Colorado Parenting Plan — Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

PARENTING PLAN

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-124

State of Colorado — District Court, [________________________________] County

Case Number: [________________________________]

Division/Courtroom: [____]

☐ In re the Marriage/Civil Union of: [________________________________] and [________________________________]

☐ In re the Parental Responsibilities Concerning: [________________________________] (Child/ren)

Filed Pursuant to: ☐ Dissolution of Marriage ☐ Legal Separation ☐ Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR) ☐ Modification of Prior Orders

COLORADO TERMINOLOGY

Colorado replaced the terms "custody" and "visitation" with "allocation of parental responsibilities," "parenting time," and "decision-making responsibility" effective 1999 (C.R.S. § 14-10-123 et seq.). This Parenting Plan uses Colorado's statutory language throughout.

PART 1. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

1.1 Parents

Parent A (Mother/Father):
Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
Current Address: [________________________________]
City/State/ZIP: [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Employer: [________________________________]
Work Address: [________________________________]

Parent B (Mother/Father):
Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
Current Address: [________________________________]
City/State/ZIP: [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Employer: [________________________________]
Work Address: [________________________________]

1.2 Child(ren) Subject to This Plan

1.3 Effective Date

This Parenting Plan is effective as of [__/__/____] and shall be incorporated into the Court's orders.

1.4 Parenting Class Compliance

Colorado law requires both parties in a dissolution, legal separation, or APR proceeding involving minor children to complete a court-approved parenting education class.

☐ Parent A has completed a court-approved parenting class. Provider: [________________________________]; Date: [__/__/____]

☐ Parent B has completed a court-approved parenting class. Provider: [________________________________]; Date: [__/__/____]

☐ Certificates of Completion are filed or will be filed prior to entry of orders.

PART 2. DECISION-MAKING RESPONSIBILITY (C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5)(b))

2.1 Allocation of Decision-Making

Colorado courts allocate decision-making responsibility in four major areas. The parties agree to the following allocation:

2.2 Joint Decision-Making Protocol

Where joint decision-making responsibility is allocated, the following protocol applies:

a. Consultation Required. Before making any major decision, the initiating parent shall notify the other parent in writing (email or co-parenting app) and provide all relevant information. The other parent shall respond within [____] business days.

b. Good-Faith Efforts. Both parents shall approach decisions cooperatively, prioritizing the child(ren)'s best interests over personal preferences.

c. Impasse Resolution. If the parents cannot agree after good-faith efforts:
☐ The matter shall be referred to a Parenting Coordinator (if appointed)
☐ The matter shall be referred to mediation
☐ Either parent may file a motion with the Court pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-131
☐ [________________________________] shall have final decision-making authority for [________________________________] pending Court resolution

d. Emergency Decisions. The parent exercising parenting time may authorize emergency medical treatment when immediate action is required to prevent serious harm. That parent shall notify the other parent as soon as reasonably possible after the emergency.

2.3 Domestic Violence — Presumption Against Joint Decision-Making (C.R.S. § 14-10-124(4))

☐ Not applicable. No credible evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, or child neglect exists in this matter.

☐ Applicable. The Court has found by a preponderance of the evidence that [________________________________] has committed domestic violence / child abuse / child neglect. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-124(4), joint decision-making responsibility is presumed not to be in the child(ren)'s best interests. Decision-making is allocated solely to [________________________________] unless the Court finds the presumption is overcome.

2.4 Day-to-Day Decisions

Each parent has authority during his or her parenting time to make routine, day-to-day decisions including daily schedules, meals, bedtimes, homework supervision, discipline, grooming, and social activities with friends. These decisions do not require consultation with the other parent.

PART 3. PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE (C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5)(a))

3.1 Regular School-Year Schedule

☐ Option A: Approximately Equal Parenting Time (e.g., Week-On / Week-Off)

Parent A: Child(ren) reside with Parent A from [________________________________] at [____] to [________________________________] at [____].

Parent B: Child(ren) reside with Parent B the alternating week on the same schedule.

Exchanges occur: ☐ At school (school-day transitions) ☐ At [________________________________]

☐ Option B: Approximately Equal Parenting Time (2-2-3 Rotation)

• Monday and Tuesday overnights: Parent [____]
• Wednesday and Thursday overnights: Parent [____]
• Friday, Saturday, and Sunday overnights: Alternating (Parent A in Week 1; Parent B in Week 2)

☐ Option C: Primary Residential Parent with Parenting Time to Other Parent

Primary Residential Parent: [________________________________]

Other Parent's Parenting Time:

• Alternating weekends: Friday at [____] to Sunday at [____] (or Monday morning school drop-off)
• Midweek: [________________________________] from [____] to [____]
• Other: [________________________________]

☐ Option D: Custom Schedule

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

3.2 Summer Schedule

☐ The regular school-year schedule continues through summer.

