Allocation of Parenting Responsibilities

Summary:  An allocation of parenting responsibilities case is generally brought if a traditional divorce or paternity case is not already pending. A non-parent (such as a grandparent) may bring the case to determine parenting time, child support, and decision-making, particularly is a child is in danger physically or emotionally.

Purpose of Colorado Allocation of Parenting Responsibilities (APR)

The purpose of a proceeding to allocate parenting responsibilities is to have orders entered for parenting time, child support, and decision-making. Usually this is done only if parenting responsibilities are in controversy and a child’s health may be endangered. Generally the guidelines under CRS §14-10-124 are used.

This may apply whether you are a parent of the child or a non-parent (such as a grandparent.)

If you are a non-parent, you must have had physical care of the child for at least 6 months if the case is filed within 6 months after the termination of the physical care.

Normally a separate motion for allocation of parenting responsibilities is not used if a divorce case or paternity case is already open. Instead, parenting issues are a part of the typical divorce or paternity case.

In an allocation of parenting responsibilities case, endangerment of the child is often a focus. In other words, usually no such motions or cases are brought unless the child’s physical health or emotional development endangered or impaired.