Three Custody Challenges Pilots Face in Colorado—and How to Overcome Them

By Matthew Clawson. The Divorce Guy, Colorado Family Law Attorney

Pilots in Colorado—whether flying commercial routes, military missions, or charter flights—face unique challenges when it comes to child custody. Unlike many professions with predictable hours, a pilot’s career often involves irregular schedules, frequent travel, and logistical uncertainty. These realities can make it harder to maintain traditional parenting time arrangements, especially under the scrutiny of Colorado’s custody laws.

Fortunately, with proactive planning, good communication, and a flexible legal strategy, pilots can preserve meaningful relationships with their children while complying with Colorado's "best interest of the child" standard under C.R.S. § 14-10-124.

Below are three key custody challenges Colorado pilots often face—and how to address them.

1. Irregular Work Schedules

Most pilots don’t work 9-to-5. Flight schedules vary monthly (or weekly), often including overnight trips, weekends, and holidays. This unpredictability can make traditional parenting plans (like alternating weekends or a 2-2-5-5 rotation) impractical.

Solution: Structured Flexibility

• Create a rolling 30-day custody calendar, updated monthly when the flight schedule is released.
• Use shared calendars (e.g., Google Calendar or co-parenting apps) to coordinate changes.
• Schedule parenting time during off-peak windows—such as weekdays or non-holiday breaks—when the pilot is home.
• Include a fallback schedule in the parenting plan if no new schedule is submitted on time.

Judges in Colorado appreciate realistic, good-faith efforts to prioritize the child’s needs while accommodating a parent’s career.

2. Frequent Travel and Long Absences

It’s not uncommon for pilots to be away for days—or even weeks—at a time. These extended absences can strain the parent-child relationship, especially with young children who rely on routine and presence.

Solution: Maintain Connection During Absences

• Incorporate virtual parenting time (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom, text messages) into the custody plan.
• Emphasize quality over quantity when the pilot is home—build in extended visits or special outings.
• Develop family routines that can continue regardless of the parent’s location—like bedtime stories, journaling, or video messages.
• Schedule make-up parenting time for missed visits, to avoid resentment and ensure continued bonding.

Under Colorado law, courts value continuity and emotional stability, and judges often encourage creative solutions to maintain meaningful contact—even when physical time is limited.

3. Logistical Complexities

Being a pilot often means relying on third parties—like extended family, nannies, or childcare centers—to help during periods of unavailability. Coordinating care, drop-offs, and transitions on short notice adds an extra layer of difficulty.

Solution: Anticipate and Prepare

• Include a list of approved caregivers or backup childcare providers in the parenting plan.
• Build in procedures for emergencies or schedule disruptions, including how notice will be given and how transitions will be handled.
• Design a detailed, written custody agreement that addresses pilot-specific needs—such as delayed flights, standby assignments, or deployment orders (for military pilots).
• Consider a parenting coordinator or mediator to help resolve disputes without repeated court filings.

Judges in Colorado are more likely to approve a complex schedule if it shows foresight, cooperation, and a clear plan for the child’s care.

Final Thoughts

Pilots don’t have to choose between their careers and their children. With the right legal guidance, it’s possible to create a parenting plan that protects the child’s best interests and respects the parent’s professional obligations.

As a family law attorney with extensive experience helping clients in aviation and military professions, I understand the pressures and constraints you face. I can help you design a custody arrangement that balances structure and flexibility—and keeps your child’s well-being front and center.

Contact Matthew Clawson

If you’re a pilot—or co-parenting with one—and need help crafting or modifying a custody agreement that works in Colorado, I invite you to contact me. Let’s work together to build a plan that reflects your reality—not someone else’s calendar.

Matthew C. Clawson, The Divorce Guy
“I’ve worked with many pilots who were concerned that their unpredictable schedules would prevent them from having meaningful parenting time. The truth is, Colorado law allows for flexible, creative solutions as long as they prioritize the child’s best interests. With open communication and a customized plan, we can ensure your parenting rights remain in full flight.”

Colorado Springs and Denver-Based Airline Employers of Pilots:

United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue Airways all operate in and around Colorado. These major carriers employ a large number of commercial pilots whose custody matters may benefit from customized parenting plans tailored to the demands of their aviation careers.

Matthew C. Clawson

Colorado Family Law Attorney
Clawson & Clawson, LLP – Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience
Phone: (719) 634-1848; 303-550-9873
Email: matthew@clawson.law
Website: https://www.clawsonattorney.com/