1.  What Happens

The case is reopened to change the Parenting Plan

Parts of the Parenting Plan

• The parenting time schedule
• How life decisions for the kids should be made
• Where the kids reside
• Insurance coverage for the kids

These changes may result in the child support payment changing too.

2.  Can you File?

When Can You File?

 

• You have a parenting plan issued by a Colorado court.
• It's been over 2 years since the last change.

 

These are the qualifications to give the Court jurisdiction.

 

Who Can File?

 

1. Either parent.
2. Both parents may start the case together.

 

These are the qualifications to give someone standing.

 

3.  Terms

Motion to Modify

 

The formal legal name for this type of request.

 

Jurisdiction

 

The legal qualifications needed for a Court to be able to help your family.

 

Standing

 

The legal qualifications needed for a person to start or participate in a Custody case.

 

4.  Be Kind

Do No Harm

 

Avoid Emotional Harm

• Don't talk badly about the other parent in front of the kids.
• Don't harm the children's relationship with the other parent.

 

Decision Making

• Intense emotions can cloud your thought process.
• When emotions take over, it takes 20 to 30 minutes to calm down.
  • Take that time before making choices.  Or,
  • Wait until the next day to make a legal decision.
• With a calm mind, you can make decisions that are right for your family.

 

A Time of Stress

 

Find productive ways to manage your:

 

Stress

• Ge organized
• Eat well
• Get rest, and
• Exercise.

 

Emotions

• Develop a support system of adults.
• Find positive ways to deal with tough emotions.

 

Disappointment

• You won't get everything you want.
• Get legal help, if possible, to make realistic requests.
• See that the Court has to make difficult decisions.
• Find ways to express your emotions that do not harm your family.