reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 3.3 - OFFICE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN (§§ 19-3.3-101 — 19-3.3-111) › Section 19-3.3-101 - Legislative declaration

(1)
The general assembly finds and declares that:
(a)
Child abuse and neglect is a serious and reprehensible problem in society;
(b)
The protection of children from abuse and neglect by applying prevention measures and observing best practices in treating children who are abused and neglected must be one of Colorado's highest public policy priorities;
(c)
The child protection system must protect and serve Colorado's children in a manner that keeps them safe and healthy and promotes their well-being;
(d)
The children and families served by the child protection system, as well as the public, must have a high level of confidence that the system will act in a child's best interests and will respond to the child's needs in a timely and professional manner;
(e)
To engender this high level of confidence in the child protection system, it is important that children and families who become involved in the system, mandatory reporters, and the general public have a well-publicized, easily accessible, and transparent grievance process for voicing concerns regarding the child protection system along with the expectation that those concerns, once voiced, will be heard and addressed in a timely and appropriate manner; and
(f)
To improve child protection outcomes and to foster best practices, there must be effective accountability mechanisms, including the review and evaluation of concerns voiced by children and families, mandatory reporters, persons involved in the child protection system, and members of the general public, that provide policymakers with the information necessary to formulate systemic changes, where appropriate.
(2)
The general assembly further finds and declares that the establishment of the office of the child protection ombudsman will:
(a)
Improve accountability and transparency in the child protection system and promote better outcomes for children and families involved in the child protection system; and
(b)
Allow families, concerned citizens, mandatory reporters, employees of the state department and county departments, and other professionals who work with children and families to voice their concerns, without fear of reprisal, about the response by the child protection system to children experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, child maltreatment.
Amended by 2015 Ch. 264,§ 14, eff. 6/2/2015.
L. 2010: Entire article added, (SB 10-171), ch. 225, p. 974, §1, effective May 14. L. 2015: IP(2) amended, (SB 15-204), ch. 264, p. 1031, § 14, effective June 2.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 3.3 - OFFICE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN (§§ 19-3.3-101 — 19-3.3-111) › Section 19-3.3-104 - Qualified immunity

The ombudsman and employees or persons acting on behalf of the office are immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacities, for any claim for damage to or loss of property, or for personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of employment, duties, or responsibilities pertaining to the office, including but not limited to issuing reports or recommendations; except that nothing in this section shall be construed to protect such persons from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of that person.
Amended by 2015 Ch. 264,§ 16, eff. 6/2/2015.
L. 2010: Entire article added, (SB 10-171), ch. 225, p. 978, §1, effective May 14. L. 2015: Entire section amended, (SB 15-204), ch. 264, p. 1032, § 16, effective June 2.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 3.3 - OFFICE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN (§§ 19-3.3-101 — 19-3.3-111) › Section 19-3.3-105 - [Repealed]

Repeaed and reenacted with amendments by 2014 Ch. 280,§1, eff. 5/29/2014.
Subsection (6) provided for the repeal of this section, effective July 1, 2016. (See L. 2014, p. 1135.)
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 3.3 - OFFICE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN (§§ 19-3.3-101 — 19-3.3-111) › Section 19-3.3-106 - [Repealed]

Amended by 2015 Ch. 264,§3, eff. 6/2/2015.
Amended by 2014 Ch. 280,§4, eff. 5/29/2014.
L. 2010: Entire article added, (SB 10-171), ch. 225, p. 979, §1, effective May 14. L. 2014: (1)(a) amended, (SB 14-201), ch. 280, p. 1137, § 4, effective May 29. L. 2015: Entire section amended, (SB 15-204), ch. 264, p. 1027, § 3, effective June 2.
Subsection (4) provided for the repeal of this section, effective July 1, 2016. (See L. 2015, p. 1027.)
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 3.3 - OFFICE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN (§§ 19-3.3-101 — 19-3.3-111) › Section 19-3.3-107 - [Repealed]

