Navigating child custody in Colorado can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a dad who just wants an equal shot at raising your kids. You’re not alone; we’ve heard so many fathers say, “I just want to be there, every step of the way.” And honestly? The law in Colorado is shifting to recognize that kids do best when both parents are involved, not just the mother. But… getting there takes strategy, documentation, and a team that really has your back.
At Jones Law Firm, we don’t just give legal advice and send you on your way. We become your partner, someone who helps you prepare for every curveball, who knows how to turn your “dad moments” into solid evidence, and who isn’t afraid to advocate for you. If you’re wondering how to get 50/50 custody as a father in Colorado, or if you’re looking up joint custody or father’s rights, you’re in the right place.
Understanding Colorado Law and What Courts Really Want
Here’s something people get wrong all the time: they think Colorado courts always give custody to the mother. That might have happened once upon a time, but not anymore. The buzzword now is “parental responsibilities”, which, let’s be honest, is just a fancy way of saying “who’s making the big decisions?” and “where is the child spending their days and nights?”
There are two main pieces:
– Parenting time (that’s the actual time spent with your child),
– Decision-making responsibility (think big choices like school, healthcare, and religion).
Here’s the kicker, judges don’t have a default setting for “mom” or “dad.” Instead, they look at the best interests of the child. Period. That means frequent and continuing contact with both parents, if possible. But it isn’t just about saying, “Hey, I want 50/50!” You have to show you can provide a stable, loving, and well-organized home—and that you’re already an active, involved parent. That’s where our work begins.
How We Help You Show You’re an Active Parent
Honestly, being a dad isn’t just about showing up at big events. It’s the day-to-day stuff, a scraped knee at soccer, bedtime stories, making sure homework gets done (even if you secretly hate math now). But how do you prove all those little moments?
Document, Document, Document
We walk you through creating a parenting journal. It doesn’t have to be a novel. Just jot down when you had your child, what you did together, doctors’ appointments, teacher meetings, even quirky traditions like Friday pizza night or your killer pancake breakfasts. Texts and emails to teachers or coaches? Snapshots of school projects? All of that tells a believable, detailed story.
Crafting Your Narrative
Anybody can say they’re involved, but painting a real picture is stronger. Maybe you’re the only one who can get your daughter’s hair styled for recitals, or you’ve taken over driving to swim practice every Tuesday because your schedule allows it. We help you turn those personal touches into a compelling narrative for court.
A Quick Story…
One client, Jake, kept a calendar on his phone with every “dad duty” he did for months, school drop-offs, pediatrician visits, days off when his son was sick. When it came time to show the judge his parenting, we had solid gold: real, documented proof that being a dad was his top priority.
Home Sweet… (and Safe) Home
You’ve probably heard stories about home evaluations and wondered if your living room needs to be picture-perfect. But don’t stress: courts want to see a child-focused environment, not a Pinterest spread (let’s be honest, whose house actually looks like those anyway?).
Setting the Stage
We’ll guide you through making your home shine where it matters, safe spaces, age-appropriate bedding, a spot for schoolwork, those little touches that show your child feels at home. Is there a solid routine? Is your place near their school? These things count.
Juggling Work and Parenting
Hey, every parent struggles here, especially if you’re working full-time. Maybe you work from home, or you’ve lined up reliable childcare for those late meetings. We’ll help you map out your typical week so the court can see you’re not just “fitting in” parenting but actively making it work.
It’s normal to worry that a busy job might hurt your case, but with the right planning, you can show you’re more than capable.
Handling the Money and the Paperwork
Supporting your child isn’t just about showing up, it’s about handling the nitty-gritty: child support, paying for sports uniforms, and yes, those ever-changing after-school activities.
Keep Every Receipt
We help you set up a system for tracking every payment, child support, medical bills, even ice cream after the big game. Why? Because documented financial support quietly proves you’re dependable and committed.
Never Miss a Beat
Legal paperwork can be a landmine. Miss a deadline, and the court might start to wonder if you’re really “all in.” That’s where we step in, making sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” crossed. You focus on your family, and we handle the rest.
Designing a Parenting Plan That Actually Works
Okay, so you want 50/50. What does that look like? Is it week-on, week-off? Split weeks? Alternating weekends? We’ve seen it all, and we tailor the plan to fit both your schedule and your child’s.
Schedule Smarts
We’ll walk you through the most common plans (2-2-3, alternating weeks, you name it) and figure out what fits your family best. Maybe your son has soccer every Wednesday; maybe your job has you traveling once a month. We help you solve the puzzle, no cookie-cutter plans here.
Sharing the Good Stuff
Birthdays, holidays, summer vacations, these matter. We’ll help you split these up fairly so your child gets special memories with both parents (and you don’t end up alone on every big holiday).
Communication is Key
Co-parenting isn’t always a walk in the park. That’s why we get you set up with co-parenting apps, calendars, and tools to keep communication clear and civil. Nothing derails a case faster than angry, late-night texts.
