As a Colorado family law paralegal and legal template specialist with over 12 years of experience drafting parenting plans and allocation of parental responsibilities documents, I can tell you that one of the most searched-for items by parents going through divorce or custody cases in Colorado is a reliable, up-to-date Colorado divorce parenting plan template. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you exactly that—a completely free, SEO-optimized, court-ready parenting plan template that meets current Colorado requirements under C.R.S. § 14-10-124 and the Colorado Judicial Branch forms (JDF series).
I’ve helped hundreds of Colorado parents complete their child custody forms in Colorado without paying thousands in attorney fees for the initial draft. Below you’ll find the free downloadable Word template, detailed instructions on every section, and exactly how to file for custody in Colorado using the allocation of parental responsibilities framework that replaced “custody” and “visitation” in 2014.
Since 2014, Colorado no longer uses the terms “custody” or “visitation.” The correct legal term is now “Allocation of Parental Responsibilities” (APR). Every case involving minor children—whether part of a divorce, legal separation, or standalone custody action—requires a proposed parenting plan under C.R.S. § 14-10-124.
A parenting plan is a written agreement (or court order if you can’t agree) that spells out:
Judges in every Colorado judicial district (from Denver to El Paso to rural counties) expect the plan to follow the child’s best interests standard and usually start with the official JDF 1113 Parenting Plan form as a baseline.
Click here to download the free Colorado Divorce Parenting Plan Template (DOCX) – Updated November 2025, 100% compatible with JDF 1113 requirements.
This template is 18 pages when filled out typically and includes every optional section most counties want to see. I personally update it every year based on feedback from magistrates and district court judges across the state.
Start with the caption exactly as it appears on your Petition or Motion. Include the county, district court number, division, and both parties’ full legal names. If you are filing pro se, you will also check the box for “Affidavit of Service” later.
List every child under 19 (or still in high school). Include full name, date of birth, and current address. Colorado law applies until emancipation, which is usually age 19 if still in high school (C.R.S. § 14-10-115(13)).
Colorado separates decision-making from parenting time. You have three options:
Most judges prefer joint unless there is documented high conflict or domestic violence.
This is the heart of your Colorado divorce parenting plan. The most popular schedules I see in 2025 are:
| Schedule Type | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 2-2-3 | Mon-Tue with Parent A, Wed-Thu with Parent B, Fri-Sun alternate | Equal parenting time |
| 2-2-5-5 | Two days each, then five days each | Popular in Denver metro |
| Every other weekend + midweek dinner | Standard when one parent is primary | Traditional primary/secondary |
Be specific: “Parenting time shall begin at school release or 3:30 p.m. if no school” is far better than “after school.”
Colorado courts love clarity. Use a year-by-year rotation:
Specify who drives, where (public place if safety concerns), and what happens if someone is late (15-minute grace period is standard).
Include TalkingParents or OurFamilyWizard requirement if high-conflict. Many 20th Judicial District (Boulder) judges now mandate a co-parenting app.
Step-by-step filing process (current as of November 2025):
Source: Colorado Judicial Branch – Family Forms and Colorado Child Support Guidelines
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free Colorado divorce parenting plan template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and every case is unique. Always consult a licensed Colorado family law attorney or visit Colorado Courts Self-Help Center before filing.
If you found this guide helpful, download the free template above and bookmark this page—Colorado family law forms get updated almost every year, and I keep this resource current.
Need the Spanish version or a modification template? Let me know in the comments—I usually add them within a week.