Amended by 2015 Ch. 264,§4, eff. 6/2/2015.
L. 2010: Entire article added, (SB 10-171), ch. 225, p. 980, §1, effective May 14. L. 2015: (4) amended and (5) added, (SB 15-204), ch. 264, p. 1027, § 4, effective June 2.
Subsection (5) provided for the repeal of this section, effective July 1, 2016. (See L. 2015, p. 1027.)
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 3.3 - OFFICE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN (§§ 19-3.3-101 — 19-3.3-111) › Section 19-3.3-108 - Office of the child protection ombudsman - annual report

(1)
On or before September 1 of each year, commencing with the September 1 following the first fiscal year in which the office was established, the ombudsman shall prepare a written report that must include, but need not be limited to, information from the preceding fiscal year and any recommendations concerning the following:
(a)
Actions taken by the ombudsman relating to the duties of the office set forth in section
19-3.3-103
;
(b)
Statutory, regulatory, budgetary, or administrative changes relating to child protection, including systemic changes, to improve the safety of and promote better outcomes for children and families receiving child welfare services in Colorado;
(c)
Results of the ombudsman's self-initiated investigation and ongoing review of the safety and well-being of an unaccompanied immigrant child who is housed in a state-licensed residential child care facility, as described in section
19-3.3-103
.
(2)
Notwithstanding section
24-1-136(11)(a)(I)
, the ombudsman shall distribute the written report to the governor, the chief justice, the board, and the general assembly. The ombudsman shall present the report to the health and human services committees of the house of representatives and of the senate, or any successor committees.
(3)
The ombudsman shall post the annual report on the office of the child protection ombudsman's website and the general assembly's website.
(4)
The ombudsman shall present or communicate quarterly updates to the board on the activities of the office.
Amended by 2021 Ch. 416, § 2, eff. 7/2/2021.
Amended by 2017 Ch. 154, § 6, eff. 8/9/2017.
Amended by 2016 Ch. 102, § 3, eff. 4/15/2016.
Amended by 2015 Ch. 264,§ 7, eff. 6/2/2015.
Amended by 2015 Ch. 264,§ 5, eff. 6/2/2015.
L. 2010: Entire article added, (SB 10-171), ch. 980, p. 980, § 1, effective May 14. L. 2015: IP(1), (1)(a), (2), and (3) amended, (SB 15-204), ch. 264, pp. 1028, 1027, §§ 7, 5, effective June 2. L. 2016: (2) amended and (4) added, (SB 16 -013), ch. 295, p. 295, § 3, effective April 15. L. 2017: (2) amended, (SB 17-234), ch. 521, p. 521, § 6, effective August 9. L. 2021: IP(1) amended and (1)(c) added, (HB 21-1313), ch. 2769, p. 2769, § 2, effective July 2.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 3.3 - OFFICE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN (§§ 19-3.3-101 — 19-3.3-111) › Section 19-3.3-109 - Review by the state auditor's office

At the discretion of the legislative audit committee, the state auditor shall conduct or cause to be conducted a performance and fiscal audit of the office.
Amended by 2016 Ch. 102,§ 4, eff. 4/15/2016.
Amended by 2015 Ch. 264,§ 8, eff. 6/2/2015.
Amended by 2014 Ch. 280,§ 5, eff. 5/29/2014.
L. 2010: Entire article added, (SB 10-171), ch. 225, p. 981, §1, effective May 14. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (SB 14-201), ch. 280, p. 1138, § 5, effective May 29. L. 2015: Entire section amended, (SB 15-204), ch. 264, p. 1028, § 8, effective June 2. L. 2016: Entire section amended, (SB 16-013), ch. 102, p. 295, § 4, effective April 15.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 3.3 - OFFICE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN (§§ 19-3.3-101 — 19-3.3-111) › Section 19-3.3-110 - Funding recommendations

