In determining the best interests of the child for purposes of parenting time, Colorado courts consider several factors summarized below: 

1.     The wishes of the child's parents; 

2.     The wishes of the child if he or she is sufficiently mature to express reasoned and independent preferences; 

3.     The interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or her parents, his or her siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interests; 

4.     The child's adjustment to his or her home, school, and community; 

5.     The mental and physical health of all individuals involved, (except disabilities may not form the basis for denying or restricting parenting time); 

6.     The ability of the parties to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other party, (except the court won’t hold it against a party if they are acting out of safety concerns for the child, especially in cases where the child has witnessed domestic violence); 

7.     Whether the past pattern of involvement of the parties with the child reflects a system of values, time commitment, and mutual support; 

8.     The physical proximity of the parties to each (for practical concerns like drive time for exchanges, distance to school, etc); 

9.     The ability of each party to place the needs of the child ahead of his or her own needs.

For more information on these factors, see Colorado Revised Statutes §14-10-124.