Protecting the Rights of Fathers and Mothers in Divorce
Many fathers assume that courts are predisposed to favor women when it comes to issues such as child custody and alimony. However, under Colorado law there is no difference between men and women under the law.
At the law firm of Stowell, P.C. in Lone Tree, Colorado, our lawyers represent both men and women in divorce. If you are concerned about your rights as a father or mother in divorce, we offer a an initial consultation to discuss your case.
Bodies of Law That Apply to Parental Rights
There are two bodies of law that apply to child custody and alimony cases. The first is that the rights of fathers and mothers are equal under the law. Either the mother or the father can have primary residential child custody. Similarly, courts can award alimony to either the man or the woman.
The other law that historically has applied to child custody cases is the tender years doctrine, which holds that a child under a certain age needs to be with the mother. While the tender age doctrine has been abolished in Colorado, some judges may still favor the mother when the child is very young.
How Can I Protect My Parental Rights?
Our approach to family law cases to is craft a persuasive argument based on the facts of the case. Our lawyers have successfully obtained primary child custody for fathers because the fact pattern we presented to the court showed that the father has been the primary caretaker and it is in the child's best interests. We have obtained alimony for men because they were the lower-income spouse who sacrificed their career opportunities to support their wife and children.
When presenting a case to a judge, we often turn the situation around and ask the judge how he or she would rule if our client was the Mrs. and the other side was the Mr. Under Colorado law, parental rights should decided by facts, not by gender.
Attorney Consultation
To discuss parental rights with a lawyer at Stowell, P.C., call 888-353-9358 or fill out our contact form. From our office in Lone Tree, Colorado, we represent clients in the Denver metropolitan area and throughout Douglas, El Paso and Pueblo counties.