☐ The summer schedule differs as follows (from the last day of school through the day before school resumes):

[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Each parent shall have [____] weeks of uninterrupted vacation time with the child(ren) during summer. Written notice of vacation dates shall be provided to the other parent by May 1 of each year. If both parents request the same dates, Parent [____] shall have first choice in even-numbered years and Parent [____] in odd-numbered years.

3.3 Holiday Schedule

Holidays supersede the regular parenting time schedule. Specific times begin and end at the times noted below unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

Additional Holidays/Observances: [________________________________]

3.4 School Breaks and Teacher In-Service Days

☐ School breaks and teacher in-service days follow the regular parenting time schedule.

☐ School breaks and teacher in-service days are allocated as follows: [________________________________]

3.5 Child(ren)'s Preference

Colorado law does not set a specific age at which a child's preference controls the parenting time schedule. However, the Court shall consider the wishes of a child who is "sufficiently mature to express reasoned and independent preferences as to the parenting time schedule" (C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5)(a)(II)). The parties agree to give appropriate weight to the child(ren)'s developing maturity and expressed wishes as they grow.

PART 4. EXCHANGES AND TRANSPORTATION

4.1 Exchange Location

☐ School — On school days, the receiving parent picks up from school; the delivering parent drops off at school.

☐ Neutral public location: [________________________________]

☐ Receiving parent's residence.

☐ Other: [________________________________]

4.2 Transportation

☐ The receiving parent is responsible for pick-up.

☐ The delivering parent is responsible for drop-off.

☐ Parents share transportation equally.

☐ Other: [________________________________]

4.3 Exchange Conduct

• Parents shall be punctual and courteous during exchanges.
• If a parent will be more than 15 minutes late, that parent shall immediately notify the other parent.
• If a parent fails to appear within 30 minutes of the scheduled exchange time without communication, the waiting parent may consider the parenting time forfeited for that occasion.
• Parents shall not engage in conflict or substantive discussions during exchanges.
• The child(ren) shall have appropriate clothing, medications, school materials, and comfort items for the duration of the parenting time period.

4.4 Long-Distance Transportation (If Applicable)

If the parents reside in different communities, transportation costs and responsibilities shall be allocated as follows: [________________________________]

PART 5. RELOCATION (C.R.S. § 14-10-129(2)(c))

5.1 Notice Requirement

A parent who intends to relocate with the child(ren) to a location that substantially changes the geographic ties between the child(ren) and the other parent must:

(a) Provide written notice to the other parent at least [____] days before the proposed relocation date (Colorado law does not set a specific notice period but the Court requires reasonable advance notice);

(b) File a notice of relocation with the Court;

(c) Include in the notice: the proposed new address, reason for the relocation, proposed revised parenting time schedule, and proposed revised transportation arrangements.

5.2 Court Hearing and Priority Scheduling

Pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-129(2)(c), a hearing on modification of parenting time due to relocation shall be given priority on the court's docket. The current parenting time schedule remains in effect until the Court enters modified orders.

5.3 Factors the Court Will Consider

In evaluating a relocation request, the Court considers all factors under C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5)(a), including but not limited to:

• The reasons for and against the relocation
• The quality of the child(ren)'s relationships with each parent
• The educational and developmental opportunities in the new location
• The feasibility of preserving the non-relocating parent's parenting time
• The child(ren)'s preference (if sufficiently mature)

PART 6. COMMUNICATION

6.1 Parent-to-Parent Communication

Method: Parents shall communicate regarding the child(ren) through:
☐ Email
☐ Co-parenting application (e.g., OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, AppClose)
☐ Text message
☐ Other: [________________________________]

All communications shall be respectful, business-like, and child-focused. Each parent shall respond within [____] hours to non-emergency communications regarding the child(ren).

6.2 Parent-Child Communication During Other Parent's Parenting Time

The parent not exercising parenting time may have telephone or video contact with the child(ren):

☐ Daily at approximately [____] for up to [____] minutes
☐ Every other day at approximately [____]
☐ At reasonable times as mutually agreed
☐ Other: [________________________________]

The parent exercising parenting time shall ensure the child(ren) are available, provide a device with adequate connectivity, allow privacy, and not monitor or interfere with the conversation.