The ombudsman shall make funding recommendations to the joint budget committee of the general assembly for the operation of the office of the child protection ombudsman. The general assembly shall make annual appropriations, in such amount and form as the general assembly determines appropriate, for the operation of the office.
Added by 2015 Ch. 264,§ 6, eff. 6/2/2015.
L. 2015: Entire section added, (SB 15-204), ch. 264, p. 1028, § 6, effective June 2.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 3.5 - [Repealed] COLORADO CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TRUST FUND ACT (§ 19-3.5-101) › Section 19-3.5-101 - to 19-3.5-107 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2022 Ch. 123, § 135, eff. 7/1/2022.
Renumbered as C.R.S. §
26.5-3-201
to
26.5-3-208
by 2022 Ch. 123, § 3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Ch. 335, § 1, eff. 9/7/2021.
L. 2021: Entire article amended with relocations, (HB 21-1248), ch. 2160, p. 2160, § 1, effective September 7.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-101 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Uniform Parentage Act".
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 793, § 1, effective October 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in
19-6-101
as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-102 - Parent and child relationship defined

As used in this article, "parent and child relationship" means the legal relationship existing between a child and his natural or adoptive parents incident to which the law confers or imposes rights, privileges, duties, and obligations. "Parent and child relationship" includes the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 793, § 1, effective October 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in
19-6-102
as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-102.5 - Terms defined

(1)
Any reference in the statutes, administrative rules, court rules, government policies, common law, and any other provision or source of law in this state to an "acknowledgment of paternity" means an "acknowledgment of parentage", as described in this section.
(2)
Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in this title 19 to "father" includes a parent of any gender, any reference to "mother" includes a parent of any gender, and any reference to "paternity" is equally applicable to "parentage".
(3)
Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this title 19, "natural parent" means a nonadoptive parent established pursuant to this article 4, whether or not biologically related to the child.
(4)
Any reference in the statutes, administrative rules, court rules, government policies, common law, and any other provision or source of law in this state to "spouse", "husband", or "wife", or to the plurals of such terms, are equally applicable to a civil union partner. Any reference to "marriage", "marital union", "marital status", "married", "unmarried", "wedlock", or any similar term is equally applicable to the status of being in a civil union or not in a civil union.
Added by 2022 Ch. 210,§3, eff. 8/10/2022.
2022 Ch. 210, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3).
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-103 - Relationship not dependent on marriage

The parent and child relationship extends equally to every child and to every parent, regardless of the marital status of the parents.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 793, § 1, effective October 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in
19-6-103
as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-104 - How parent and child relationship established

The parent and child relationship may be established between a child and the natural mother by proof of her having given birth to the child or by any other proof specified in this article, between a child and the natural father pursuant to the provisions of this article, or between a child and an adoptive parent by proof of adoption.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 793, § 1, effective October 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in
19-6-104
as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-105.6 - Amendment of proceedings - adding children

(1)
In any existing case commenced under this article, if it is alleged that another child has been conceived of the parents named in the existing case, that child shall be added to the existing case if at least one of the presumptions of paternity specified in section
19-4-105
applies for the purpose of establishing paternity and child support. The caption shall be amended to include the added child.
(2)
The party amending the petition pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall serve the amended petition with the new caption upon the other parties in the manner set forth in section
19-4-109 (2)
, the Colorado rules of civil procedure, or as otherwise provided in section
26-13.5-104
, C.R.S.
(2.5)
The party amending the petition pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall provide to the court, in the manner prescribed by the court, the social security number of the added child.
(3)
Proceedings under this article may be amended prior to the birth of the child to be added to the proceedings.
(4)
If a petition is amended pursuant to the requirements of section
19-5-103.7
, the licensed child placement agency involved shall receive notice of the action in the same manner as a party to the action.
(5)
A summons issued upon the amendment of a proceeding under this article shall contain the advisements set forth in section
19-4-105.5 (5)
.
(6)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, in any case where there exists more than one alleged or presumed father for a child pursuant to section
19-4-105
, a new case shall be commenced for that child to determine the child's paternity, establish child support, and address any other related issues. If it is determined that the child is the child of parents named in an existing case, the cases shall be consolidated into the initial action pursuant to rule 42 of the Colorado rules of civil procedure.
L. 2008: Entire section added, p. 1348, § 3, effective 1/1/2009. L. 2011: (2.5) added, (SB 11 -123), ch. 46, p. 120, § 6, effective August 10.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-105.7 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2014 Ch. 167,§3, eff. 7/1/2014 and applies to convictions occurring on or after July 1, 2013.
Added by 2013 Ch. 353,§5, eff. 7/1/2013.
L. 2013: Entire section added, (SB 13-227), ch. 353, p. 2060, § 5, effective July 1. L. 2014: Entire section repealed, (HB 14-1162), ch. 167, p. 587, § 3, effective July 1.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-107 - Determination of father and child relationship - who may bring action - when action may be brought

