Family Law Attorneys Serving Denver, Eagle County & Summit County
Lewis & Matthews, P.C. has handled Colorado family law matters for more than 30 years. Attorney Jennifer Lewis manages every case personally — from child custody disputes and parenting plan negotiations to child support modifications and protection orders. The firm serves clients in the Denver metro area, Eagle County (including Vail, Avon, and Edwards), and Summit County (including Breckenridge, Frisco, and Dillon).
Family law cases involve more than legal procedure. Decisions about who raises your children, how much support they receive, and how parenting time is structured carry consequences that last years — sometimes decades. Getting the right outcome requires an attorney who knows Colorado family law, understands the local courts, and handles your case directly.
Schedule a Consultation — (303) 329-3802
Colorado Family Law — What It Covers
Family law in Colorado governs legal matters involving family relationships — including divorce, child custody, child support, parenting time, paternity, protection orders, and modifications of prior court orders. These cases are heard in district court, and Colorado courts apply a consistent standard across all matters involving children: the best interests of the child.
Colorado uses specific statutory language that differs from other states. What many people call “custody” is referred to in Colorado law as the “allocation of parental responsibilities” (APR). What people call “legal custody” is called “decision-making responsibility.” What people call “physical custody” or “visitation” is called “parenting time.” These aren’t just terminology differences — they reflect a legal framework that treats parental rights as responsibilities, not entitlements.
Understanding Colorado’s framework before your case begins puts you in a better position. Understanding it with an experienced attorney puts you in the best position.
Family Law Cases We Handle
Lewis & Matthews handles the full range of Colorado family law matters, whether they arise as part of a divorce or as standalone proceedings.
Child Custody (Allocation of Parental Responsibilities) Colorado courts allocate parental responsibilities in two parts: decision-making (who makes major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and religion) and parenting time (how each parent’s time with the child is scheduled). These can be allocated jointly or primarily to one parent depending on the circumstances. Jennifer Lewis represents both mothers and fathers in APR proceedings — including highly contested cases, cases involving domestic violence allegations, and relocation disputes.
→ Learn more about child custody in Colorado
Child Support Colorado calculates child support using an income shares model — both parents’ gross incomes are combined, and each parent’s proportional share of the total support obligation is determined based on that combined income. The formula accounts for parenting time, health insurance costs, and work-related childcare expenses. Deviations from the guideline are possible but require court approval. Lewis & Matthews handles both initial child support determinations and modification petitions.
→ Learn more about child support in Colorado
Parenting Plans Every Colorado case involving minor children requires a parenting plan — a binding court document that governs parenting time schedules, holiday and vacation arrangements, decision-making authority, and dispute resolution procedures. A well-drafted parenting plan prevents future conflict. A vague or poorly structured one generates it. Jennifer Lewis drafts parenting plans with the specificity that courts require and co-parenting dynamics demand.
→ Learn more about parenting plans in Colorado
Paternity and Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (Unmarried Parents) When parents are not married, establishing legal parentage is a prerequisite to court-ordered parenting time and child support. In Colorado, paternity can be established voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or through a court action. Once parentage is established, the court can enter an APR order — covering decision-making, parenting time, and child support — under the same best interests standard that applies in divorce cases.
Protection Orders Colorado courts issue civil protection orders to protect individuals and children from harassment, stalking, or domestic violence. A civil protection order can restrict contact, prohibit the respondent from entering the family home, and — in cases involving minor children — include temporary provisions about parenting time. Lewis & Matthews represents both petitioners seeking protection and respondents contesting a protection order.
Post-Decree Modifications Family law orders are not permanent. Colorado courts can modify child support, parenting time, and decision-making responsibilities when there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Common triggers include a significant income change, a parent relocating, changes in the child’s needs or living situation, or a breakdown in the existing parenting arrangement. We handle modification petitions and contested modification hearings.
→ Learn more about post-decree modifications
Child Custody and Parental Responsibilities in Colorado
When the court allocates parental responsibilities in Colorado, it addresses two distinct questions: who makes decisions, and how is time divided.
Decision-Making Responsibility Decision-making responsibility covers major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. It can be allocated jointly (both parents must agree on major decisions) or solely to one parent (one parent has final authority). Colorado courts generally favor joint decision-making when parents can communicate and cooperate — but when conflict is high or communication has broken down, sole decision-making may be appropriate.
Parenting Time Parenting time governs the schedule by which each parent has the child in their care. Colorado has no default presumption for equal parenting time, but courts generally favor both parents having meaningful, ongoing contact with the child unless there are safety concerns. Parenting time schedules vary widely — from week-on/week-off arrangements to primary/secondary schedules with defined holiday and vacation provisions.
