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Child Custody Lawyer

Denver Child Custody Lawyer

When you’re facing a child custody battle, nothing matters more than protecting your bond with your child. Whether you’re going through a divorce, separation, or custody dispute, having a skilled Denver child custody lawyer on your side is crucial. These situations are often emotional and complex—but with the right legal guidance, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

At The Moloney Law Firm, we understand how much is at stake. That’s why we provide compassionate, strategic representation designed to secure the best possible outcome for both you and your child.

Why You Need an Experienced Denver Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody cases are among the most challenging and emotionally taxing legal battles you’ll ever face. The decisions made during these proceedings don’t just affect your life—they have lasting consequences for your child’s future as well. Working with an experienced child custody lawyer ensures that your rights and your child’s best interests are fully protected throughout the entire process.

At The Moloney Law Firm, Bradley Moloney brings years of Denver family law experience to every case. He works tirelessly to develop tailored strategies that prioritize your child’s well-being while safeguarding your continued relationship with them. In Colorado, courts determine custody based on the “best interests of the child” standard—a process known as the allocation of parental responsibilities (APR). With our expertise, we navigate these complex standards to achieve outcomes that foster a stable and nurturing environment for your family.

Types of Custody Arrangements
In Colorado, the legal term for child custody is “parental responsibilities.”
 
This includes two main components: decision-making responsibility and parenting time.
 
Decision-making responsibility refers to the authority to make major decisions about your child’s life—such as education and medical care, for example.
 
Parenting time, or what is often referred to as custody or physical custody, determines where the child lives and how time is shared between the parents.
 
Depending on the circumstances, the court may allocate these responsibilities solely to one parent or jointly to both, always based on the child’s best interests. In joint arrangements, the goal is often to ensure the child maintains strong, consistent relationships with both parents.
a man holding a child's hand
Our Approach to Denver Child Custody Cases

Custody Representation That Puts Your Family First

At The Moloney Law Firm, we know that no two families are the same—and neither are their custody challenges. That’s why we take a customized, hands-on approach to every child custody case we handle. Whether you’re seeking primary custody, joint custody, or a modification to an existing arrangement, attorney Bradley Moloney will work to develop a legal strategy that reflects your goals and prioritizes your child’s well-being.

Our process starts with a deep dive into your unique situation. We take the time to understand your family dynamics, concerns, and long-term goals. From there, we:

  • Conduct a thorough case review

  • Collect and organize the right evidence

  • Collaborate with expert witnesses when appropriate

  • Build a strategy to strengthen your parental position

Bradley Moloney’s experience in both negotiated settlements and family law litigation means you’re covered—whether your case is resolved at the table or requires courtroom advocacy.

Key Steps in Our Approach to Child Custody Cases:

At The Moloney Law Firm, we guide you through every stage of your child custody case with a thoughtful, strategic plan tailored to your unique needs. From the first conversation to the final ruling—or post-judgment changes—we’re with you every step of the way.

Here’s what you can expect:

    • Initial Consultation & Case Evaluation
      We begin by listening—understanding your concerns, objectives, and the family dynamics that matter most.

    • Evidence Gathering & Documentation
      We collect essential documents related to parenting history, living arrangements, schooling, health, and more—ensuring your case is supported by solid facts.

    • Expert Collaboration When Needed
      When appropriate, we work with trusted professionals such as child psychologists or evaluators to ensure the court has a full picture of what’s in your child’s best interest.

    • Negotiation & Mediation
      Our goal is always to reach a fair, stress-reducing agreement through negotiation or mediation whenever possible—keeping you out of court and in control.

    • Strong Courtroom Representation
      If an agreement can’t be reached, Bradley Moloney is ready to fight for your parental rights in court, using compelling arguments backed by evidence and experience.

    • Post-Judgment Modifications
      Life changes. If your custody arrangement no longer fits your family’s needs, we help you seek modifications that better serve your child’s current best interests.

    • Consistent Communication & Guidance
      We keep you informed throughout the entire process, providing updates, legal insight, and peace of mind as your case progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions
Courts in Denver consider several factors when making custody decisions – or allocations of parental responsibility, all with the goal of ensuring the child’s well-being. These factors include, but are not limited to:
  1. The wishes of the child’s parents
  2. The wishes of the child
  3. The child’s relationship with parents, siblings, and other significant individuals
  4. The child’s adjustment to home and stability in the home, school success, and integration in the community
  5. The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
  6. The ability of each parent to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact with the other parent
  7. Whether past involvement of the parties reflects a system of values, time commitment, and mutual support
  8. The physical proximity of the parties
  9. The ability of each parent to place the child’s needs ahead of their own
In Colorado, legal custody refers to a parent’s authority to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including matters related to education, medical care, and religious practices. When parents share joint legal custody, they must work together to make these major decisions. In contrast, sole legal custody gives one parent the exclusive right to make these decisions without input from the other parent.
 
