Colorado Father’s Rights Attorney

Why Choose Johnson Law Group?

With deep experience in Colorado family law, Johnson Law Group has become a trusted ally for fathers statewide. We’re committed to advocating for fair treatment in family courts and ensuring your voice is heard when your parenting rights are at risk.

• Award-Winning Representation: Backed by years of family law experience in Colorado courts.
• Father-Focused Advocacy: We know how the legal system can feel biased — we fight to even the playing field.
• Clear Communication: We keep you informed and empowered throughout the process.
• Proven Client Satisfaction: Read client reviews from fathers we've helped.
• Comprehensive Legal Services: From custody and parenting time to paternity and child support disputes.

We serve clients across Colorado from offices in Denver, Englewood, Colorado Springs, Commerce City, and Fort Collins. 

What Are Fathers’ Rights in Colorado?

Fathers in Colorado have the same legal rights as mothers when it comes to parenting — but exercising those rights isn’t always simple. Whether you're married or unmarried, you have the right to be involved in your child’s life. The law recognizes the importance of both parents, and Colorado courts are required to focus on the best interests of the child — not the gender of the parent.

When legally recognized as a parent, Colorado fathers are entitled to:

• Seek joint or primary custody (parental responsibility). You have the right to request shared legal and/or physical custody, or to be designated the child’s primary residential parent.
• Pursue parenting time (visitation). Even if you’re not the primary custodian, you can request a meaningful, consistent parenting time schedule.
• Participate in major life decisions. As a legal parent, you have a say in important matters concerning your child’s health care, education, religion, and overall welfare.
• Request or challenge child support. Fathers may seek support if they have primary custody, or challenge orders that are inaccurate or unfair if they’re paying support.
• Be protected from unfair interference. You have the right to enforce parenting orders and safeguard your relationship from being undermined by the other parent.

It’s important to note that these rights apply only after you are legally recognized as your child’s father. For married fathers, this recognition is automatic. For unmarried fathers, it typically requires establishing paternity through a legal process.

Until paternity is formally established, the mother may retain decision-making authority and limit contact — even if you’ve been actively involved in your child’s life.

Common Legal Challenges Facing Fathers

Even though Colorado law gives fathers equal rights, the reality is often more complicated. Many dads face emotional and legal hurdles that make it difficult to maintain a consistent, meaningful role in their children’s lives. At Johnson Law Group, we help fathers overcome these challenges and protect what matters most.

• Denied or Limited Parenting Time. Fathers are sometimes denied time with their children — even without a valid court order. Whether the other parent is ignoring a parenting plan or refusing informal arrangements, we help you enforce your rights and secure reliable, court-approved schedules.
• Unfair Custody Arrangements. Temporary court orders, outdated assumptions, or lack of legal guidance can leave fathers with limited custody. We fight for fair, evidence-based custody outcomes that reflect your active role and the child’s best interests.
• Child Support Disputes. If you’re paying support based on outdated or inaccurate financial info, or if you’re the primary parent and not receiving the support you’re owed, we can help ensure the numbers are fair and reflect your actual circumstances.
• Paternity and Legal Recognition. Unmarried fathers must establish paternity before they can pursue custody or parenting time. We guide you through the process so you can fully exercise your parental rights.
• Parental Alienation. Some fathers are unfairly cut off or undermined by the other parent. If you're being shut out of your child’s life through manipulation or interference, we can help you take legal action to protect and restore your relationship.
• Modifications and Enforcement. Life changes and your parenting plan should reflect that. Whether you need to modify an existing order or enforce one the other parent isn’t following, we help fathers navigate post-judgment issues with clarity and purpose.

Establishing Paternity in Colorado

If you're not married to your child’s mother, Colorado courts will not automatically recognize you as the legal father — even if you're on the birth certificate. To assert parental rights, you must establish legal paternity.

Legal steps to establish paternity may include:

• Voluntarily acknowledging paternity (both parents sign and file a legal form)
• Initiating a court action to establish paternity
• Submitting to DNA testing if paternity is disputed

Once paternity is established, you can petition for custody (parental responsibilities), secure parenting time, and gain a formal say in your child’s upbringing. It also means you may be subject to or entitled to child support.

Establishing paternity is the legal foundation for everything else — don’t delay this step if your child was born outside of marriage.

Special Considerations for Unmarried Fathers

Unmarried fathers in Colorado face unique hurdles. Unlike married fathers, you don’t automatically have legal rights just by being listed on the birth certificate or acting as a dad.

Key differences for unmarried fathers:

• You must establish paternity before petitioning for custody or parenting time
• The mother initially holds all parental responsibility until rights are formalized
• Courts may require additional evidence of involvement or fitness

We help unmarried dads take the necessary steps to formalize their rights, create enforceable parenting plans, and avoid being pushed to the margins of their children’s lives.

Protecting Fathers’ Rights During Divorce

Divorce often brings emotional and legal uncertainty — especially when children are involved. Many fathers worry about losing contact, influence, or fairness when custody is decided.

What Colorado fathers should know:

• Courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child — not gender
• Being proactive in custody negotiations and parenting plans is critical
• Financial transparency is essential for fair support orders
• Temporary orders (while the divorce is pending) can shape long-term arrangements

We advocate for equitable custody arrangements, protect your financial interests, and help ensure you remain an active, involved father throughout the process.

Parental Alienation: What It Is and What You Can Do

Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates a child to reject or fear the other parent, often through subtle or overt tactics. It can devastate a father’s relationship with his child — and courts do not look kindly on it when proven.

Signs of parental alienation include:

• Your child suddenly avoids or refuses contact with you
• The other parent badmouths you or discourages communication
• The child parrots adult-like accusations against you without real cause

Legal remedies may include:

• Seeking enforcement of parenting time orders
• Requesting a custody evaluation
• Modifying custody in favor of the alienated parent
• Mandating counseling or reunification therapy

If you suspect alienation, it’s crucial to act quickly — we can help you document the behavior and take steps to restore your bond with your child.

Why Legal Representation Matters

The legal system is complex. Even when the law is on your side, it can be difficult to navigate custody and parenting disputes without experienced help. Judges rely on evidence, procedure, and the strength of legal arguments to make decisions — not just your intentions.

An experienced fathers’ rights attorney can help you:

• Establish or defend your parental rights
• Build a compelling case for joint or primary custody
• Ensure parenting plans reflect your child’s needs and your availability
• Address unfair child support demands
• Prevent or respond to alienation or interference by the other parent
• Modify orders when circumstances change

At Johnson Law Group, we focus on helping fathers stay present, empowered, and legally protected — so they can continue being the parents their children need.

Get Help From a Colorado Father’s Rights Lawyer Today

You shouldn’t have to fight for your place in your child’s life alone. At Johnson Law Group, we’re here to stand with you — in court, in negotiations, and throughout your family law journey.

Whether you need to establish paternity, assert custody rights, or respond to unfair legal challenges, we’re ready to help you act and protect your future as a father.

Call (720) 744-3513 or contact us online to request your confidential consultation.