(1)
A child, his or her natural mother, or a man presumed to be his or her father pursuant to section
19-4-105(1)(a), (1)(b), or (1)(c)
or the state, the state department of human services, or a county department of human or social services, pursuant to article 13 or 13.5 of title 26 or article
5
of title
14
may bring an action:
(a)
At any time for the purpose of declaring the existence of the father and child relationship presumed under section
19-4-105(1)(a), (1)(b), or (1)(c)
; or
(b)
For the purpose of declaring the nonexistence of the father and child relationship presumed under section
19-4-105(1)(a), (1)(b), or (1)(c)
only if the action is brought within a reasonable time after obtaining knowledge of relevant facts but in no event later than five years after the child's birth. After the presumption has been rebutted, paternity of the child by another man may be determined in the same action, if he has been made a party.
(2)
Any interested party, including the state, the state department of human services, or a county department of human or social services, pursuant to article 13 or 13.5 of title 26 or article
5
of title
14
may bring an action at any time for the purpose of determining the existence or nonexistence of the father and child relationship presumed pursuant to section
19-4-105(1)(d), (1)(e), or (1)(f)
.
(3)
An action to determine the existence of the father and child relationship with respect to a child who has no presumed father pursuant to section
19-4-105
may be brought by the state, the state department of human services, a county department of human or social services, the child, the mother or personal representative of the child, the personal representative or a parent of the mother if the mother has died, a man alleged or alleging himself to be the father, or the personal representative or a parent of the alleged father if the alleged father has died or is a minor.
(4)
Regardless of its terms, an agreement, other than an agreement approved by the court in accordance with section
19-4-114(2)
, between an alleged or presumed father and the mother or child does not bar an action under this section.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 38,§ 64, eff. 8/8/2018.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 794, § 1, effective October 1. L. 89: IP(1) and (2) amended, p. 1247, § 4, effective April 1. L. 94: IP(1), (2), and (3) amended, p. 2687, § 209, effective July 1. L. 2018: IP(1), (2), and (3) amended, (SB 18-092), ch. 38, p. 424, § 64, effective August 8.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-107 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
For the legislative declaration in SB 18-092, see section 1 of chapter 38, Session Laws of Colorado 2018.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-107.3 - When determination of parentage is final - modifications - exceptions

(1)
(a)
An order determining parentage pursuant to this article shall be modified or set aside, within the time frames specified in subsection (2) of this section, if genetic test results based on DNA testing, administered in accordance with section
13-25-126
, C.R.S., establish the exclusion of the individual named as the father in the order as the biological parent of the child and the court determines that it is just and proper under the circumstances and in the best interests of the child.
(b)
If the court modifies or sets aside an order determining parentage pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (1), then the court shall modify the provisions of the order respecting child support for installments accruing subsequent to the filing of the motion pursuant to section
14-10-122(6)
, C.R.S., and may vacate or deem as satisfied, in whole or in part, unpaid child support obligations arising from or based on the order determining parentage. The court shall not order restitution from the state for any sums paid to or collected by the state for the benefit of the child.
(2)
(a)
A motion to modify or set aside an order determining parentage pursuant to this section must be filed within two years from the date of the entry of the order.
(b)
Repealed.
(3)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, neither a determination of parentage nor an order respecting child support shall be modified or set aside pursuant to this section if:
(a)
The individual named in the order acknowledged paternity pursuant to section
19-4-105(1)(c) or (1)(e)
knowing that he was not the father of the child;
(b)
The child was adopted by the individual named in the order; or
(c)
The child was conceived by means of assisted reproduction.
(4)
A motion filed pursuant to this section may be brought by the individual named as the father in the order and shall be served in the manner set forth in the Colorado rules of civil procedure upon all other parties. The court shall not modify or set aside a final order determining parentage pursuant to this section without a hearing.
(5)
For purposes of this section, "DNA" means deoxyribonucleic acid.
L. 2008: Entire section added, p. 1655, § 1, effective August 15.
Subsection (2)(b)(II) provided for the repeal of subsection (2)(b), effective July 1, 2011. (See L. 2008, p. 1655.)
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-107.5 - Required notice of prior civil protection orders to prevent domestic abuse - determination of parent and child relationship

