Colorado Statutes and Regulations

• Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 14-10-129
  This statute outlines the requirements for parents who wish to relocate with a child, including notice periods to the non-moving parent and the factors courts consider when deciding whether the move serves the child’s best interests.
• C.R.S. § 14-10-124
  While not exclusively about relocation, this section helps define best-interest criteria, which Colorado judges look at when a relocation could affect parenting time or decision-making responsibilities.

Why This Matters
These statutes ensure that both parents have a fair chance to voice concerns about a proposed move and that the court focuses on what truly benefits the child. Always review the most current version of the law, as legislative updates can change requirements.

• Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure (C.R.C.P.) 7, 121, etc.
  These rules can guide you on how to file or modify existing custody orders, set hearing dates, and fulfill notice requirements specific to relocation. Missing a procedural step—like failing to serve notice properly—can result in unnecessary delays or even dismissal.

Why This Matters
Following the right procedures keeps your case on track. By understanding filing deadlines and service requirements, you reduce the risk of having your motion delayed or dismissed on technical grounds.

• C.R.S. § 14-10-127
  Gives courts the authority to appoint custody evaluators who investigate and report on the child’s living situation, often in contested relocation cases.
• Colorado Parenting Coordinator/Decision-Maker Statutes
  These rules define when a parenting coordinator might be assigned to help resolve day-to-day disputes or recommend solutions in high-conflict scenarios.

Why This Matters
When relocation is contested, neutral professionals can help judges understand the family’s dynamics and the feasibility of moving. Their input often shapes the final decision.

• Local Court Rules or Orders
  Many Colorado judicial districts encourage or require mediation before scheduling a final relocation hearing. Some counties may also have standing orders on mediation in family law cases.
• Exceptions
  Courts can waive mediation in certain situations, such as cases involving domestic violence or when mediation proves impractical or unsafe.

Why This Matters
Mediation can help you and the other parent reach a mutually agreeable solution without a drawn-out court battle. Even if mediation is not mandatory in your district, it’s often a lower-cost, less stressful path to resolve conflicts.

• Child Support Guidelines (C.R.S. § 14-10-115)
  Relocation might change a child’s living expenses or affect parenting time allocations, which in turn can impact how child support is calculated or enforced.
• Modification of Support
  If the move substantially changes each parent’s costs (e.g., travel expenses, housing differences), you or the other parent may petition the court for a support modification.

Why This Matters
A move doesn’t just affect parenting time—it can also alter financial responsibilities. Before finalizing your relocation plans, consider how these adjustments may play into your overall legal and financial picture.

• Colorado Rules of Evidence (C.R.E.)
  These rules outline how testimony from child custody evaluators, mental health professionals, or other witnesses can be introduced. They also address hearsay exceptions—particularly relevant if a child’s statements are part of the evaluation.

Why This Matters
A successful relocation case often relies on strong, admissible evidence. Whether it’s a professional assessment or documentation about job opportunities in the new location, presenting it correctly can strengthen your position in court.