Executive Summary:
Parenting through a divorce is never easy, but when you and your ex can’t agree on anything, the process becomes especially challenging. If you’re going through a contested divorce in Colorado, you may be struggling with everything from temporary custody to decision-making for your child’s future. In this article, we break down what to expect during a high-conflict divorce involving children, how Colorado courts handle parenting disagreements, and how to protect your parental rights during one of the most difficult chapters of your life.
Understanding a Contested Divorce in Denver
A contested divorce in Denver occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues like asset division, alimony, or, most critically, parenting matters. This type of divorce usually involves court intervention and often takes longer to resolve than an uncontested divorce.
When children are involved, a contested divorce can become even more emotionally charged. Disagreements over custody, visitation schedules, school choices, discipline, and healthcare decisions are common. These disputes are not only draining for parents—they can take a toll on the children caught in the middle.
Why Parenting Is So Difficult During a Contested Divorce
Co-parenting requires cooperation, communication, and a shared commitment to your child’s well-being. But when you’re navigating a contested divorce, those elements are often missing. Some common reasons why parenting becomes especially difficult in these situations include:
- High levels of distrust or resentment
- Poor communication or refusal to communicate
- Differing parenting styles and values
- Power struggles over time and authority
- Emotional manipulation or attempts to alienate the child
In many cases, each parent believes they are acting in the child’s best interest, but their definitions of “best” are completely different.
Temporary Parenting Plans: What the Court May Order
While your divorce is pending, the court may issue a temporary parenting plan to give your child structure and stability. This order outlines how parenting time and responsibilities will be shared during the divorce process and can include:
- Temporary custody (parenting time) schedules
- Rules around communication and decision-making
- Restrictions on relocation or travel
- Guidelines for parental behavior during exchanges
These temporary orders are legally binding, and both parents must comply. Violating a temporary parenting plan during a contested divorce in Denver can negatively impact the final custody outcome.
What Colorado Courts Prioritize in Parenting Disputes
When parents can’t agree on a parenting plan, the court steps in to make decisions based on what’s in the best interest of the child. In Colorado, judges consider a number of factors, including:
- Each parent’s ability to encourage a positive relationship with the other parent
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The physical and emotional needs of the child
- The willingness of each parent to place the child’s needs above their own
- Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance abuse
- The child’s wishes, depending on their age and maturity
It’s important to understand that Colorado favors shared parental responsibility whenever possible, but a judge will not hesitate to limit parenting time or decision-making for a parent who is acting in bad faith or harming the child’s well-being.
Common Parenting Conflicts in a Contested Divorce
Parents in contested divorces often disagree on major and minor issues. Some of the most common conflicts include:
- Custody and visitation schedules: Who gets the child and when, especially during holidays or school breaks
- Education decisions: Choosing a school or special education plan
- Medical care: Disputes over vaccinations, surgeries, or therapy
- Religion: Conflicting views on religious upbringing
- Discipline and routines: Differences in rules, bedtimes, screen time, and structure
- Relocation: One parent wants to move out of Denver or Colorado entirely
These disputes can drag out litigation and increase emotional strain on your child. That’s why Colorado courts often encourage alternative solutions like mediation or parenting coordinators to help families reach agreements.
Co-Parenting Strategies When You’re in Constant Conflict
When co-parenting feels impossible, there are still ways to reduce chaos and protect your child from conflict:
- Use communication apps (like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents) to reduce miscommunication and create a paper trail
- Try parallel parenting, where minimal contact is maintained between parents while still meeting the child’s needs
- Stick to the court-ordered plan exactly—consistency is key
- Avoid talking negatively about the other parent in front of your child
- Seek help from a parenting coordinator or family therapist if communication completely breaks down
These tools won’t solve every issue, but they can help keep the focus where it belongs: on the child’s well-being.
How a Denver Divorce Attorney Can Help You Protect Your Parental Rights
When you’re navigating a contested divorce in Denver, especially one filled with parenting disagreements, you need more than legal representation—you need a strategic advocate. An experienced divorce attorney can help you:
- File motions for temporary orders or enforcement
- Gather evidence to support your parenting claims
- Respond to false accusations or bad-faith tactics
- Develop a parenting plan that meets your child’s needs
- Present your case clearly and effectively in court
At Colorado Legal Group, we understand that parenting through a contested divorce is overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced family law attorneys fight to protect your rights and guide you through each step of the process with clarity and compassion.
Contact us today, and let us help you find a path forward, one that puts your child first and protects your parenting future.