Consequences of Not Following a Parenting Plan in Colorado: A Legal Breakdown

Big Trouble in Colorado

(Because Ignoring the Rules Can Cost You, Literally and Legally)

Start Here: The Storm After the Split

Let’s skip the sugarcoating. Divorce or separation is messy, and when emotions run high, sticking to a parenting plan can feel like trying to juggle knives. But here’s the brutal truth: Colorado courts don’t care about your ex’s latest tantrum or your momentary lapse in judgment . Fail to follow the parenting plan, and you’re staring down some serious legal thunderclouds.

Chapter 1: Immediate Legal Consequences (The “Oops, Now I’m in Trouble” Edition)

Colorado takes parenting plans seriously, they’re not just suggestions. Here’s what happens if you ignore them:

  1. Fines (Cha-Ching!)
  2. Miss a visitation or refuse to hand over the kids? The court can hit you with fines, often starting at $100–$500 per violation. Keep it up, and you’ll pay your ex’s legal fees too.
  3. Contempt of Court
  4. Repeat offenders get slapped with a contempt charge. This means jail time (up to 180 days ), mandatory makeup visitation, or even community service.
  5. Automatic Custody Modifications
  6. Consistently violate the plan? The other parent can file a case/ motion to modify parenting time in Colorado , and judges often side with the parent who’s been reliable.

Chapter 2: Long-Term Risks (The “This Could Haunt You” Edition)

The fallout isn’t just immediate. Screw up the parenting plan, and you risk:

  • Loss of Custody Rights : Judges prioritize stability. If you’re deemed “uncooperative,” you could lose primary custody.
  • Supervised Visitation : Say goodbye to cozy weekends. The court might require a third party to monitor your time with the kids.
  • Damage to Your Child’s Trust : Legal drama aside, kids suffer when parents play games. Therapists call this “parental alienation,” and it’s a one-way ticket to family court.

Chapter 3: How to Fix It (Before It Blows Up)

1. Document Everything

Save texts, emails, and visitation logs. Pro tip: Use apps like TalkingParents to track communication.

2. File a Motion to Modify Parenting Time

If the plan isn’t working, ask the court to tweak it. Colorado requires proof of a “substantial change in circumstances” (e.g., job loss, relocation).

3. Try Co-Parenting Therapy

Online therapy (yes, it’s a thing) helps exes communicate without World War III. Platforms like OurFamilyWizard offer structured tools to reduce conflict.

Don’t Let a Mistake Define Your Parenting Journey

If you’re already in hot water:

  • Consult a Colorado parenting time lawyer (they’ll help you navigate contempt charges).
  • Download the parenting plan checklist to stay compliant.

If you’re just starting out:

  • Join a co-parenting therapy group to avoid rookie mistakes.

P.S. Even Prince Harry and Meghan have to follow custody agreements. No matter how “unfair” the plan feels, you’re not above the law.

Keywords integrated: consequences of not following parenting plan colorado, motion to modify parenting time colorado.

About Writer

Picture of News
News

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tags:

GRIDXMATRIX.COM

For Sale!

For More Information Connect us on

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Trust us we don't spam