Divorce changes how your family runs day to day. A parenting plan puts the new rules in writing so both parents know what to expect.
What a parenting plan covers in Colorado
Colorado courts review parenting plans under the best interests of the child standard, codified at C.R.S. § 14-10-124. The law requires parents to address both parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. Courts look for plans specific enough to prevent disputes. A complete Colorado parenting plan must address:
- Parenting time schedule: When the child is with each parent during usual weeks and school breaks.
- Decision-making authority: Who handles medical, educational and religious choices.
- Exchange logistics: Drop-off and pick-up times, locations and transportation responsibilities.
- Communication rules: How parents contact each other and how the child reaches the other parent.
- Dispute resolution: Steps to resolve disagreements before returning to court.
Research from the Family Institute at Northwestern University shows children adjust better post-divorce when parental conflict stays low and both parent relationships remain strong.
Building a parenting time schedule
Think about your child’s age and your real-life availability before picking a schedule. Young children usually do better with frequent contact and shorter time apart. Teenagers often prefer longer stretches with each parent.
Common options include alternating weeks, a 2-2-3 rotation and a 5-2-2-5 schedule. Write out exact times for holidays and school breaks. Leaving anything as “to be agreed” tends to cause the exact fights you want to avoid.
Who makes decisions and how parents communicate
Joint decision-making means both parents must agree before acting on major choices. Sole decision-making gives one parent the final call, sometimes with a requirement to ask the other parent first. Spell out which approach applies to school, healthcare and activities. Many Colorado courts suggest co-parenting apps because they keep a written record of every message.
What to do when you disagree or need changes
Write a clear process for handling disagreements. Try mediation before filing anything with the court. You can also update the plan later if something significant changes in your child’s life or your circumstances.
Getting guidance that fits your family
A parenting plan becomes a legally enforceable order once the court approves it. An attorney can help you understand your options and draft a plan that reflects your child’s needs.