Colorado Child Relocation Law: Children First Family Law Explains Legal Risks, Custody Disputes, and Emotional Impact on Families

Children First Family Law, a respected family law firm serving clients across Colorado, has published a comprehensive new article titled “When One Parent Wants to Move – Colorado Relocation, Kidnapping Law, and How Kids are Impacted” that explores the complex intersection of custody, relocation, and the law. As more families face the realities of co-parenting across separate households, this timely piece by attorney Krista Nash provides essential clarity for parents considering a significant move—especially when children are involved.

Colorado law takes parental relocation seriously, and for good reason. A substantial geographic move—whether across the state or across the country—can upend existing parenting plans and significantly impact a child’s relationship with both parents. The article underscores the critical distinction between pre-decree and post-decree relocations and explains how the courts weigh different legal standards depending on the timing of the move. For parents considering relocating with their children, understanding these distinctions can be the difference between a cooperative outcome and a costly legal dispute.

Nash explains that while adults have a constitutional right to move freely, this right does not automatically include taking children with them after custody orders have been entered. Once a court has issued a parenting plan or custody agreement, Colorado law requires any parent who wishes to move to notify the other parent, provide justification for the move, and propose a revised parenting plan. Failing to do so could result in civil contempt, loss of parenting time, or even criminal charges for custodial interference. As Nash outlines in the article, this legal misstep is far more common than many parents realize—and the consequences are severe.

One of the more urgent concerns addressed in the article is the risk of parental abduction. Many parents don’t realize that moving without court approval can, under certain conditions, be interpreted as kidnapping under Colorado law. To protect children and uphold the integrity of custody orders, the state enforces strict measures such as the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act (UCAPA) and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). These laws are designed to prevent one parent from making unilateral decisions that cut the other parent out of the child’s life or compromise the child’s safety and stability.

Another key focus of the article is the emotional and developmental toll that relocation can have on children. Even when well-intentioned, moves can create disruption to routines, sever peer relationships, and reduce face-to-face time with the non-relocating parent. Long-distance parenting, while possible, often involves complicated logistics, added expenses, and increased demands on both parents to maintain meaningful contact. Krista Nash emphasizes the need for thoughtful, child-centered planning, noting that judges consider a wide range of factors before approving relocation—including the child’s relationship with each parent, educational opportunities in the new location, extended family support, and the feasibility of maintaining consistent contact with both parents.

The article also highlights important Colorado case law, such as Spomer and Ciesluk, which confirm that judges are prohibited from assuming whether relocation is inherently good or bad. Instead, courts are instructed to weigh each situation based on the child’s best interests. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, reinforcing the need for personalized legal guidance and careful planning. In addition to citing these precedents, Nash points to the Martin and Dezalia rulings as examples of how courts now favor flexible parenting plans that adapt to future changes.

Importantly, the article does not just address legal mechanics—it also calls for more deliberate communication between co-parents. Nash encourages relocating parents to involve the other parent in the decision-making process, share updates regularly, and offer meaningful opportunities for continued engagement in the child’s life. Even after relocation, joint decision-making remains a cornerstone of successful co-parenting and helps children feel supported and secure by both parents. For families affected by domestic violence or safety concerns, Nash notes that exceptions may apply and emphasizes the importance of working with an experienced attorney to ensure protection measures are in place.

With a growing number of custody cases involving relocation disputes, this article serves as a much-needed guide for both legal professionals and families alike. Its clear explanations and real-life examples offer valuable insight into how Colorado courts handle these emotionally charged issues. For reporters covering family law, custody conflicts, or child welfare, this article provides a strong foundation for further exploration—and Nash is available for interviews, commentary, and legal analysis.

Krista Nash is the founder of Children First Family Law, which serves families in Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Greeley, and Pueblo. She is widely recognized for her compassionate, child-centered approach to divorce and custody matters and is available to speak with media outlets about the latest trends and challenges in family law.

To read the full article, “When One Parent Wants to Move – Colorado Relocation, Kidnapping Law, and How Kids are Impacted,” or to schedule an interview with Krista Nash, visit www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com or call (720) 252-9638.

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For more information about Children First Family Law, contact the company here:

Children First Family Law
Krista Nash
(720) 252-9638
info@childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
5610 Ward Rd STE 300, Arvada, CO 80002