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Colorado Law and
Parental Decision-Making
Joint Parental Decision-Making
Although one of a child’s parents may be the primary custodial parent, Colorado family law generally states that both parents share in the decision-making responsibilities for the children. This means that the parent who the children are staying with at the time typically makes the day-to-day decisions such as homework, play dates, discipline, bedtimes, etc., but both parents must make major decisions for the children together. Child custody law in this state defines major decisions as those affecting health, general welfare, education, and spiritual upbringing. In an emergency situation however, the law states that either parent can consent to necessary medical treatment.
Readily Available Access to Children's Information
In order for both parents to share in major decision-making responsibilities, Colorado family law guarantees the rights of both parents to obtain medical, school, and other records that pertain to the child. To accomplish this, the written parenting plan should require the parents to provide each other with the necessary information to keep both parties well informed about the activities and whereabouts of the children.
Avoiding Disputes
Decision-making issues should be fully addressed during the divorce process, and a Colorado parenting plan should contain a dispute resolution plan to avoid having family law attorneys involved if and when a dispute arises.
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