Monument Child Custody Attorney: Protecting Your Parental Rights in the Tri-Lakes Area

For families in Monument, Woodmoor, and Palmer Lake, “custody” is about more than just a legal schedule—it is about preserving the lifestyle and stability your children deserve. Whether your children attend the Lewis-Palmer School District (D38), play for Tri-Lakes Little League, or spend their weekends at the Tri-Lakes YMCA, your legal strategy must be as localized as your life.

At Perrino Law Firm, Dominic Perrino provides sophisticated, strategic advocacy for parents navigating the El Paso County court system. We understand that while your family life is centered in the peaceful surroundings of the Palmer Divide, your legal case requires a commanding presence at the El Paso County Combined Court in downtown Colorado Springs.

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Beyond “Custody”: The Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR)

In Colorado, the law has moved away from the term “custody” to better reflect the nuances of co-parenting. We focus on the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR), which is divided into two distinct legal components:

1. Parenting Time (Physical Custody)

This is the schedule that determines when the child is in each parent’s care. In Monument, we understand the logistical hurdles of the I-25 commute. We advocate for schedules that account for:

  • Commutes between Monument and Denver or Colorado Springs.
  • Academic & extracurricular calendars of Palmer Ridge & Lewis-Palmer students.
  • Transition points that make sense for Tri-Lakes residents, minimizing time spent in “North Gate” traffic.

2. Decision-Making Responsibility (Legal Custody)

This involves the right to make major life decisions for your child regarding:

  • Education: Choice of schools within D38 or local private institutions.
  • Medical Care: Including specialized care and mental health services.
  • Religious Upbringing: Aligning with your family’s core values.

    The “Best Interests of the Child” Standard in El Paso County

    Every decision made by a 4th Judicial District judge is governed by the Best Interests of the Child (§ 14-10-124, C.R.S.). The court weighs several factors to determine the optimal environment for your child, including:

    • The wishes of the parents and the child (if of sufficient maturity).
    • The child’s adjustment to their Monument home, school, and community.
    • The ability of each parent to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.
    • The physical and mental health of all parties involved.

    Expert Insight: Major Updates to Colorado Child Support Laws

    Removal of the 93-Overnight Threshold

    Previously, a parent needed at least 93 overnights to receive a "shared physical care" credit. As of 2025, Colorado has implemented a graduated overnight scale. This means you now receive a proportional credit for every overnight you have, ensuring the financial support more accurately reflects the actual time spent with your children.

    Increased Income Cap

    The statutory guidelines now apply to households with a combined monthly adjusted gross income of up to $40,000 (increased from $30,000). For high-earning professionals in neighborhoods like Kings Deer or Bent Tree, this change is critical for ensuring fair support calculations.

    Extraordinary Medical Expenses

    The previous $250-per-child annual threshold has been removed. Parents now share all unreimbursed medical expenses—from $30 co-pays to major orthodontic work—in proportion to their incomes.

    Navigating High-Conflict Disputes: CFIs and PREs

    When parents cannot agree on a plan, the court may appoint experts to investigate the family dynamic. Dominic Perrino has extensive experience working with these court-appointed professionals in the 4th Judicial District:

    • Child and Family Investigators (CFI): These investigators perform a targeted evaluation and make recommendations to the court based on the child’s best interests.
    • Parental Responsibility Evaluators (PRE): For more complex cases involving mental health concerns or deep-seated conflict, a PRE (often a licensed psychologist) performs a comprehensive forensic evaluation.

    We guide you through these investigations, ensuring your voice is heard and your relationship with your child is accurately represented to the court.

      Post-Decree Modifications and Parental Relocation

      Parenting arrangements must necessarily evolve as children age and life circumstances change. Our firm manages all post-decree actions, from minor schedule adjustments to fundamental structural changes.

      • Modification of Parenting Time (C.R.S. § 14-10-129): Changes to the existing schedule can be granted by the court if the modification is deemed to be in the best interests of the child.
      • Change in Primary Residence: A petition to change the parent with whom the child resides a majority of the time requires meeting a stricter standard. The petitioner must demonstrate that the child’s current environment endangers their physical health or significantly impairs their emotional development, and that the benefits of the proposed move outweigh the harm of the change.
      • Relocation Disputes: When a parent seeks to move a child to a new geographical area that substantially alters the existing ties, a specific, highly detailed legal analysis is triggered. These are among the most complex matters in family law, requiring expert litigation to address the impact on the non-moving parent’s rights and the child’s stability.

      We provide the strategic legal arguments and evidence necessary to meet the high statutory burdens required for both seeking and defending against any proposed modification.

      Why Monument Families Trust Dominic Perrino

      Choosing the right advocate can change the trajectory of your child’s life. At Perrino Law Firm, we combine intellectual honesty with tenacious advocacy.

      • Local Strategy: We know the El Paso County judges and how they view cases coming out of the north end of the county.
      • Meticulous Preparation: We treat mediation (which is mandatory in the 4th JD) as a strategic opportunity to settle on your terms, but we are always ready for the courtroom.
      • Compassionate Guidance: We understand the stress of “sharing” your child and provide the steady hand you need.

      Your children are your priority; protecting your relationship with them is ours. Don’t navigate the complexities of Monument child custody alone.

      Find a Custody Lawyer in Monument, CO

      The welfare of your children is the most important issue you will face in court. Call Perrino Law Firm today at 719-400-1122 or fill out our contact form to discuss your case. Let Dominic Perrino provide the expert, localized representation you deserve.

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        Don’t let custody law issues threaten your family, peace of mind, or time with your children. Contact a Colorado Springs family law attorney today.

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