Parenting Plans

Mediate a comprehensive parenting plan that meets the needs of parents and children alike. Negotiate parenting time, expense sharing, dependent deductions, changing needs of children as they grow, and college expenses. Mediation offers a safe environment to discuss difficult topics such absence due to work travel, first right of refusal, decision making, and unique situations affecting your children. Clear agreements address the needs of children as they grow. A good agreement builds trust and reduces future conflict.

Mediation opens the lines of communication in a safe and confidential environment. When couples wish to exit the marriage and hope to remain on good working terms in the future, mediation can address all of the necessary paperwork for a common divorce and can often eliminate the need for attorneys and legal fees. Mediation usually costs a fraction of the price of litigation.

The Colorado courts favor equal involvement between children and both parents whenever possible. Children need strong bonds with both father and mother. Kids benefit from the love, protection, and wisdom that both parents give to their own children. Additionally, stronger communities are built when children have financial support from both parents.

Universal Citation: CO Rev Stat § 14-10-124 (2016) "Legislative declaration. While co-parenting is not appropriate in all circumstances following dissolution of marriage or legal separation, the general assembly finds and declares that, in most circumstances, it is in the best interest of all parties to encourage frequent and continuing contact between each parent and the minor children of the marriage after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage."

When designing a parenting plan, it is wise to work with an experienced mediator who will bring up scenarios that you may not have considered. Parents are able to consider options to design a plan that will meet the needs of both parents and their children.

It is common to overlook such things as:

College expense provisions
Allocation of big ticket expenses such as cell phones, cars for children to drive, and car insurance for a young driver
Built-in modifications for newborn and infant parenting time
Relocation to a new geographical area within Colorado or outside of the state
How parenting time is affected by work requirements (swing and graveyard shifts, travel), parenting time with an alternate provider such as a step parent or grand parent when the biological parent is not available, first right of refusal, etc.
Remarriage and the parenting role of the new spouse
Tax dependent deductions and child care credits

If your child is an infant under 30 months of age, s/he may need a primary caretaker to bond with in the early years. A comprehensive parenting plan designed with a mediator often includes built-in modifications that step-up time between both parents' homes when the child is older.

Colorado courts order mediation in virtually every situation where an initial divorce is filed or when a motion to modify an existing parenting plan or child support is being requested. This is true regardless of whether the parties have an attorney or are pro se (representing themselves without attorneys).

Parenting Class Requirement: All parties with minor children who are seeking a divorce, legal separation, or allocation of parental responsibilities in Colorado must attend a court-approved parenting class. Class listings are by county.

Since 2003, Judy West has worked with hundreds of families to craft agreements that work over the long term. She often works with clients who need a modification as children grow older and needs change. Her philosophy of “Plan your work, work your plan” begins with the end game: raising children who are happy, engaged in their family and community, and are fully equipped to take on their adult life with confidence and support.