Colorado Law Reference

An allegation alone is not a finding. The court must determine that the child's circumstances fit the state's legal definition.

In a formal dependency case, you have strong counsel protections at the first appearance and may request appointed counsel if you qualify financially.

CPS has investigative authority, but it operates within procedures and with family preservation as a recognized goal.

Emergency removal has specific legal authority and short timelines for court review. Not every removal is the same — the authority invoked matters.

At the shelter hearing you have due-process rights — the right to be heard, to be represented by a lawyer, to bring evidence and witnesses, to question the caseworker, and to ask the judge to return your child or place them with a safe family member. The agency must justify keeping the child in custody; you do not have to prove your own innocence.

The petition must state specific facts and a statutory basis. Vague allegations may be challenged.

You have the right to present evidence, confront witnesses, and be represented at contested hearings.

Services and supports may be available to help the family avoid removal or reunify after removal.

Before you answer, admit, or sign anything in court, the judge is required to tell you your rights and what happens if you give them up. If you were not advised, that can matter.

A court date is one step in a multi-stage process. Knowing which stage you are in tells you what the hearing decides and what may come next.

Your appointed attorney is your lawyer, not the court's or the agency's. You can expect communication, preparation, and advocacy — and you can raise concerns or ask the court for substitute counsel if there is a real conflict.

A 'no-fault' label does not mean 'no consequences.' Pressure to sign one is common; you have the right to understand exactly what you are admitting or agreeing to and to refuse until you have counsel.

You should receive written notice of every hearing and major filing. If you are not getting notices, that is a problem you can raise with the court and your attorney.

If your appointed attorney is not doing what you need — won't meet with you, won't look at your evidence, ignores your goals, or has a conflict — you can ask the court to replace them. Put the request in writing to the judge and be specific about what is wrong.

Everyone handling your case has ethical rules they must follow — your attorney must communicate and advocate competently, the agency's lawyer must be candid with the court, the judge must be impartial, and a GAL must represent their assigned role faithfully. Misconduct can be reported to the state bar or the judicial conduct authority.