Physical custody, on the other hand, determines where the child lives and how parenting time is divided. Joint physical custody means the child spends substantial time with both parents, while sole physical custody means the child primarily resides with one parent, though the other parent may still have scheduled parenting time.
 
Courts in Colorado base custody decisions—both legal and physical—on the best interests of the child, taking into account factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment, and the willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other.
When deciding parenting time and decision-making responsibilities, Denver courts focus on what arrangement best serves the child’s overall well-being. This includes a thorough evaluation of several key factors:
 
• The child’s relationship with each parent, including the ability to maintain strong, meaningful bonds.
• Each parent’s capacity to meet the child’s emotional, physical, and educational needs consistently and reliably.
• The ability of the parents to cooperate and make joint decisions, particularly concerning the child’s health, schooling, and general welfare.
• The stability of each parent’s home environment, including whether it fosters a safe, nurturing, and consistent routine.
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, and whether a proposed change might be disruptive or beneficial.
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and whether those concerns impact the child’s safety or development.
 
Colorado law directs the court to consider the totality of circumstances, always placing the child’s best interests above all else. At The Moloney Law Firm, we focus on presenting a clear, well-supported narrative that aligns with these legal standards—backed by evidence, expert insight if needed, and a strategic approach tailored to your family’s needs.

Yes, you can modify your child custody arrangement, but the court must approve the modification. You’ll need to demonstrate that there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original custody order was made. Common reasons for modification include a change in one parent’s work schedule, relocation, or changes in the child’s needs. Your child custody lawyer can help you petition for modification and ensure that your case is presented clearly to the court.

If your ex is not adhering to the child custody agreement, you should contact your lawyer immediately. Depending on the situation, your lawyer may suggest attempting mediation, filing a motion for contempt, or seeking a modification of the custody agreement. Enforcement of custody agreements is crucial to ensure the child’s stability, and your child custody lawyer will work to protect your parental rights and ensure compliance with the court order.

Yes, child custody arrangements can be modified after a divorce if there is a significant change in circumstances. This could include a change in a parent’s job, a move to a new location, or a change in the child’s needs or preferences. Your child custody lawyer can guide you through the process of petitioning the court for a modification and help ensure that the new arrangement is in the best interest of your child. Contact The Moloney Law Firm to learn more about how we can help you navigate this process and secure a solution that works for your family.

Joint custody in Denver means that both parents share responsibility for making decisions regarding the child’s life and well-being. Joint physical custody typically means the child spends significant time with both parents. Courts favor joint custody when both parents are able to work together cooperatively. However, if there are concerns about one parent’s ability to care for the child or a history of abuse, joint custody may not be awarded. Your child custody lawyer will help you assess whether joint custody is feasible in your case and advocate for the best possible arrangement.

Parental alienation occurs when one parent tries to turn the child against the other parent. This can involve making false accusations, speaking negatively about the other parent, or interfering with the child’s relationship with the other parent. Courts take parental alienation seriously, as it can have a negative impact on the child’s emotional well-being. If you believe that parental alienation is occurring, it’s important to document the behavior and consult your child custody lawyer about how to address it in your case.

In Denver, children typically do not get to choose which parent they want to live with until they are old enough to express a mature preference. The court may consider the child’s wishes, but it is only one factor among many. If the child is old enough, the court will weigh their preference with the other relevant factors to determine what is in their best interest. Your child custody lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure that your child’s preferences are taken into account appropriately.

The length of the child custody process can vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether the parents can come to an agreement, and the court’s schedule. In general, child custody cases can take several months to a year to finalize. If there are significant disagreements or complex issues, the case may take longer. Your child custody lawyer will work to streamline the process and keep you informed of every step along the way.

Take Control of Your Family’s Future Today

Facing a child custody dispute is an emotional and challenging experience, but it doesn’t have to define your family’s future. The earlier you enlist the help of an experienced child custody lawyer, the better your chances of securing an arrangement that prioritizes your child’s best interests and your parental rights. Bradley Moloney will guide you through each step of the process, from negotiation to courtroom representation, ensuring that you have a strong advocate on your side.

Contact The Moloney Law Firm today at 720.719.0850 or reach out through our website to schedule a free consultation.