When filing a proceeding under this article, the filing party shall have a duty to disclose to the court the existence of any prior temporary or permanent civil protection orders to prevent domestic abuse issued pursuant to article
14
of title
13
, C.R.S., and any emergency protection orders issued pursuant to section
13-14-103
, C.R.S., entered against either party by any court within ninety days prior to the filing of the proceeding to determine the parent and child relationship. The disclosure required pursuant to this section shall address the subject matter of the previous protection orders, including the case number and jurisdiction issuing such orders.
L. 95: Entire section added, p. 84, § 2, effective July 1. L. 99: Entire section amended, p. 503, § 14, effective July 1. L. 2004: Entire section amended, p. 556, § 14, effective July 1. L. 2005: Entire section amended, p. 766, § 30, effective June 1.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-108 - Statute of limitations

An action to determine the existence of the father and child relationship may be brought at any time prior to the child's eighteenth birthday by the mother or father of said child, by the child, or by the delegate child support enforcement agency. If, however, the statute of limitations in effect at the time of the child's birth was less than eighteen years, the delegate child support enforcement agency may bring an action on behalf of the said child at any time prior to the child's twenty-first birthday. An action brought by a child whose paternity has not been determined may be brought at any time prior to the child's twenty-first birthday. This section and section
19-4-107
do not extend the time within which a right of inheritance or a right to a succession may be asserted beyond the time provided by law relating to distribution and closing of decedents' estates or to the determination of heirship, or otherwise.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 795, § 1, effective October 1; entire section amended, p. 1587, § 59, effective October 1. L. 88: Entire section amended, p. 634, § 11, effective July 1. L. 89: Entire section amended, p. 794, § 19, effective July 1.
(1) This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-108 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
(2) Prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title in 1987, the statute of limitations to determine a father and child relationship was contained in § 19-6-108. The statute of limitations as contained in that section was changed by L. 85, p. 596, § 18, to eighteen years. For the statute of limitations in effect prior to the change in 1985, see § 19-6-108 as contained in the 1978 Replacement Volume 8 and in annual supplements thereto prior to 1985.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-109 - Jurisdiction - venue

