In the context of child custody cases, focusing on “what’s in the children’s best interests” means that all custody and visitation discussions and decisions are made with the ultimate goal of fostering and encouraging the child’s happiness, security, mental health, and emotional development into young adulthood. It’s usually in the child’s best interests to maintain a close and loving relationship with both parents, but the practicalities of promoting and maintaining such relationships can be a challenge. Mediation is an excellent way to help resolve any issues around this.

Custody or parental responsibilities?

Parental Responsibilities is a term that includes both parenting time and decision-making responsibilities regarding the children. The term “Custody” is no longer used in Colorado. When you get divorced in Colorado, the Court will ask you to determine the ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES (Decision-Making and Parenting Time).