Navigating Colorado’s rules of evidence in family court can be complex. Just as an editor at a major newspaper might strike through lines of a journalist’s work to ensure that only relevant, factual information ends up in the final copy, a court disallows evidence that isn’t relevant to the matter at hand or evidence that relies on hearsay. While some basic insights into what is and is not admissible in family court can be helpful, it’s always best to speak…

No one relishes the idea of estate planning, or planning what happens after their death, but it’s especially challenging to take on the most important part of estate planning for parents — the necessary steps toward appointing a guardianship for your children should you die while they are still dependent minors. If parents neglect this critical aspect of family estate planning, then a judge from the probate court will decide where to place children and who has legal guardianship of…

There are many reasons for requesting a Temporary Restraining Order in Colorado Family Court. Any person with fears for their safety can seek a restraining order against their alleged abuser. The main reason people seek a TRO in family court is for protection against domestic violence assaults or threats of domestic violence. In a family court setting, most temporary and permanent restraining orders are issued against an allegedly abusive spouse or domestic partner. The courts may also grant a TRO…

Parents understand that children and teenagers sometimes engage in impulsive behaviors and often act without thinking. Teenagers also tend to enjoy rebelling against authority and employing outrageous behaviors to impress their friends. Studies show that the human brain isn’t completely matured beyond childhood impulsive behaviors until at least the mid-20s, but how long are parents legally responsible for the actions of their offspring, and just what does this legal responsibility entail? Even when children aren’t held to account in criminal…

In today’s world of blended families, there are more and more step-parents who have developed strong bonds with the stepchildren they’ve helped to raise. But what happens when a blended family ends up in a divorce? What rights does a step-parent have when they wish to maintain a close, loving relationship with a stepchild? Sadly, Colorado family courts operate under the presumption that step-parents do not hold the same parental rights as biological parents. Instead, a stepparent seeking visitation rights…