Colorado Supreme Court Deliberates on Parenting Time Reductions

January 16, 2026 - 09:04

The Colorado Supreme Court engaged in a critical discussion on Wednesday regarding the guidelines for judges when considering significant reductions in parenting time after divorce. The court is attempting to clarify the circumstances that would allow for a decrease in the number of days a parent can spend with their child, without classifying it as a “restriction.” Such restrictions necessitate a higher level of justification under existing legal standards.

During the oral arguments, several justices voiced their concerns about the implications of these reductions. The court is grappling with the balance between the best interests of the child and parental rights. This deliberation comes at a time when family law cases are increasingly complex, and the need for clear standards is paramount. The outcome of this discussion could set important precedents for future custody cases across the state, influencing how judges approach parenting time decisions in the wake of divorce.