Colorado Springs, CO asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Colorado

Q: My ex-husband and I both moved to other states after our divorce. We both want to alter the custody part of the divorce.

how do we go about changing the custody agreement? the state we moved from is too far away to fly out just to alter one part of the divorce. I live in Colorado now and he and the children are in New Mexico.

2 Lawyer Answers
Sabra M. Janko
PREMIUM
Sabra M. Janko pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Colorado Springs, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: The state that issued the order no longer has jurisdiction since you both and the children have left. If the children live in New Mexico, that is the state that now has jurisdiction.

Cindy Perusse
PREMIUM
Cindy Perusse
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Denver, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: The state that issued the original order unless and until you request another tribunal (court) to take jurisdiction for one reason or another under a statute called the UCCJEA. But, as Ms. Janko said, if neither party or the children reside in the original state any longer then that is a basis to ask the new court to take jurisdiction. You would need to register the order in the new state in order to modify it in the new state. The two of you can agree to a new schedule and you can have that agreement approved by the court where the kids live.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.