Divorce with kids is one of the hardest experiences a parent can go through: emotionally, financially, and legally.
Beyond dividing property and finances, you and your ex-spouse will need to reach agreements on parenting time, custody, child support, and major decisions about your child’s health, schooling, and routine. Each choice will shape your child’s sense of security and stability for years to come.
As a parent, your job now is to rebuild your family with care. For this, you’ll need clear direction, open communication, and a grounded understanding of your rights and responsibilities under Colorado divorce laws.
At Rocky Mountain Legal Group, we’ve supported families in Colorado Springs through these difficult transitions for decades. In this guide, we’ll provide practical advice, explain important legal considerations, and offer compassionate strategies to help protect your children—and your own peace of mind—as you move forward.
Understand the Colorado Divorce Process with Children
If you’re getting divorced with kids, it’s important to know how the legal process works from the beginning.
To file for divorce in Colorado, one or both parents must have lived in the state for 91 days. Furthermore, your children must have lived in Colorado for at least six months (182 days) before the court can make decisions about parenting.
Colorado uses a no-fault system. You don’t need to prove misconduct—only that the marriage is irretrievably broken. However, in a divorce with children, the court won’t finalize anything until all parenting matters are fully settled.
Once you file, the typical Colorado divorce process with a child includes:
- A mandatory 91-day waiting period
- Required parenting classes for both parents
- Submission of financial disclosures
- A proposed parenting plan
- Child support and decision-making arrangements
Even if the divorce is uncontested, the court must confirm that your agreements support the child’s best interests.
Build a Thoughtful Parenting Plan
A parenting plan is one of the most important documents in any divorce with kids. It outlines how parenting responsibilities will be shared and when each parent will spend time with the child.
A well-crafted parenting plan should include:
- A regular weekly schedule
- Alternating weekends and holiday arrangements
- Visitation plans during school breaks and summer
- Decision-making responsibilities
- Rules for communicating and exchanging with the child
- A method for resolving disputes if they arise
Since this parenting plan becomes a legally binding court order once approved, it’s important to approach it carefully. Our Colorado family law attorneys can help you create a plan that works for your family and meets the court’s requirements.
Prepare for Court-Ordered Parenting Classes
Colorado divorce law requires all divorcing couples with children to take a court-approved parenting class. This course covers how divorce impacts children, how to co-parent, and how to reduce stress during the transition.
The class is mandatory, even if you and your co-parent agree on everything. You must complete it and submit proof of completion to the court as part of your case.
Address Child Support Early
Child support exists to make sure both parents contribute to the cost of raising their children. It’s not optional, and it’s not something you can waive or negotiate away.
In Colorado, the court uses the “income shares” model to determine support. It adds both parents’ gross monthly income to estimate what the child would have received in a two-parent household. The amount is then split between the parents based on their earnings.
To calculate child support correctly, you must provide accurate financial documentation. Rocky Mountain’s divorce attorneys in Colorado Springs can make sure your records are complete and your child support obligations are fairly determined.
Factor in Parental Time and Decision-Making Authority
Colorado no longer uses terms like “legal custody” or “visitation.” Instead, courts assign parental responsibilities, which include:
- Parenting time (when the child is with each parent)
- Decision-making authority (who makes major choices about education, healthcare, and religion)
Family court judges review a range of factors to decide what best supports the child’s well-being:
- The wishes of each parent
- The wishes of the child, if they’re mature enough to express them
- The relationship between the child and each parent, sibling, or other key individuals
- Any history of domestic violence or abuse
- The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community
- The mental and physical health of everyone involved
- Each parent’s ability to encourage a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent—excluding cases involving abuse or safety concerns
- Whether each parent’s past involvement reflects commitment, consistency, and support
- The physical proximity of the parents’ homes
- Each parent’s ability to prioritize the child’s needs ahead of their own
Courts usually prefer shared decision-making unless there are safety concerns. Gender plays no role in the outcome.
To prepare for parenting decisions during divorce, focus on showing that you can meet your child’s needs. Stay involved in their daily routine and keep detailed records of parenting time, school reports, and medical visits.
Additionally, follow any court orders and complete the required parenting class on time.
These steps help show the court that you’re dependable and committed to your child’s welfare. Our Colorado family law attorneys will work with you to protect your parenting rights.
Consider Mediation to Ease the Process
Colorado courts require mediation in most divorce cases unless there’s a history of domestic violence or you’ve already reached a full agreement.
Mediation works especially well for settling parenting time and decision-making issues. With help from a neutral mediator, you and your ex can sort out every part of the divorce (child support, property division, and spousal support) without going to court.
Compared to traditional litigation, mediation moves faster, costs less, and keeps your case private. It also gives you more control over the outcome, which can lead to better long-term cooperation.
Support Your Child Through the Transition
Research shows that the divorce process affects children in multiple ways. Even if you do your best to shield them, this is a significant change for them, and they will pick up on your emotions.
Kids need structure, routine, and emotional safety to feel secure. The more consistency you provide, the easier the adjustment will be. Try to keep their school, daycare, and extracurricular schedules the same.
Use clear, age-appropriate language when talking to your child about the divorce. Avoid blame, and always remind them that it’s not their fault.
If your child seems overwhelmed or withdrawn, consider involving a mental health professional. A counselor or therapist can help them work through tough emotions in a healthy way.
Most of all, stay present. Your role as a parent continues, even as your marriage ends. When children see that you’re still there for them, they feel more supported through the change.
Avoid Speaking Negatively About the Other Parent
Children of divorce tend to struggle more when they hear one parent speak badly about the other. It may lead to stronger feelings of sadness, confusion, and rejection. That’s why many courts include non-disparagement clauses in custody orders.
Support your child’s relationship with both parents. Your child deserves to have a healthy connection with each parent. They haven’t divorced their mom or dad—and they shouldn’t feel like they have to choose sides.
You can’t be forced to cooperate with your ex, but making the effort to build a proper co-parenting relationship can help your child adjust and thrive.
Work with a Legal Team That Puts Your Family First
When getting divorced with kids, the stakes are high. Your parenting plan, support agreements, and legal decisions will shape your child’s future. That’s why it’s essential to work with a legal team that specializes in Colorado divorce laws and has tangible experience supporting families.
The Colorado Springs divorce attorneys at Rocky Mountain Legal Group have helped Colorado Springs families navigate divorce proceedings for decades. Our team knows how to manage legal complexity with compassion and clarity.
We can help you:
- Create detailed, court-ready parenting plans
- Make sure child support and parenting time follow Colorado guidelines
- Represent you in court, mediation, or negotiations
- Request modifications if your child’s needs or your situation change
- Protect your rights and your role as a parent
You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help you make the best decisions for you and your child’s future.
Talk to Rocky Mountain Legal Group About Navigating Divorce with Children
Although divorce can be the right choice for some families, young children may struggle to understand it. Without the perspective adults have, they experience feelings of grief, confusion, and loss.
That’s normal—and it’s something parents need to approach carefully.
Ideally, divorced parents will work together to make thoughtful decisions that support their child’s health and welfare. There’s no reason the end of your marriage should impact your kids any more than necessary.
Whether you’re early in your divorce case or need help revising an existing agreement, Rocky Mountain Legal Group’s divorce attorneys in Colorado Springs are here to help. We’ll guide you through the proceedings step by step, with your child’s best interests at the heart of every decision.
Contact Rocky Mountain Legal Group today to schedule a consultation.