6.3 Access to Records

Both parents shall have independent, direct access to:

• School records, online portals, report cards, and teacher communications
• Medical, dental, and mental health records
• Extracurricular activity schedules and communications

Each parent shall ensure the other parent is listed as an authorized contact with schools, healthcare providers, and activity coordinators.

6.4 Notification of Significant Events

Each parent shall promptly notify the other (within 24 hours or sooner if urgent) of:

• Serious illness, injury, or hospitalization
• Emergency room visits or emergency medical treatment
• School disciplinary actions or behavioral concerns
• Any incident involving law enforcement, child protective services, or the Department of Human Services
• Changes in address, phone number, or employment
• Introduction of a significant new partner to the child(ren)

PART 7. CHILD-REARING PROVISIONS

7.1 Cooperation and Facilitation of Relationship

Each parent shall actively support the child(ren)'s relationship with the other parent. Neither parent shall engage in conduct designed to alienate the child(ren) from the other parent, including but not limited to making negative remarks about the other parent in the child(ren)'s presence, interrogating the child(ren) about the other parent's household, or sharing age-inappropriate information about court proceedings.

7.2 Consistency

While each parent may establish household routines, both parents shall make reasonable efforts to maintain consistency regarding bedtimes, homework expectations, discipline approaches, and screen time limits.

7.3 Substance Use

Neither parent shall consume alcohol to impairment or use controlled substances (other than as lawfully prescribed) during parenting time or within [____] hours before parenting time begins. Neither parent shall expose the child(ren) to illegal drug use or allow others to do so.

7.4 Firearms Safety

All firearms in either parent's home shall be stored unloaded in a locked container with ammunition stored separately, inaccessible to the child(ren). Each parent shall comply with all applicable Colorado firearms laws.

7.5 New Partners

☐ Neither parent shall introduce a romantic partner to the child(ren) until the relationship has been exclusive for at least [____] months and the parent reasonably believes it will be long-term.

☐ A parent may introduce a new partner at his or her discretion but shall provide [____] days' advance notice to the other parent, including the partner's full name.

☐ No restrictions, but both parents shall be sensitive to the child(ren)'s adjustment.

Overnight guests: ☐ A romantic partner shall not stay overnight during parenting time until [________________________________]. ☐ No restriction.

7.6 Right of First Refusal

☐ If either parent requires childcare for more than [____] consecutive hours during his or her parenting time, that parent shall first offer the time to the other parent before arranging third-party childcare. The other parent shall respond within [____] hours or the offer is deemed declined.

☐ No right of first refusal.

7.7 Travel

Domestic travel (within U.S.): Either parent may travel with the child(ren) during that parent's parenting time with [____] hours' advance written notice to the other parent, including itinerary and contact information.

International travel: Requires [____] days' advance written notice and the other parent's written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld). Each parent shall cooperate in obtaining passports and providing necessary travel authorization letters.

PART 8. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

8.1 Child Support

☐ Child support is addressed in a separate Child Support Order pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-115.

☐ Child support is set forth in this proceeding as follows: [________________________________]

8.2 Health Insurance

[________________________________] (Parent A / Parent B) shall maintain health insurance for the child(ren) through: [________________________________]

Insurance cards and policy information shall be provided to the other parent.

8.3 Unreimbursed Medical, Dental, and Mental Health Expenses

Expenses not covered by insurance shall be allocated:

• Parent A: [____]%
• Parent B: [____]%

The parent incurring the expense shall provide documentation to the other parent within 30 days. The other parent shall reimburse his or her share within 30 days of receiving documentation.

8.4 Extracurricular Activity Costs

☐ Shared equally
☐ Shared proportionally: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%
☐ The enrolling parent bears the cost unless the other parent agrees in advance to share
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Mutual agreement is required before enrolling the child(ren) in any activity with annual costs exceeding $[________________________________].

8.5 Educational Expenses

School supplies, fees, and required materials: [________________________________]

Private school tuition (if applicable): [________________________________]

8.6 Tax Exemptions / Credits

☐ Parent [____] shall claim [________________________________] as dependent(s) each year.
☐ Parents shall alternate claiming: Parent [____] in even years; Parent [____] in odd years.
☐ If multiple children: [________________________________]
☐ Tax treatment is addressed separately.

PART 9. CFI / PRE AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

9.1 Mediation

Before filing any motion regarding this Parenting Plan (other than emergency motions), the parents shall participate in mediation with a qualified mediator. Mediation costs shall be shared: [________________________________].

9.2 Parenting Coordinator

☐ The parties agree to retain a Parenting Coordinator to assist in resolving implementation disputes.

