How is a Parenting Plan Enforced in Colorado?

1. File A Contempt Motion

If the other parent violates the parenting plan, you can file a contempt motion in court. You can request the court to find the other parent in contempt for failing to follow the court-approved parenting plan. In this instance, the court may order various remedies to ensure compliance and protect the child’s best interests.

Some possible remedies for contempt of a parenting plan in Colorado include:

-Fines: The court may order the non-compliant parent to pay a fine as a penalty for their failure to comply with the parenting plan.

-Modification of Parenting Plan: The court may modify the existing parenting plan to clarify or modify the terms of parenting time, decision-making authority, or child support.

-Compensatory Parenting Time: The court may award the other parent compensatory parenting time to make up for missed or denied parenting time.

-Enforcement of Parenting Time: The court may order law enforcement to enforce the parenting plan and ensure that the non-compliant parent complies with the terms of the parenting plan.

-Contempt Sanctions: The court may impose additional sanctions, such as community service or jail time, for repeated or egregious violations of the parenting plan.

2. Call The Police

If the other parent is denying you access to the children, you can call the police to accompany you. You will need to show the police a copy of your parenting plan and decide whether to file a contempt motion or enforce your parental rights.

3. File A Motion With The Court

You can file a motion with the court in the county where you obtained your court orders. The court will give priority to motions for enforcement of the parenting plan and may order mediation, require the other parent to comply, or impose sanctions and attorney fees.

It’s important to consider why the parenting plan is not being followed and to determine if there are valid reasons. You may also want to consider modifying the parenting plan if necessary. For example, if one parent asked for more parenting time but can no longer have the children as much as they requested, the parenting plan may need to be adjusted.