Dealing with child custody after a paternity case in Colorado can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not married to your child’s other parent. You finally have an official acknowledgment– you’re legally recognized as a parent. Now what? How do you actually move forward with sharing parenting responsibilities, making sure you get quality time, and—above all—looking out for your child’s happiness?
If these questions are racing through your mind, you’re not alone. We’ve spoken to countless parents—moms and dads—who’ve felt the exact same mix of relief, confusion, and even anxiety after paternity was established. At Jones Law Firm, PC, we believe both parents deserve a meaningful role in their child’s life. That’s why we go beyond paperwork– we help real people navigate real custody questions with clarity and confidence. As we like to say, “We choose sides. Yours.”
So, let’s dive into what happens next—and how you can put your best foot forward.
Colorado’s “Custody” Terms Explained
Ever notice how legal conversations are full of unfamiliar words? In Colorado, instead of “custody” and “visitation,” we use the official phrase “allocation of parental responsibilities.” Sounds fancy, but it really boils down to two things:
- Parenting Time (physical custody): Where your child lives and for how long.
- Decision-Making (legal custody): Who gets to call the shots about school, health, and big life choices.
Once you’ve established paternity, the doors swing wide open– moms and dads have equal standing. There’s no default preference in the law for mothers over fathers, or vice versa. I bet that surprises some folks! The big focus is on what helps your child thrive.
Why Paternity is the Key That Unlocks Everything
We get this question all the time: “Do I have rights before paternity is established?” The answer—plain and simple—is no. Until you sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or get a court order, a father can’t ask for custody or even regular visits. I know, that’s tough to swallow for some, but it’s the law’s way of making sure everyone knows exactly who’s who.
But once paternity is official?
The situation changes—a lot. Both parents can:
- Ask for parenting time and a share of decision-making authority,
- Submit or negotiate their own parenting plans,
- Be part of crucial conversations about the child’s future.
Think of paternity as the starting line—not the finish. You’re now part of the race, but there’s more track ahead.
“Best Interests of the Child”: What Really Counts in Court?
Words like “best interests of the child” pop up everywhere, but what do courts actually look at? If you’re like most of the parents I meet, you probably wish there was a handy, no-nonsense checklist.
Good news: Colorado actually spells this out in law—C.R.S. 14-10-124. Here’s what matters most:
- The real relationship and bond your child has with each parent
- Who’s been taking care of your child (meals, school pick-ups, doctor visits—you name it)
- The ability of each parent to offer a stable, loving home
- How your child feels about their school, neighborhood, and community
- Whether both parents are willing to encourage a relationship with the other (this one surprises folks!)
- Any history of abuse or substance use (and yes, this can tip the scales)
No one factor is a magic “winner.” Courts weigh the big picture. And let us tell you—a practical, sincere approach makes a difference. For instance, imagine a dad who’s nervous about being an unmarried parent. When he’s able to show—through details like school pickups and nightly bedtime stories—just how involved he’s been, judges are much more likely to recognize his meaningful role. That’s the stuff that matters.
“Jones Law Firm didn’t just explain the statutes—they really listened, advocated for my perspective, and placed my children’s needs front and center. I left every meeting more confident in my future.” (Google Reviews)
What About Unmarried Parents? Here’s the Scoop
Now, you might wonder, “Is the process different for unmarried parents?” Not really—not after paternity is settled. When it comes to parenting time for unmarried parents in Colorado, the steps look like this:
- Try to agree on a parenting plan. Outline days, holidays, and even how to handle schedule changes. The more detail, the better.
- If you can’t agree? Mediation is usually required before heading to court. Sometimes a neutral third-party is all it takes to find common ground.
- Court review comes next—the judge checks the proposed plans, and if you two really can’t see eye-to-eye, will craft an order that puts your child first.
We don’t just show up to court– we roll up our sleeves and help you prepare long before you ever set foot in front of a judge.