The Best Interests of the Child Standard All Colorado parental responsibility determinations are governed by the best interests of the child standard under C.R.S. § 14-10-124. The court considers factors including:
- Each parent’s ability to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent
- The child’s relationship with each parent, siblings, and other significant individuals
- The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
- Each parent’s physical and mental health
- The geographic proximity of the parents’ homes
- Each parent’s past involvement in the child’s care
- The child’s own preferences, when age and maturity warrant consideration
- Any history of domestic violence or child abuse
Relocation Cases When a parent with primary parenting time wants to relocate a significant distance from the other parent, Colorado law requires either agreement from the other parent or court approval. Relocation cases are among the most contested in family law — they require a full best interests analysis and consideration of the relocating parent’s reasons for moving, the impact on the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent, and whether a modified parenting plan can preserve meaningful contact. Jennifer Lewis has handled relocation cases in Denver, Summit County, and Eagle County.
→ Learn more about child custody and parental responsibilities
Child Support in Colorado
Colorado calculates child support under a statutory guideline formula based on the combined gross income of both parents. The formula is set out in C.R.S. § 14-10-115 and accounts for:
- Each parent’s gross monthly income (including wages, self-employment income, bonuses, rental income, and imputed income where applicable)
- The number of overnights each parent has with the child per year
- The cost of health insurance for the child
- Work-related childcare expenses
- Any prior child support or maintenance obligations
The guideline amount is presumed correct, but the court can deviate from it when the guideline amount would be inequitable or unjust given the particular circumstances of the case. Common reasons for deviation include extraordinary expenses, a child with special needs, or a parenting time arrangement that differs significantly from a standard schedule.
Child Support Modifications An existing child support order can be modified when there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Colorado courts may modify support when the recalculated guideline amount differs from the current order by 10% or more, or when three years have passed since the last order. Changes in either parent’s income, a significant change in parenting time, or changes in the child’s health insurance or childcare costs can all trigger a modification.
→ Learn more about child support in Colorado
The Family Law Process in Colorado
Understanding the process helps. Here is how a Colorado family law case typically moves from filing to final orders.
Filing a Petition
A family law case begins with the filing of a petition in district court. In a divorce, parental responsibilities issues are typically resolved within the dissolution proceeding. When parents are unmarried, a separate Petition for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities is filed. The petition establishes the court’s jurisdiction and initiates the case. The other party is served and has 21 days to respond (35 days if served out of state).
Temporary Orders
If the parties cannot reach an interim agreement on parenting time, child support, or other urgent matters during the case, either party can request a temporary orders hearing. The court can enter temporary orders covering parenting time schedules, child support, and — if relevant — use of the family home or payment of household expenses. Temporary orders remain in effect until the case is resolved or the court modifies them.
Financial Disclosure
Colorado requires mandatory financial disclosures from both parties in family law cases, including sworn statements of income, expenses, assets, and debts. These disclosures are the evidentiary foundation for child support calculations, maintenance determinations, and property division. Incomplete or inaccurate disclosure has serious legal consequences, including potential sanctions.
Parental Responsibilities Evaluation
In highly contested custody cases, the court may appoint a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) or a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) to investigate the circumstances of both parents and the child, and to make a recommendation to the court. A CFI is a less intensive, lower-cost option; a PRE is a full psychological and investigative evaluation. The evaluator’s recommendation carries significant weight with the court, though it is not binding. Jennifer Lewis advises clients throughout this process and prepares them for interactions with evaluators.
Mediation
Colorado requires parties to attempt mediation before scheduling a contested family law hearing in most cases. Mediation is a structured negotiation facilitated by a neutral third party. The mediator does not decide anything — the parties retain control. Most Colorado family law cases settle at or before mediation. Jennifer Lewis is a trained mediator and represents clients at mediation as their advocate.
→ Learn more about mediation services
Parenting Education Class
Colorado courts require both parents in APR and divorce cases involving minor children to complete a court-approved parenting education class. The class covers the impact of divorce and family transitions on children, communication strategies for co-parents, and the legal framework for parenting plans. This requirement must be satisfied before the court enters final orders.
Final Orders
If mediation does not produce a full agreement, the remaining issues go to a permanent orders hearing. A judge — not a jury — reviews evidence, hears testimony, and enters a final order covering all unresolved matters. Final orders are enforceable as court orders and can be modified only by returning to court and demonstrating a substantial and continuing change in circumstances.
Serving Denver, Eagle County & Summit County
Lewis & Matthews, P.C. operates offices in Denver and Summit County, with representation extending throughout Eagle County. The firm appears regularly in Denver County District Court, Summit County District Court, and Eagle County District Court.
DENVER METRO 1325 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 503, Denver, CO 80222 (303) 329-3802 Serving clients throughout Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas, and Adams counties.
SUMMIT COUNTY 114 Village Place, Suite 206, Dillon, CO 80435 (970) 468-0240 Serving Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Keystone, and surrounding communities.
EAGLE COUNTY (970) 468-0240 Serving Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle, and surrounding mountain communities.
Parents whose children, property, or parenting arrangements span multiple Colorado counties — a common situation for mountain-area residents who live or work across county lines — benefit from working with one legal team that practices in all three jurisdictions.
Contact the Office Nearest You
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “allocation of parental responsibilities” in Colorado?