(1)
Without limiting the jurisdiction of any other court, the juvenile court has jurisdiction of an action brought pursuant to this article 4. The juvenile court's jurisdiction includes concurrent jurisdiction with a dependency and neglect court, as set forth in section
19-3-205(1)
, to determine a parent-child legal relationship. A delegate child support enforcement unit also has jurisdiction to establish paternity in noncontested paternities in accordance with the procedures specified in article
13.5
of title
26
. The action may be joined with an action in another court of competent jurisdiction for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, declaration of invalidity of marriage, or support.
(1.5)
A paternity determination made by another state, whether established through voluntary acknowledgment, administrative processes, or judicial processes, shall be enforced and otherwise treated in the same manner as a judgment of this state.
(2)
A person who has sexual intercourse in this state thereby submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state as to an action brought under this article with respect to a child who may have been conceived by that act of intercourse. Upon filing of the petition, the court shall issue a summons. The hearing shall be set for a day not less than ten days after service is completed or on such later date as the court may order. In addition to any other method provided by rule or statute, including rule 4 (e) of the Colorado rules of civil procedure, when there is a basis for personal jurisdiction over an individual living outside this state pursuant to section
14-5-201
, C.R.S., service may be accomplished by delivering a copy of the summons, together with a copy of the petition upon which it was issued, to the individual served. Such service may be by private process server or by sending such copies to such individual by certified mail with proof of actual receipt by such individual.
(3)
The action may be brought in the county in which the child or the alleged father resides or is found, or in any county where public assistance was or is being paid on behalf of the child, or, if the father is deceased, in any county in which proceedings for probate of his estate have been or could be commenced.
Amended by 2021 Ch. 212,§5, eff. 7/1/2021.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 795, § 1, effective October 1. L. 89: (1) amended, p. 1247, § 5, effective April 1; (3) amended, p. 794, § 20, effective July 1. L. 94: (1.5) added and (2) amended, p. 1541, § 14, effective May 31. L. 2005: (2) amended, p. 378, § 4, effective April 22. L. 2021: (1) amended, (HB 21-1220), ch. 1129, p. 1129, § 5, effective July 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-109 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-110 - Parties

The child may be made a party to the action. If the child is a minor, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem. The child's mother or father may not represent the child as guardian or otherwise. The court shall make the natural mother, each man presumed to be the father under section
19-4-105
, and each man alleged to be the natural father parties or, if not subject to the jurisdiction of the court, provide notice of the action in a manner prescribed by the court and an opportunity to be heard. If a man who is alleged to be the natural father is deceased, the court shall make the personal representative of his estate, if one has been appointed, a party. If a personal representative has not been appointed, the court shall make the deceased man's spouse or an immediate blood relative a party. If a spouse or immediate blood relative is not known or does not exist, the court shall appoint a representative for the alleged natural father who is deceased. The court may align the parties. When the person to be served has no residence within Colorado and his or her place of residence is not known or when he or she cannot be found within the state after due diligence, service must be by publication pursuant to rule 4 (g) of the Colorado rules of civil procedure; except that service must be by a single publication and must be completed not less than five days prior to the time set for hearing on paternity adjudication.
Amended by 2016 Ch. 157, § 9, eff. 1/1/2017.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 796, § 1, effective October 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 954, § 3, effective May 28. L. 2006: Entire section amended, p. 517, § 4, effective August 7. L. 2016: Entire section amended, (HB 16-1165), ch. 157, p. 496, § 9, effective 1/1/2017.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-110 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-112 - Genetic or other tests - administrative subpoena to compel genetic testing

(1)
Upon motion of the court or any of the interested parties, genetic tests or other tests of inherited characteristics shall be ordered and the results received in evidence, as provided in section
13-25-126
. Upon agreement of the mother and the presumed or alleged father or fathers, genetic tests or other tests of inherited characteristics may be administered prior to filing of an action. If the action is then filed, the test results must be admitted into evidence as provided in section
13-25-126
.
(2)
(a)
A delegate child support enforcement unit is authorized to produce, issue, and serve a subpoena to compel a party in a juvenile court case to appear, at a specified location and time, for a genetic test sample that is collected for assistance in paternity determination. The subpoena must allow a lab-certified child support enforcement unit sample collector, an accredited genetic-testing laboratory company, a health clinic, or a hospital to conduct a buccal swab or other lab-approved collection method of the alleged father, mother, and child whose paternity is at issue. The sample may then be used for paternity testing purposes, provided appropriate chain-of-custody documentation is followed. Test results obtained through the subpoena may be admitted as evidence pursuant to section
13-25-126
. The subpoena may be served by first-class mail or by electronic means, if that notice preference by the party is documented.
(b)
If a party fails to honor the first subpoena, the delegate child support enforcement unit may issue a second subpoena or file the appropriate motion with the court to compel compliance with a judicial genetic testing order pursuant to section
13-25-126
. If the delegate child support enforcement unit issues a second subpoena and that subpoena is not honored, the delegate child support enforcement unit may file the appropriate motion with the court to compel compliance with a judicial genetic testing order pursuant to section
13-25-126
. A nonappearance default may be sought against a nonappearing party only after a judicial genetic testing order is not honored.
Amended by 2018 Ch. 389,§ 2, eff. 8/8/2018.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 796, § 1, effective October 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 254, § 11, effective July 1. L. 2018: Entire section amended, (HB 18-1363), ch. 389, p. 2322, § 2, effective August 8.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-112 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-113 - Evidence relating to paternity

