How to get supervised visitation in Colorado
In Colorado, parenting time is set or changed through the court that has your case, using forms from the Colorado Judicial Branch. A parent can ask the court to restrict parenting time or require supervision, and the judge decides based on the child's best interests and safety.
Step by step
- Check for an existing case File with the court that issued the original order if you already have one. If parents disagree, the Judicial Branch lists the Motion to Change/Restrict Parenting Time (JDF 1406). If you have no case yet, it offers a Motion for Parenting Time (JDF 1531).
- Ask for what you need JDF 1406 lets you ask that supervision be provided by a licensed mental health professional or someone the court appoints. You can also say who should supervise, how often, and where. The form does not set who pays, so raise that with the court.
- Explain any danger JDF 1406 has a section for imminent danger. It asks why you believe the child is in immediate danger, with examples and dates. If the court grants that request, a hearing is held within 14 days of filing.
- File the motion File online through Colorado Courts E-Filing or with the court that issued the order. There is a filing fee, and fee waivers are available.
- Notify the other parent Mail or otherwise deliver a copy to the other parent, unless both parents signed a stipulation. The form has a Certificate of Service. The other parent can answer with a Response (JDF 1315).
- Mediation or hearing The Judicial Branch says the court may require a hearing or mediation. Under C.R.S. 14-10-129, if a motion alleges imminent danger, parenting time in the 14 days after filing is supervised by an unrelated third party the court finds suitable, or a licensed mental health professional.
- After the order The order and parenting plan set the terms. Then you choose a supervision provider, share the order with them, and schedule visits. Ask about intake steps, fees, and any sliding scale.
Forms
- JDF 1406, Motion and Affidavit to Change/Restrict Parenting Time: Use when parents disagree about parenting time or supervision.
- Motion to Change/Restrict Parenting Time page: Form page with English and Spanish versions.
- JDF 1531, Motion for Parenting Time: Use if you have no parenting time order yet.
- Change Parenting Time (forms JDF 1423, 1424, 1113, 1315): Lists stipulation, order, parenting plan and response forms.
- JDF 1418i, Instructions for motion concerning parenting time disputes: Step by step instructions for the motion.
- Getting a Protection Order (JDF 402): Protection order forms; no filing fee in domestic violence cases.
Good to know
- You generally must wait two years to change parenting time, unless the child's health or emotional development is in danger or the child's main home is changing. Source: Colorado Judicial Branch, Change Parenting Time.
- C.R.S. 14-10-124 gives paramount consideration to the child's safety, and a court that orders unsupervised time where abuse or violence is alleged must state its reasons.
- A civil protection order can address parenting time and care of children. There is no filing fee in domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking cases. Source: Colorado Judicial Branch, Getting a Protection Order.
- When a family is referred to an Access and Visitation grant funded program, the grant typically covers the whole cost for the family. Contact your local judicial district or child support office.