“Allocation of parental responsibilities” (APR) is Colorado’s statutory term for what most people call child custody. It covers two distinct issues: decision-making responsibility (who makes major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and religion) and parenting time (how each parent’s time with the child is scheduled). Colorado courts allocate these responsibilities based on the best interests of the child — not as a reward or penalty to either parent.
What does “best interests of the child” mean in Colorado?
Best interests of the child is the governing standard for all parental responsibility decisions in Colorado, set out in C.R.S. § 14-10-124. The court considers multiple factors, including each parent’s past involvement in the child’s care, the child’s relationship with each parent and other significant individuals, each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, the geographic proximity of both parents’ homes, any history of domestic violence or abuse, and — when the child is of sufficient age and maturity — the child’s own preferences.
How is child support calculated in Colorado?
Colorado uses an income shares model. Both parents’ gross monthly incomes are combined, and each parent’s proportional share of the total child support obligation is calculated based on that combined income. The formula also accounts for the number of overnights each parent has with the child, health insurance costs, and work-related childcare expenses. The resulting guideline amount is presumed correct unless a party demonstrates that deviation is warranted.
Can a parenting plan or child support order be modified after it’s finalized?
Yes. Colorado courts can modify parenting time, decision-making, and child support when there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. For child support, modification is available when the recalculated guideline amount differs from the current order by 10% or more, or when three years have passed since the last order. Parenting time modifications require showing that the change in circumstances directly relates to the child’s best interests.
What happens if a parent wants to relocate with the child in Colorado?
If a parent with primary parenting time wants to relocate a significant distance — typically out of state or far enough to substantially impact the other parent’s parenting time — Colorado law requires either written agreement from the other parent or court approval. The relocating parent must provide notice and, if contested, the court conducts a full best interests analysis. Relocation cases are among the most litigated in Colorado family law and benefit from experienced representation on both sides.
Does Colorado require mediation in family law cases?
In most cases, yes. Colorado courts require parties to attempt mediation before scheduling a contested family law hearing. Mediation is a structured negotiation facilitated by a neutral third party; it is not binding and either party may decline to reach agreement. The majority of Colorado family law cases settle through mediation. Having an attorney represent you at mediation — rather than attending alone — significantly affects your ability to evaluate proposed agreements in real time.
What is the difference between a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) and a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE)?
Both are court-appointed neutral parties who investigate the circumstances of a custody dispute and make a recommendation to the court. A CFI is a less intensive process with a lower cost cap — typically used in cases where a targeted investigation is needed. A PRE is a full psychological and investigative evaluation, more appropriate for complex cases involving serious allegations, mental health concerns, or significant conflict. The PRE’s report and recommendations carry more weight with the court but are also more expensive and time-consuming.
Do I need an attorney for a family law matter in Colorado?
Colorado permits parties to represent themselves (pro se) in family law cases. Whether that is advisable depends on the complexity of your situation. Cases involving disputed parenting time, child support deviations, high-conflict co-parenting, domestic violence allegations, relocation, or significant assets or income differences carry real legal and financial risk if handled without counsel. Even in relatively straightforward cases, having an attorney review a proposed agreement before it becomes a binding court order protects against provisions that are ambiguous, unenforceable, or that you don’t fully understand.
Meet the Team
Meet the people behind the ongoing success of Lewis & Matthews, P.C.
Jennifer Lewis – Managing partner Jennifer Lewis has been active in both federal and state courts of Colorado, Missouri, and Kansas since 1988. In 2015, she made the decision to acquire the firm from Ken and Leslie Matthews to form Lewis & Matthews, P.C.
Ms. Lewis has worked on cases across a wide variety of subject matters, including family law, criminal law, estate planning and probate proceedings, personal injury and medical malpractice claims, zoning and land use planning, and general civil litigation.
While her practice is focused on Denver family law, in addition to family law in Eagle and Summit counties, her experience in these legal fields has proven helpful in providing additional value while advising her clients. Additionally, her practical, patient, and compassionate approach has helped many clients through many of the most challenging situations in life.
Amanda Huber – As a legal assistant, Amanda helps with the daily tasks of sending legal correspondence and documents, preparing court filings, and scheduling, among other tasks. Amanda joined the firm in 2022 and has helped clients in all phases of their divorce.
Prior to joining Lewis & Matthews, Amanda worked at an upscale country club in San Diego, where she was born and raised.
Outside of work you can find Amanda wine tasting, gardening, and spending time with her beloved cat, Waffles.
Counties We Serve
For all your Colorado family law concerns, our lawyers at Lewis & Matthews P.C. are always ready to help. Thanks to our decades of experience in the Colorado legal system, we can also assist with any of your estate planning, divorce, and LGTBQ+ family law concerns.
Here are the counties we serve:
Greater Denver Metro Area
Address: 1325 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 503, Denver, CO 80222
(303) 329-3802
Summit County and Eagle County
Address: 114 Village Place, Suite 206, Dillon, CO 80435
Phone Number: (970) 468-0240
