Stage 6 of 7
When There's a Problem
Post-decree problems are common. This stage is about what to do when something goes wrong — when orders aren't being followed, when safety becomes an issue, or when a parent's behavior is harming the children. Knowing your legal options, and the limits of those options, is essential before taking action.
What happens in this stage
- 1Document violations of court orders in a way that will hold up in a hearing
- 2File for contempt when the other party isn't complying and negotiation has failed
- 3Respond to domestic violence, substance use, or child safety concerns
- 4Address parental alienation or interference with your parenting relationship
- 5Understand what the court can actually order — and what it cannot
Where you are
⚡ Key insight
Courts treat child support and parenting time as completely independent obligations. Withholding child support because you're not getting your parenting time — or denying parenting time because support hasn't been paid — will hurt your case, not help it. These are separate remedies.
A single session with an attorney could be critical
In situations involving safety concerns, even one consultation can help you understand your protective options, what evidence to gather, and how to protect yourself and your children legally. Don't wait.
No ongoing commitment. Targeted help for specific tasks.
Before you take action
Understand what courts can actually do about your problem, and what you'll need to establish before a hearing.
Documenting Problems and Gathering Evidence
How to document violations of a court order, gather admissible evidence of misconduct, keep records of parenting time and communication, and prepare for a hearing on enforcement or modification.
Common Misconceptions About Family Law
Frequently held but incorrect beliefs about Colorado family law, such as the idea that one parent can withhold child support because the other is denying parenting time, or that courts automatically favor mothers in custody decisions.
Enforcing court orders
The legal tools for compelling compliance when the other party is ignoring their obligations.
Order Non-Compliance
A parent's failure to follow existing court orders other than parenting time, including contempt proceedings and enforcement mechanisms.
Contempt and Enforcement
The legal process for enforcing a court order when the other party is not complying, including filing a motion for contempt, what must be proven, available sanctions, and the critical rule that child support and parenting time enforcement are independent remedies.
Safety and child welfare concerns
When a parent's behavior creates a serious risk to you or your children's safety or wellbeing.
Domestic Violence and Safety
Allegations or evidence of domestic violence, abuse, coercive control, or other safety threats involving a party or child: how Colorado courts weigh safety concerns in parenting time decisions under CRS 14-10-124, what evidence courts consider, protective measures available during and after the case, and the relationship between criminal and civil proceedings.
Substance Use Concerns
Allegations or evidence of alcohol or drug use by a parent or household member that may affect child safety or parenting capacity.
Parental Alienation
Conduct by one parent that undermines or interferes with a child's relationship with the other parent in Colorado family law cases: how courts treat evidence of alienating behavior, the distinction between realistic estrangement and alienation, remedies available including therapeutic interventions and parenting time adjustments, and the evidentiary standards applied.
International Child Abduction
Legal remedies when a parent takes a child to another country in violation of a Colorado custody order: the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, how to file a return application, the role of the U.S. Central Authority, criminal remedies under the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act, and preventive measures including passport restrictions.