A client recently told us:
“Jones Law Firm gave me the guidance I needed to prepare a strong parenting plan and the confidence to stand up for my rights as a father. Their communication was clear, thorough, and reassuring every step of the way.”
So, Can You Really Get 50/50 Custody in Colorado?
Alright—the million-dollar question– How do you get 50/50 custody in Colorado? Is it a real possibility, or just a pipe dream?
The short answer– Yes, 50/50 is possible. But it’s not automatic. Colorado judges want to see that both parents are on the same page about routines and can responsibly co-parent. Here’s what judges usually look at:
- Can you both stick to a consistent schedule?
- Do you live pretty close to one another—making transitions easy for your child?
- Can each of you provide a stable house and supportive environment?
- Have you both been genuinely involved in your child’s routine so far?
Popular 50/50 schedules:
- Week-on, week-off
- 2-2-3 plan (two days with you, two days with the other parent, three days back with you, then switch)
- Split weeks with a midweek exchange
Of course, things can get complicated. Long commutes, clashing work hours, or a history of heavy conflict can sometimes put a wrench in equal time. If, for example, one parent has been mostly absent, or the parents just can’t communicate without fireworks, the court might decide 50/50 isn’t ideal—at least for now.
What can you do? Show the court a plan that actually works for your child’s age, needs, and daily life. I always encourage parents to come to the table with flexibility and common sense. The goal? Set your child up for success, not a schedule they’ll just grow to resent.
When Primary Custody Makes Sense
Sometimes, circumstances just don’t allow for 50/50. Maybe your child is thriving under a certain routine. Or perhaps there are safety concerns about one parent. Sometimes, one parent simply hasn’t been present much in the child’s life, or old resentments make co-parenting feel like chasing your tail.
Judges in Colorado can—and do—award primary custody to one parent if it best serves the child’s needs. Don’t panic, though: This usually still means the other parent gets meaningful visitation, unless there’s a good reason otherwise (like risks to the child’s safety).
Our advice? Focus on the positives you provide as a parent, and don’t hide problems. Honesty goes a long way. If you’re the parent with less prior involvement, show genuine interest in building a stronger, more consistent relationship.
Why Team Up with a Denver Child Custody Lawyer?
Having a strong legal ally really matters—especially after a paternity case. A knowledgeable Denver child custody lawyer (like those of us at Jones Law Firm!) can help you:
- File for parental responsibilities quickly and correctly
- Draft a parenting plan that stands up in court
- Prepare for mediation or hearings so you know what to expect
- Advocate fiercely (but smartly) if things get heated
- Tackle emergency or temporary situations when immediate action is needed
Maybe most important of all– you have someone who keeps you grounded, focused, and always thinking about what’s truly best for your child.
With over 25 years of proven leadership… we’re committed to protecting your family’s future… Let’s take the next step together—schedule your free consultation today.
We help you lay the groundwork for your child’s well-being, every single step of the way. That’s not just a tagline—that’s a genuine promise. We choose sides. Yours.
Quick Recap: What Happens After Paternity Is Established?
- Paternity is the starting point; parenting time and decision-making define your rights.
- Put your child first. Judges see through posturing.
- Stay organized: Track your involvement and keep records.
- Communicate: Effort—even imperfect—matters.
- Ask questions: No such thing as a “dumb” question in family law.
- Don’t go it alone: Even the best-intentioned parents benefit from clear, caring legal guidance.
“From the first call to the final paperwork, they made the complicated things simple and made me feel like I wasn’t going through it all by myself.”
Ready for the Next Step? Let’s Talk
Every family’s situation is unique—but the need for stability, clarity, and trusted support is universal. If you’re tackling child custody after paternity in Colorado, now’s the time to invest in your family’s future.
Let’s talk about your goals, your concerns, and even your worries. At Jones Law Firm, our commitment is more than just legal expertise—it’s your peace of mind. Because when you protect what matters most today, you create a foundation for your child’s success tomorrow.
Contact Jones Law Firm today to protect your parental rights and secure the best possible future for your child.
Your family. Your future. Start here.
