Protecting Your Role As A Parent in CO

At VanLandingham Law, LLC, we work with parents who are worried about losing time with their children or being shut out of major decisions. We listen to your story, the history with the other parent, and your goals for your child. Then we help you understand how Colorado law and the courts may look at your situation.

Our attorney, Joe VanLandingham, brings roughly a decade of legal experience to each case. His background in business law, civil litigation, and corporate litigation helps us approach parents' rights issues with careful strategy and a calm, steady mindset. Our goal is to give you clarity in an overwhelming time and to help you make informed decisions about how to move forward.

Call (720) 727-6563 to schedule a consultation with our Denver parental rights lawyer. 

Why Parents Choose VanLandingham Law

Attorney Joe VanLandingham draws on his experience in business law, civil litigation, and corporate litigation when handling family disputes. That broader background lets us see the full picture, including financial questions, long-term planning, and the practical realities of parenting across two households. We work to build strategies that are thoughtful and efficient, always with an eye on your long-term relationship with your child.

We also focus on collaboration. We explain your options, the likely range of outcomes, and the tradeoffs involved with each choice. You remain in control of the decisions, and we provide the legal insight you need to choose a path that matches your values. Many parents tell us that having a clear plan reduces their anxiety, even before the court process ends.

Understanding Parents' Rights In Colorado

To make informed choices, it helps to know how Colorado law describes parents' rights. Instead of only using the words "custody" and “visitation,” Colorado uses the concept of allocation of parental responsibilities. This usually includes decision-making authority and parenting time. Decision-making covers major choices about education, medical care, religion, and other significant matters. Parenting time is the schedule that describes when the child is with each parent.

Parental rights generally include spending meaningful time with your child, participating in important decisions, and staying informed about your child’s well-being. That can involve access to school and medical records, attendance at events, and the ability to communicate with teachers or doctors. When a parent feels cut off from this information, it can be a sign that their rights are not being respected.

Courts in Colorado focus on the best interests of the child. Judges typically look at factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the ability to encourage a positive relationship with the other parent, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and any safety concerns. The court’s goal is to put the child in a position to thrive, and that often means keeping both parents involved whenever it is appropriate and safe.

Parents' rights can be first established in a divorce case, a paternity action, or an allocation of parental responsibilities case when parents were not married. They can also be modified later if circumstances change in a meaningful way. For example, a significant move, a change in a parent’s work schedule, or ongoing violations of an existing order can sometimes justify asking the court to revisit parental responsibilities.

What To Do If Your Rights Are At Risk

If you believe your parental rights are at risk, consider these steps:

• Document what is happening, such as missed visits, last-minute schedule changes, or unilateral decisions about your child.
• Communicate in writing when possible, and keep messages calm and focused on the child instead of blame or insults.
• Follow existing court orders as closely as you reasonably can, even if the other parent is not doing the same.
• Avoid discussing adult conflict with your child or involving them in disputes about court, money, or new partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my co-parent blocks visits?

If your co-parent is blocking scheduled parenting time, you can document each incident and continue following the existing order yourself. Then we can review the order with you and discuss options, which may include seeking enforcement or asking the court to clarify or adjust the schedule.

How do Denver courts decide parents’ rights?

Courts serving Denver families apply Colorado’s best interests of the child standard. They typically look at factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, the ability to support the child’s needs, cooperation with the other parent, and any safety concerns. We help you understand how these factors may apply in your case.

Can you help if there are false abuse allegations?

We can review the allegations with you, look at available evidence, and explain possible legal responses. False claims are serious and can affect parental rights if not addressed. Our role is to help you present your side clearly and focus the court’s attention on reliable information.

When should I ask to change my parenting plan?

You can usually seek a modification when there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a move, a new work schedule, or ongoing violations of the current order. We talk with you about what has changed and whether it may meet the legal standard for modification.

Talk With Our Team Today

You do not have to face threats to your role as a parent on your own. If you are worried about parenting time, decision-making, or how your child is being affected by ongoing conflict, our firm is here to help you understand your options and create a path forward that fits your family.

At VanLandingham Law, LLC, we bring together personalized attention, a decade of legal experience, and a steady, compassionate approach. We work to make the legal process as clear and manageable as we can, so you can focus on your child and your future.

Call (720) 727-6563 to schedule a consultation with our Denver parental rights attorney.