Understanding Parenting Time in Colorado: A Complete Guide

Parenting time—the schedule of when children spend time with each parent—is often the most emotionally significant issue in a Colorado divorce. Understanding how parenting time works can help you advocate for arrangements that serve your children's best interests while protecting your relationship with them.

What Is Parenting Time?

In Colorado, "parenting time" replaces the older term "visitation." This language change reflects an important principle: both parents are raising the children, not just "visiting" them.

Parenting time is part of the broader "Allocation of Parental Responsibilities" (APR), which also includes decision-making responsibility. While decision-making determines who makes major choices about the children, parenting time determines the actual schedule of when children are with each parent.

How Parenting Time Is Determined

By Agreement

The best outcomes usually occur when parents can agree on parenting time. You know your children better than any judge, and agreed-upon schedules are more likely to work for your family.

If you can agree, you'll submit a parenting plan to the court that outlines:

• Regular weekly schedule
• Holiday schedule
• Summer schedule
• Vacation time
• Transportation arrangements
• Communication provisions

By Court Order

When parents can't agree, the court decides based on "the best interests of the child." Courts consider:

• Each parent's wishes
• The child's wishes (if mature enough)
• The child's relationship with each parent
• The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
• Physical and mental health of all individuals
• Each parent's ability to encourage the child's relationship with the other parent
• Historical caregiving patterns
• Geographic proximity of parental homes

Common Parenting Time Schedules

50/50 Schedules

Equal time arrangements have become increasingly common. Popular options include:

Week On/Week Off Children spend alternating weeks with each parent. This works well for older children and parents who live relatively close.

Pros: Simplicity, extended time with each parent, fewer transitions Cons: Long stretches away from each parent, harder for young children

2-2-3 Schedule Children spend 2 days with one parent, 2 with the other, then 3 with the first. The pattern alternates weekly.

Pros: Neither parent goes more than 3 days without seeing children Cons: More frequent transitions, can be confusing

3-4-4-3 Schedule Three days with one parent, four with the other, then switches the next week.

Pros: Good balance, manageable transitions Cons: Requires coordination

Primary Custody Arrangements

When equal time isn't practical or appropriate:

Every Other Weekend Plus One Weeknight Children primarily live with one parent but spend alternating weekends and one weeknight (often for dinner) with the other.

Approximately: 70/30 or 80/20 split

Extended Every Other Weekend Similar to above but with longer weekend time (Thursday evening through Monday morning, for example).

Approximately: 60/40 split

What Schedule Is Right for Your Family?

Consider these factors:

Children's ages: Younger children often do better with more frequent contact (shorter separations), while older children can handle longer stretches.

Work schedules: The schedule needs to be practical given both parents' work commitments.

Geographic distance: Parents who live far apart may need different arrangements than those who live close.

Children's activities: School, sports, and other activities affect what's practical.

Historical caregiving: Courts often look at who has been the primary caregiver.

Children's temperaments: Some children adjust to transitions easily; others need more consistency.

Holiday and Vacation Schedules

Your parenting plan should specifically address:

Major Holidays

Common approaches include:

Alternating years: One parent has Thanksgiving in even years, the other in odd years

Splitting the holiday: Morning with one parent, afternoon/evening with the other

Fixed assignment: Mother always has Mother's Day, Father always has Father's Day

School Breaks

• Winter break (often split in half)
• Spring break (alternating years is common)
• Summer vacation (each parent typically gets extended time)

Birthdays and Special Days

• Address:
• Children's birthdays
• Parents' birthdays
• Religious holidays
• Family events

Vacation Time

• Typical provisions include:
• Each parent gets 2 weeks of uninterrupted vacation time
• Advance notice requirements (30-60 days is common)
• Restrictions on travel destinations
• First right of refusal for extended care

The Parenting Plan

Every custody case requires a detailed parenting plan. A good plan addresses:

Basic Schedule - Weekday arrangements - Weekend arrangements - When transitions occur - Where transitions happen

Holiday Schedule - Which holidays each parent has - Alternating schedule - Specific times

Transportation - Who provides transportation - Where exchanges occur - What happens if someone is late

Communication - How the non-residential parent can contact children - Reasonable times for calls/video chats - Access to school and medical information

Future Disputes - How to handle disagreements - Mediation requirements - Process for modifications

Modifying Parenting Time

Life changes, and parenting plans may need to change too. Modifications require either:

1. Agreement of both parents, or
2. Court order based on "substantial change in circumstances"

When Modification May Be Appropriate

• Children are older and have different needs
• Parent's work schedule changed significantly
• One parent relocated
• Children's activities or school changed
• Safety concerns developed
• The current plan isn't working

The Modification Process

1. Attempt to agree with the other parent
2. If agreement isn't possible, file a motion with the court
3. Attend mediation (usually required)
4. Have a hearing if mediation doesn't resolve the issue

Protecting Your Parenting Time

Document Everything

• Keep records of:
• Schedule adherence (when you have children and when you don't)
• Communications about the children
• Concerns that arise
• Your involvement in the children's lives

Follow the Order

• Even if the order seems unfair:
• Follow it exactly
• Don't withhold children
• Don't keep children longer than ordered
• Don't deny phone contact

Violations can seriously damage your case.

Stay Involved

• Demonstrate your commitment to your children:
• Attend school events
• Know their teachers and friends
• Be involved in their activities
• Handle medical appointments
• Help with homework

Communicate Appropriately

• Keep communications child-focused
• Use email or text for records
• Stay calm and factual
• Respond in reasonable time

When Parenting Time Is Denied

If the other parent is denying your parenting time:

1. Document every instance
2. Communicate in writing about the denial
3. Contact your attorney
4. File a motion for contempt if necessary
5. Do NOT withhold support as retaliation

Courts take parenting time interference seriously, and consistent denial can affect custody arrangements.

Making Parenting Time Work

Regardless of the schedule, children thrive when parents:

• Minimize conflict during transitions
• Speak respectfully about each other
• Maintain consistent rules across homes (when possible)
• Support the child's relationship with both parents
• Stay child-focused in all decisions

Your children need both parents. The best gift you can give them is permission to love both of you without feeling caught in the middle.

Getting Help

If you have questions about parenting time or need help developing or modifying a parenting plan, our attorneys can help you understand your options and advocate for arrangements that serve your children's best interests.

[Schedule a consultation](/schedule) to discuss your specific situation.