This form, Instructions for Motion for Modification of Child Custody, is to be used if you already have obtained a Court order for Child Custody and want to modify it. This is an official form from the Colorado State Judicial Branch, which complies with all applicable laws and statutes. USLF amends and updates the forms as is required by Colorado statutes and law.
Lakewood Colorado Instructions: How to File a Motion or Stipulation for Modifying Custody or Decision-Making Responsibility Introduction: Modifying child custody or decision-making responsibility requires filing a motion or stipulation in Lakewood, Colorado. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to change an existing custody or decision-making arrangement, it is important to understand the process and follow the correct instructions. In Lakewood, there are typically two types of instructions to file a motion or stipulation to modify custody or decision-making responsibility: one for parents filing together (jointly) and another for parents filing separately (individually). Keywords: Lakewood Colorado, modify custody, decision-making responsibility, motion, stipulation, file instructions. 1. Instructions to File a Joint Motion or Stipulation to Modify Custody or Decision-Making Responsibility: If both parents agree on modifying the existing custody arrangement or decision-making responsibility, they can file a joint motion or stipulation. Here are the key steps involved: a. Consult an attorney: Seeking legal advice is always recommended before filing any motion. An attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring all necessary details are included in your motion or stipulation. b. Draft a joint motion or stipulation: Collaborate with the other parent to create a document clearly outlining the agreed-upon modifications to custody or decision-making responsibility. Include details such as proposed parenting time schedule, child support adjustments (if applicable), and any other pertinent changes. c. Attach required documents: Gather supporting documents like income verification, schedule proposals, and any written agreements reached between both parents. d. Complete relevant forms: Obtain the necessary court forms, such as the Motion to Modify Custody or Decision-Making Responsibility and any other required forms in Lakewood, Colorado. e. File the motion or stipulation: Submit the completed forms, joint motion or stipulation document, and supporting paperwork to the appropriate courthouse in Lakewood. Pay the applicable filing fee unless a fee waiver is approved. f. Serve the other parent: Provide a copy of the filed motion or stipulation to the other parent using the appropriate methods, often involving certified mail or process servers. g. Attend the hearing: Once the court reviews your motion or stipulation, a hearing will be scheduled if necessary. Both parents must attend with their legal representation, if applicable, to present their case for the modification. 2. Instructions to File an Individual Motion or Stipulation to Modify Custody or Decision-Making Responsibility: If both parents are unable to reach an agreement, either parent can file an individual motion or stipulation seeking custody or decision-making modifications. Here's a general outline of the steps involved: a. Seek legal advice: Consult with an attorney to understand your rights, responsibilities, and potential outcomes in filing a motion or stipulation individually. b. Prepare the motion or stipulation: Draft a document stating your reasons for seeking the custody or decision-making modification. Include specific details regarding why the current arrangement is no longer suitable or in the child's best interests. c. Gather supporting evidence: Collect any relevant documentation, such as evidence of changed circumstances or concerns regarding the child's well-being. This may include police reports, medical records, or witness statements. d. Obtain necessary forms: Acquire the mandatory court forms, such as the Motion to Modify Custody or Decision-Making Responsibility, and any additional required forms specific to Lakewood, Colorado. e. File the motion or stipulation: Submit the completed forms, the motion or stipulation document, and supporting evidence to the appropriate courthouse in Lakewood. Pay the filing fee, unless waived. f. Serve the other parent: Ensure the other parent is served with copies of the filed motion or stipulation following the correct legal procedures. g. Attend the hearing: Following a review of the motion or stipulation, the court will schedule a hearing if necessary. Both parents should attend the hearing, and legal representation is advised, to present their arguments and supporting evidence. Conclusion: Modifying custody or decision-making responsibility in Lakewood, Colorado requires following specific instructions to file a motion or stipulation. Whether filing jointly or individually, seeking legal advice, carefully preparing required documents, and attending all court proceedings diligently are crucial steps towards achieving the desired modification. By following these instructions and using relevant keywords, you can navigate the process effectively and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your child.Lakewood Colorado Instructions: How to File a Motion or Stipulation for Modifying Custody or Decision-Making Responsibility Introduction: Modifying child custody or decision-making responsibility requires filing a motion or stipulation in Lakewood, Colorado. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to change an existing custody or decision-making arrangement, it is important to understand the process and follow the correct instructions. In Lakewood, there are typically two types of instructions to file a motion or stipulation to modify custody or decision-making responsibility: one for parents filing together (jointly) and another for parents filing separately (individually). Keywords: Lakewood Colorado, modify custody, decision-making responsibility, motion, stipulation, file instructions. 1. Instructions to File a Joint Motion or Stipulation to Modify Custody or Decision-Making Responsibility: If both parents agree on modifying the existing custody arrangement or decision-making responsibility, they can file a joint motion or stipulation. Here are the key steps involved: a. Consult an attorney: Seeking legal advice is always recommended before filing any motion. An attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring all necessary details are included in your motion or stipulation. b. Draft a joint motion or stipulation: Collaborate with the other parent to create a document clearly outlining the agreed-upon modifications to custody or decision-making responsibility. Include details such as proposed parenting time schedule, child support adjustments (if applicable), and any other pertinent changes. c. Attach required documents: Gather supporting documents like income verification, schedule proposals, and any written agreements reached between both parents. d. Complete relevant forms: Obtain the necessary court forms, such as the Motion to Modify Custody or Decision-Making Responsibility and any other required forms in Lakewood, Colorado. e. File the motion or stipulation: Submit the completed forms, joint motion or stipulation document, and supporting paperwork to the appropriate courthouse in Lakewood. Pay the applicable filing fee unless a fee waiver is approved. f. Serve the other parent: Provide a copy of the filed motion or stipulation to the other parent using the appropriate methods, often involving certified mail or process servers. g. Attend the hearing: Once the court reviews your motion or stipulation, a hearing will be scheduled if necessary. Both parents must attend with their legal representation, if applicable, to present their case for the modification. 2. Instructions to File an Individual Motion or Stipulation to Modify Custody or Decision-Making Responsibility: If both parents are unable to reach an agreement, either parent can file an individual motion or stipulation seeking custody or decision-making modifications. Here's a general outline of the steps involved: a. Seek legal advice: Consult with an attorney to understand your rights, responsibilities, and potential outcomes in filing a motion or stipulation individually. b. Prepare the motion or stipulation: Draft a document stating your reasons for seeking the custody or decision-making modification. Include specific details regarding why the current arrangement is no longer suitable or in the child's best interests. c. Gather supporting evidence: Collect any relevant documentation, such as evidence of changed circumstances or concerns regarding the child's well-being. This may include police reports, medical records, or witness statements. d. Obtain necessary forms: Acquire the mandatory court forms, such as the Motion to Modify Custody or Decision-Making Responsibility, and any additional required forms specific to Lakewood, Colorado. e. File the motion or stipulation: Submit the completed forms, the motion or stipulation document, and supporting evidence to the appropriate courthouse in Lakewood. Pay the filing fee, unless waived. f. Serve the other parent: Ensure the other parent is served with copies of the filed motion or stipulation following the correct legal procedures. g. Attend the hearing: Following a review of the motion or stipulation, the court will schedule a hearing if necessary. Both parents should attend the hearing, and legal representation is advised, to present their arguments and supporting evidence. Conclusion: Modifying custody or decision-making responsibility in Lakewood, Colorado requires following specific instructions to file a motion or stipulation. Whether filing jointly or individually, seeking legal advice, carefully preparing required documents, and attending all court proceedings diligently are crucial steps towards achieving the desired modification. By following these instructions and using relevant keywords, you can navigate the process effectively and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your child.