Showing You Can Play Nice (Even When It’s Hard)
Judges want to see that you’re not out to “win” at your ex’s expense. They’re looking for parents who put the child first.
Staying Cool Under Pressure
Maybe your ex pushes your buttons. Maybe you’ve had some heated arguments. It happens. We’ll coach you on keeping things child-focused and respectful, even when it’s really tough. (Trust us, the court will notice.)
Mediation: Not Just a Box to Check
Sometimes mediation works better than a long, expensive fight. We help you show up willing to listen, compromise, and keep the process civil, again, the judge will take note, and that can make a real difference.
Facing (and Beating) Common Roadblocks
We get it, sometimes it feels like everything is stacked against dads. “You don’t do enough.” “You work too much.” “Your schedule is too complicated.” Sound familiar?
Tackling the “Primary Caregiver” Argument
We’ll gather proof, teacher notes, doctor sign-ins, even testimony from the neighbor who sees you at the bus stop, that you’re not just a weekend visitor. You’re an everyday parent.
Logistics, Logistics…
Whether it’s distance, job demands, or just plain old stubborn scheduling, we brainstorm creative fixes to any roadblock. We’ve helped dads find solutions like shared pick-ups, flex work hours, or moving closer to the other parent.
It’s normal to have hiccups, even judges get that. The trick is showing you’re willing to solve problems, not create them.
Preparing for Court (Just in Case)
Most custody agreements settle outside of court, but sometimes you need to go before a judge. You want your case to be airtight.
Build a Strong Case
We help you assemble everything, journals, photos, expense logs, emails, even friendly statements from teachers or coaches. When you walk into court, you show up with your story, not just a stack of papers.
Working With Evaluators
If the court assigns an evaluator (like a Child and Family Investigator), we prep you to talk honestly and confidently about your parenting style, your child’s needs, and your vision for shared custody.
Staying Flexible
Sometimes, the judge might suggest a step-up plan or a temporary arrangement. Being open to reasonable alternatives tells the court you’re mature and focused on your child, not just “winning.”
Our Approach Makes the Difference
If there’s one thing we want dads to know, it’s this: You have every right to be an equal parent, and with the right strategy, you can absolutely get there.
At Jones Law Firm, we’ve seen fathers from every walk of life navigate the ups and downs of this process, some with nerves, a little frustration, and almost always a deep, unshakeable love for their kids. That’s exactly what drives us to fight as hard as we do.
Let’s face it, nobody knows your bond with your child like you do. But in court, it’s about much more than love, it’s about turning that commitment into solid proof, reasonable plans, and a strong presentation so the system can truly see what you bring to the table. That’s where our experience kicks in.
Whether you’re just starting to consider 50/50, or you’ve hit a wall and need a seasoned legal team on your side, we’ll guide you step by step. We’ll help you find your voice, organize your evidence, and even coach you through those tough conversations where you have to show grace under pressure.
And you don’t have to take just our word for it. As one of our clients put it:
“The firm is professional, positive and grounded in their approach… open and prompt communication… strong intellect, presentation skills, and a genuine interest in the well‑being of both my daughter and I.”
That’s what we strive for with every father we work with. We’re in your corner, from the first meeting to the courthouse (and, honestly, past it too).
Ready to Move from Belief to Action?
If you’ve made it this far, you’re obviously committed. And frankly? That’s most of the battle won already. But don’t let uncertainty stall your progress. Reach out for a free consultation with our team. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions with honesty, and help you map out a path that fits your life, not a cookie-cutter approach.
We know that every family, every dad, and every kid is different. Your plan should reflect that, no shortcuts, no empty promises. Together, let’s build a strategy that the court will respect and, most importantly, one that keeps you fully present in your child’s life.
Contact us today. Let’s move your hopes into action, because We Choose Sides. Yours.
Frequently Asked Questions: 50/50 Custody & Fathers’ Rights in Colorado
Not anymore! The law is written to support “the best interests of the child,” and courts openly encourage both parents to play an active, equal role, so long as it’s safe and practical.
In Colorado, the technical term is “parental responsibilities.” Joint custody typically means shared decision-making. Equal parenting time means your child spends roughly half their time with each parent. Both are possible if you show you’re prepared.
You’re not alone, a lot of fathers worry about this. The key is working together to demonstrate you have reliable routines, smart childcare, and a willingness to flex your schedule for your child. Judges know nobody’s schedule is picture-perfect; they want to see genuine effort and creative problem-solving.
That happens! We’ll help you handle it with grace and facts, sometimes through negotiation, sometimes in mediation, and if needed, before a judge. The important thing is to stay positive and focused on the child’s needs, not just “winning the fight.”
Absolutely. With the right guidance, preparation, and mindset, fathers regularly secure equal parenting time. The law is on your side, and so are we.
Remember, you’re not just fighting for time, you’re fighting for memories, for a real relationship, and for your child’s future. And that’s a fight worth showing up for, every single day.
