in the best interests of the children, as well as decision-making authority. Chapter 4, "Parental Rights and Responsibilities," explores these issues in detail.

In determining the best interests of the children, the court is to consider all relevant factors, including: the parents' respective wishes; the wishes of the child if capable of expressing mature, reasoned, and independent preferences; the relationship between the child and each parent, siblings, and significant other; the child's adjustment to home, school, and community; the mental and physical health of the parents and children; whether a parent can encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the children and the other parent; the past pattern of involvement with the children; indicia of a system of values, time commitment, and mutual support; the physical proximity of the parties; any history of child abuse or neglect by either parent; any spousal abuse history; and the ability of each parent to place the needs of the children ahead of his or her own. C.R.S. § 14-10-129.

When considering the best...