Colorado Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources: Walk In Prepared
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Custody in Colorado is decided in the District Court. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.
The wording differs from state to state, so read the official Colorado documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.
Official Colorado custody resources
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Colorado family law forms (official index) (Colorado judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Colorado family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/about-family-cases-forms?language=en
Colorado court self-help resources (Colorado courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Colorado family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.state.co.us/Self_Help
Colorado mediation and dispute resolution (Colorado judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Colorado family case without a trial. https://www.courts.state.co.us/Administration/Unit.cfm?Unit=odr
Colorado Courts E-Filing (Colorado Judicial Branch): People without lawyers can use Colorado Courts E-Filing statewide, but only in domestic relations and eviction cases. Registration is free and you can only file into your own case. https://www.jbits.courts.state.co.us/efiling/web/login.htm
Colorado rules of procedure (Colorado judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Colorado. https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/Supreme_Court/Rules.cfm
Verified official Colorado custody documents
These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.
Instructions to Register a Child-custody Determination (JDF1219), form JDF1219 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/JDF1219.pdf
JDF 1225 Order re Registration of Foreign Child Custody Determination, form JDF 1225 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/JDF%201225%20Order%20re%20Registration%20of%20Foreign%20Child%20Custody%20Determination.pdf
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN CHILD CUSTODY DETERMINATION PURSUANT TO Section 14-13-305, C.R.S. (JDF1226), form JDF1226 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/JDF1226.pdf
Parenting Plan (JDF 1113), form JDF 1113 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/JDF1113.pdf
Official link data for Colorado was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Which court hears family cases in Colorado?
Family cases in Colorado are heard in the District Court. Divorce and custody ('allocation of parental responsibilities') are heard in District Court. Colorado's 64 counties are grouped into 22 judicial districts; Denver has its own combined court.
Does Colorado favor one parent over the other?
Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official Colorado forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.
Do we have to go to mediation first?
Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official Colorado mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.
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