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Child Protection

Child Safety First: HB24-1350’s Impact On Colorado Family Law

In June 2024, Colorado passed a groundbreaking law, House Bill 24-1350 (HB24-1350), which marks a significant shift in how family law cases are approached, particularly concerning child safety in situations of domestic violence and parental responsibilities. As specialists in family law, Modern Family Law is prepared to guide you through these new changes, providing comprehensive support and dedicated legal advocacy.

Enhanced Protections for Children: The introduction of HB24-1350 in Colorado is a key advancement in protecting the welfare of children within the family law system. The law sets forth stricter guidelines for handling domestic violence in custody and parental responsibility decisions, ensuring children’s safety is at the forefront.

Key Features Of Colorado HB24-1350


Colorado’s HB24-1350 brings critical updates to enhance the safety and rights of children in family law cases, focusing on key areas of reform.

1. Enhanced Training for Family Law Professionals: HB24-1350 mandates rigorous additional training for child and family investigators and parental responsibility evaluators. This training is designed to deepen their understanding of domestic violence, coercive control, and its effects on children, thereby equipping them with the skills needed to address these complex issues effectively.

2. Comprehensive Reporting Requirements: The legislation requires detailed documentation of any domestic violence encountered during family law proceedings. This ensures that judges have a full understanding of the dynamics at play, allowing for more informed and protective decisions regarding the welfare of children involved.

3. Recognition of Coercive Control: By recognizing coercive control as a form of abuse, HB24-1350 broadens the scope of behaviors considered during custody and parental responsibility evaluations. This acknowledgment helps in safeguarding the emotional and psychological well-being of abuse survivors.

4. Prioritizing Children’s Voices: The bill also emphasizes the importance of considering the preferences of children in custody decisions, especially in cases involving abuse. Children of sufficient age and maturity may express their wishes directly to the court, which must then consider these preferences seriously, prioritizing the child’s safety and mental health.

5. Stricter Criteria for Unsupervised Parenting Time: In cases where there is evidence or allegations of abuse, the law imposes stringent conditions on unsupervised parenting time, requiring judges to explicitly justify such decisions to ensure they are in the best interest of the child.

With these substantial reforms, HB24-1350 ensures that children’s welfare is prioritized in Colorado’s family law proceedings, fostering a safer environment for vulnerable young individuals.

Conclusion


Colorado’s HB24-1350 marks a transformative step in ensuring that children’s safety is the focal point in family law proceedings. By implementing enhanced training for professionals, comprehensive reporting requirements, recognition of coercive control, and prioritizing the voices of children, this legislation strengthens the framework through which domestic violence and child welfare are addressed, making a lasting impact on the protection and well-being of children across the state.

Modern Family Law


Navigating the new stipulations of HB24-1350 can be challenging. Contact Modern Family Law to partner with experienced attorneys who are deeply familiar with these changes and committed to prioritizing your family’s safety and well-being throughout your legal journey.

By: Hannah Jumonville, Esq.

Posted December 27, 2024


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