(1)
Evidence relating to paternity may include:
(a)
Evidence of sexual intercourse between the mother and alleged father at any possible time of conception;
(b)
An expert's opinion concerning the statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity based upon the duration of the mother's pregnancy;
(c)
Genetic test results, weighted in accordance with evidence, if available, of the statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity;
(d)
Medical or anthropological evidence relating to the alleged father's paternity of the child based on tests performed by experts. If a man has been identified as a possible father of the child, the court may, and upon request of a party shall, require the child, the mother, and the man to submit to appropriate tests; and
(e)
All other evidence relevant to the issue of paternity of the child.
(2)
In any action brought pursuant to article 13 or 13.5 of title 26, C.R.S., the parties shall be required to use the laboratory designated by the delegate child support enforcement unit for genetic tests or other tests of inherited characteristics. Any subsequent test or other tests shall be determined by the court as provided in section
13-25-126
, C.R.S.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 796, § 1, effective October 1. L. 92: (2) added, p. 183, § 1, effective August 1. L. 97: (1)(c) amended, p. 562, § 9, effective July 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-113 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-115 - Civil action

An action under this article is a civil action governed by the Colorado rules of civil procedure. The mother of the child and the alleged father are competent to testify and may be compelled to testify. Sections
19-4-111(2) and (3)
,
19-4-112
, and
19-4-113
apply.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 798, § 1, effective October 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 254, § 12, effective July 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-115 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-117 - Costs

The court shall order reasonable fees of counsel, experts, and the child's guardian ad litem and other costs of the action and pretrial proceedings, including genetic tests, to be paid by the parties in proportions and at times determined by the court. In any action brought pursuant to article 13 or 13.5 of title 26, C.R.S., the final costs of any genetic tests or other tests of inherited characteristics shall be assessed against the nonprevailing party on the parentage issue.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 799, § 1, effective October 1. L. 92: Entire section amended, p. 183, § 2, effective August 1. L. 97: Entire section amended, p. 563, § 11, effective July 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-117 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-118 - Enforcement of judgment or order

(1)
If existence of the father and child relationship is declared, or paternity or a duty of support has been acknowledged or adjudicated under this article or under prior law, the obligation of the father may be enforced in the same or other proceedings by the mother, the child, or the public authority that has furnished or may furnish the reasonable expenses of pregnancy, confinement, education, support, or funeral, or by any other person, including a private agency, to the extent he has furnished or is furnishing these expenses.
(2)
The court may order support payments to be made to the obligee, the clerk of the court, in those cases in which the executive director of the department of human services has notified the state court administrator pursuant to section
26-13-114(5)
, C.R.S., that the judicial district in which the court is situated is ready to participate in the family support registry, through the family support registry, or a person, corporation, or agency designated to administer them for the benefit of the child under the supervision of the court. The court may not order payments to be made to the clerk of the court once payments may be made through the family support registry.
(3)
Willful failure to obey the judgment or order of the court is a civil contempt of the court. All remedies for the enforcement of judgments apply.
(4)
In making any order for support pursuant to this section, the court shall take into consideration the capability of both parents to provide support.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 799, § 1, effective October 1. L. 98: (2) amended, p. 766, § 16, effective July 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-118 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-119 - Modification of judgment or order

