How Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Can Lessen the Emotional Impact of Divorce

FRISCO, Colo. - April 22, 2013 - PRLog -- The divorce process can be very stressful and emotional for both the adults and children involved. There are many difficult cases dealing with child custody in Colorado that have lasting effects on the children. Sometimes children feel like they are being treated as a prize that two competitors are vying for. All of the fighting can plant psychological issues into children that may over time grow into something larger—feelings of low self-worth, problems with emotional intimacy, etc.—that are never fully resolved. For this reason, the state of Colorado does not award custody, but rather assigns parental responsibilities and parental duties.

The APR (Allocation of Parental Responsibilities) is the legal process that determines the division of duties, responsibilities and other parental rights pertaining to child custody in Colorado. It not only addresses custody and visitation issues, however, but also designates which parent has decision-making powers. These decisions may include everything from what extracurricular activities a child is allowed to participate in to what religion they will be raised in to the medical treatments they will receive. Ultimately, the goal of the APR is to help children feel less like possessions and keep both parents involved in their children's lives, if possible. In doing so, the courts take the following factors into consideration when dividing responsibilities and duties:

The wishes of the child (or children)

The relationship between the child and each parent and/or other family members

The child’s social adjustment

The physical and mental health of the parents

The safety of the child

At Carlson, Carlson and Dunkel (http://www.ccdlawyers.com/)man (http://www.ccdlawyers.com/) we understand the importance of parental involvement in a child’s life. We take pride in evaluating the unique circumstances of each case and protecting the best interests of the children when we advocate for our clients.

About Carlson, Carlson & Dunkelman, L.L.C.

Carlson, Carlson & Dunkelman, L.L.C. is a team of experienced, highly-skilled trial lawyers practicing the highest caliber of litigation in the Colorado Center Mountain area, covering the communities of the Fifth Judicial District. The firm handles Divorce & Custody, Criminal Law, Real Estate, Business Law, Estate Planning and Personal Injury matters in Breckenridge, Vail, Eagle, Leadville, Fairplay and Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado. Visit http://www.ccdlawyers.com/ to learn more about the firm.