Name: [________________________________]
Fee allocation: [________________________________]
Authority: ☐ Recommendations only ☐ Binding decisions on implementation disputes

☐ No Parenting Coordinator at this time.

9.3 Family Court Facilitator

The parties acknowledge that Colorado's Family Court Facilitator program is available in most judicial districts to assist self-represented parties with procedural guidance. The Family Court Facilitator does not provide legal advice or representation.

9.4 CFI / PRE (C.R.S. § 14-10-116.5 / C.R.S. § 14-10-127)

☐ The parties may request appointment of a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) to investigate specific parenting issues. CFI fees are capped at $2,750 per party pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-116.5.

☐ The parties may request appointment of a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) — a licensed mental health professional — for a comprehensive evaluation pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-127. PRE fees have no statutory cap.

9.5 Court Jurisdiction

The District Court of [________________________________] County, Colorado, retains continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over this Parenting Plan pursuant to the UCCJEA (C.R.S. § 14-13-101 et seq.).

PART 10. MODIFICATION AND REVIEW

10.1 Periodic Review

The parents agree to review this Parenting Plan: ☐ Annually ☐ Every two years ☐ As needed when significant changes occur.

10.2 Modification Standard (C.R.S. § 14-10-129)

Parenting time may be modified upon a showing that modification is in the child(ren)'s best interests based on changed circumstances. A motion to change the party with whom the child(ren) reside a majority of the time may not be filed within two years of a prior disposition on the same issue, absent a showing that the child(ren)'s present environment endangers their physical health or significantly impairs their emotional development (C.R.S. § 14-10-129(1.5)).

10.3 Modification by Agreement

This Parenting Plan may be modified at any time by written agreement of both parents. Significant modifications should be filed with the Court.

PART 11. GENERAL PROVISIONS

11.1 Governing Law

This Parenting Plan is governed by the Colorado Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act (C.R.S. § 14-10-101 et seq.) and all applicable Colorado statutes and rules.

11.2 Severability

If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

11.3 Entire Agreement

This Parenting Plan, together with any Court orders entered in this case, constitutes the entire agreement regarding allocation of parental responsibilities.

11.4 Best Interests Paramount

In all matters not specifically addressed by this Parenting Plan, the parents shall act in the child(ren)'s best interests as determined by the factors in C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5).

EXECUTION

We, the undersigned parents, have read this Parenting Plan, understand its terms, and agree to be bound by its provisions. We acknowledge that this Parenting Plan will be submitted to the District Court for approval and incorporation into the Court's orders.

Parent A:

Signature: _________________________________

Printed Name: [________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]

Parent B:

Signature: _________________________________

Printed Name: [________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]

Attorney for Parent A (if applicable):

Signature: _________________________________

Name / Colorado Atty. Reg. No.: [________________________________]

Attorney for Parent B (if applicable):

Signature: _________________________________

Name / Colorado Atty. Reg. No.: [________________________________]

ORDER

THE COURT, having reviewed the foregoing Parenting Plan and having considered the best interest factors set forth in C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5), finds that this Parenting Plan is in the best interests of the child(ren) and hereby APPROVES and INCORPORATES this Parenting Plan into the Court's orders.

☐ The allocation of decision-making responsibility complies with C.R.S. § 14-10-124(4) (domestic violence provisions).
☐ Both parties have completed a court-approved parenting education class.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Date: [__/__/____]

_________________________________
District Court Judge
[________________________________] County District Court
State of Colorado

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• C.R.S. § 14-10-123 — Commencement of proceedings concerning allocation of parental responsibilities
• C.R.S. § 14-10-124 — Best interests of the child
• C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5)(a) — Parenting time best interest factors
• C.R.S. § 14-10-124(1.5)(b) — Decision-making responsibility factors
• C.R.S. § 14-10-124(4) — Domestic violence, child abuse, child neglect presumptions
• C.R.S. § 14-10-115 — Child support guidelines
• C.R.S. § 14-10-116.5 — Child and Family Investigator (CFI)
• C.R.S. § 14-10-127 — Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE)
• C.R.S. § 14-10-129 — Modification of parenting time
• C.R.S. § 14-10-129(2)(c) — Relocation and priority scheduling
• C.R.S. § 14-10-131 — Modification of decision-making responsibility
• C.R.S. § 14-13-101 et seq. — Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
• C.R.C.P. 16.2 — Case management in domestic relations cases
• JDF 1413 — Petition for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
• Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-forms
• Colorado Judicial Branch — Parenting Classes: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts
• Family Court Facilitator Program: Available in most Colorado judicial districts