(1)
The court has continuing jurisdiction to modify or revoke a judgment or order:
(a)
For future education and support; and
(b)
With respect to matters listed in sections
19-4-116(3) and (4)
and
19-4-118(2)
; except that a court entering a judgment or order for the payment of a lump sum or the purchase of an annuity under section
19-4-116(4)
may specify that the judgment or order may not be modified or revoked.
(2)
The court may modify an order of support only in accordance with the provisions of and the standard for modification in section
14-10-122
, C.R.S.
(3)
The trial court retains jurisdiction to modify an order concerning child support or concerning the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities based on a change in circumstances during the pendency of an appeal.
Amended by 2021 Ch. 116, § 7, eff. 5/7/2021.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 799, § 1, effective October 1. L. 90: (2) added, p. 892, § 16, effective July 1. L. 2021: (3) added, (HB 21 -1031), ch. 451, p. 451, § 7, effective May 7.
(1) This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-119 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
(2) Section 8 of chapter 116 (HB 21-1031), Session Laws of Colorado 2021, provides that the act changing this section applies to any request to modify an order appealed on, after, or before May 7, 2021.
For the legislative declaration in HB 21-1031, see section 1 of chapter 116, Session Laws of Colorado 2021.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-120 - [Effective until 8/7/2024] Represented by counsel

At the pretrial hearing and in further proceedings, any party may be represented by counsel.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 799, § 1, effective October 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-120 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-120 - [Effective 8/7/2024] Represented by counsel

At the pretrial hearing and in further proceedings, any party may be represented by counsel or a licensed legal paraprofessional, but a licensed legal paraprofessional shall not engage in any tasks or activities that are prohibited by the Colorado supreme court pursuant to court rules.
Amended by 2024 Ch. 131,§ 24, eff. 8/7/2024.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 799, § 1, effective October 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-120 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2024 Ch. 131, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3).
This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-121 - [Repealed]

L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 800, § 1, effective October 1. L. 90: Entire section repealed, p. 1012, § 8, effective July 1.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-122 - Action to declare mother and child relationship

Any interested party may bring an action to determine the existence or nonexistence of a mother and child relationship. Insofar as practicable, the provisions of this article applicable to the father and child relationship apply.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 800, § 1, effective October 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-122 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-123 - Promise to render support

(1)
Any promise in writing to furnish support for a child, growing out of a supposed or alleged father and child relationship, does not require consideration and is enforceable according to its terms, subject to section
19-4-107(4)
.
(2)
In the best interest of the child or the mother, the court may, and upon the promisor's request shall, order the promise to be kept in confidence and designate a person or agency to receive and disburse on behalf of the child all amounts paid in performance of the promise.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 800, § 1, effective October 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-123 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-124 - Birth records

(1)
Upon order of a court of this state or upon an order issued and filed pursuant to article
13.5
of title
26
, C.R.S., or upon request of a court of another state, the state registrar of vital statistics shall prepare a new certificate of birth consistent with the findings of the court and shall substitute the new certificate for the original certificate of birth.
(2)
The fact that the father and child relationship was declared after the child's birth shall not be ascertainable from the new certificate, but the actual place and date of birth shall be shown.
(3)
The evidence upon which the new certificate was made and the original birth certificate shall be kept in a sealed and confidential file and be subject to inspection only upon consent of the court and all interested persons or, in exceptional cases only, upon an order of the court for good cause shown.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 800, § 1, effective October 1. L. 89: (1) amended, p. 1247, § 6, effective April 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-124 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-125 - "Father" defined

In case of a maternity suit against a purported mother, where appropriate in the context, the word "father" shall mean "mother".
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 800, § 1, effective October 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-127 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.
2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 19 - CHILDREN'S CODE (§§ 19-1-101 — 19-7-315) › Article 4 - UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT (§§ 19-4-101 — 19-4-130) › Section 19-4-126 - Uniformity of application and construction

This article shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this article among states enacting it.
L. 87: Entire title R&RE, p. 800, § 1, effective October 1.
This section was contained in a title that was repealed and reenacted in 1987. Provisions of this section, as it existed in 1987, are similar to those contained in 19-6-128 as said section existed in 1986, the year prior to the repeal and reenactment of this title.