Emergency Family-Law Resources in Colorado

Temporary orders involving children

Colorado does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Ex parte orders are limited and the court and the county matter. Use the District Court interim / emergency procedure and county forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.

A parent can request interim parenting time through the District Court procedure. For an immediate threat, a civil protection order petition is a separate, faster route.

Protection orders (C.R.S. § 13-14)

A Colorado civil protection order is issued under C.R.S. § 13-14-102. A judge can issue a temporary (ex parte) order without the respondent present; it takes effect immediately. The hearing for a permanent protection order must be set not more than 14 days after the issuance of the temporary order and citation (C.R.S. § 13-14-104.5). At the hearing, the petitioner must prove the order should remain by a preponderance of the evidence. Obey every term; only the issuing court can change it.

Colorado child protective (county CPS)

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437) (24/7) or to local law enforcement. Colorado's child welfare system is state-supervised and county-administered. A report can lead to a county CPS investigation. An unfounded report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end parenting time or decision-making responsibilities.