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Child Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Lawyer
When it comes to child custody matters, there’s nothing more important than protecting your relationship with your child. Whether you’re facing a divorce, separation, or a dispute over custody arrangements, having an experienced child custody lawyer on your side is essential to navigate these complex, emotionally charged situations. At The Moloney Law Firm, we understand the significance of a child custody case, and we are here to offer the compassionate, dedicated representation you need to secure the best possible outcome for you and your child.
Why You Need an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody cases can be among the most challenging and emotionally draining legal matters you’ll face. The decisions made during these proceedings will have a lasting impact on both your future and your child’s future. Having an experienced child custody lawyer ensures that your rights and your child’s best interests are protected throughout the process. At The Moloney Law Firm, Bradley Moloney has years of experience handling cases in Denver. With his comprehensive knowledge of family law, he works tirelessly to create tailored strategies that prioritize your child’s well-being while safeguarding your relationship with them.

Courts use a “best interests of the child” standard in Colorado when making custody determinations. These determinations are referred to as allocation of parental responsibilities (APR).

Types of Custody Arrangements

In Colorado, there are two primary types of custody: legal custody and physical custody.

  1. Legal Custody refers to the right to make major decisions about your child’s upbringing, including decisions about education, healthcare, and religious practices.
  2. Physical Custody refers to where your child lives and how much time they spend with each parent.

In some cases, one parent may be granted sole custody, either legally or physically. In other cases, parents may share joint custody, which means that both parents have equal rights to make decisions about their child’s life and that the child spends significant time with both parents.

At The Moloney Law Firm, we work with you to identify the best possible custody arrangement that supports your child’s development and allows for a meaningful relationship with both parents.

Our Approach to Child Custody Cases

At The Moloney Law Firm, we understand that every family’s situation is unique. We take a personalized approach to each case, carefully analyzing the circumstances and working to find solutions that align with your goals. Whether you are seeking primary custody, joint custody, or modifications to an existing arrangement, Bradley Moloney brings the expertise needed to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our strategy begins with a thorough review of the case and a deep understanding of the family dynamics at play. We listen to your concerns, gather necessary evidence, and work with expert witnesses when needed to help advocate for your parental rights. Bradley Moloney’s experience in both negotiation and litigation ensures that your case is handled with the utmost care and skill, both outside of court and in front of a judge.

Key Steps in Our Approach to Child Custody Cases:
  • Consultation and Evaluation: We start by listening to your concerns and evaluating your case to understand your objectives and the circumstances at play.
  • Evidence Collection: We gather important documentation and evidence related to parenting, living arrangements, and more to support your case.
  • Expert Collaboration: When necessary, we consult with child psychologists and other experts to ensure the best interests of your child are considered.
  • Negotiation and Mediation: We work toward reaching a settlement through mediation, aiming to avoid the stress and cost of litigation.
  • Court Representation: If settlement isn’t possible, we are prepared to take your case to court, advocating aggressively for your rights.
  • Post-Judgment Modifications: If circumstances change, we assist with modifying custody arrangements to ensure they continue to serve the child’s best interests.
  • Ongoing Communication: We keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring you’re aware of every development in your case.
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:

  • The child’s age and health
  • The emotional bond between the child and each parent
  • The child’s relationship with siblings
  • The parents’ ability to provide for the child’s physical and emotional needs
  • Any history of domestic violence or abuse
  • The child’s preference (if they are old enough to express it)
  • The parents’ work schedules and ability to co-parent effectively

Your child custody lawyer will help you present evidence supporting your ability to meet these factors and advocate for your child’s best interests.

Legal custody gives a parent the authority to make important decisions about the child’s life, such as decisions about schooling, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody determines where the child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent. A parent with sole legal custody has the exclusive right to make decisions for the child, while joint legal custody allows both parents to share decision-making responsibilities. Physical custody can also be sole or joint, with joint physical custody meaning the child spends significant time with both parents.

Courts in Denver will assess several factors to determine what is in the best interest of the child. These factors include:

  • The parents’ ability to cooperate and communicate regarding decisions
  • The child’s relationship with each parent
    The child’s emotional and physical needs
  • The stability of each parent’s home environment
  • The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community
  • The parents’ ability to provide for the child’s education, health, and well-being

Your child custody lawyer will work to ensure that these factors are presented in the most favorable light, demonstrating that your proposed custody arrangement is in the child’s best interest.

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 720.307.7267 or reach out through our website to schedule a free consultation.