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

By Matthew C. Clawson, Colorado Family Law Attorney

We represent pilots and military aviators in complex custody and parenting time cases throughout Parker, Colorado Springs, Lone Tree, Castle Rock, Pueblo, and Denver. Pilots in Colorado face unique challenges when navigating child custody because their work schedules include irregular hours, frequent travel, and unpredictable duty assignments. These realities can make traditional parenting plans difficult to maintain under Colorado’s best interest of the child standard set forth in C.R.S. § 14-10-124.

With proactive planning, clear communication, and a flexible legal approach, it is possible for pilots to maintain strong, meaningful relationships with their children while meeting the demands of their aviation careers.

Below are three major custody challenges Colorado pilots often face and effective strategies to address them.

1. Irregular Work Schedules

Pilots rarely work a standard daytime schedule. Monthly flight rotations may include overnights, weekends, holidays, and last minute changes. A traditional parenting schedule, such as alternating weekends or a 2-2-5-5 pattern, often does not fit the realities of aviation.

Solution: Structured Flexibility

• Create a rolling 30 day parenting calendar updated each month when the flight schedule is released.
• Use shared calendars or co parenting apps to coordinate schedule changes.
• Schedule parenting time during off peak periods such as weekdays or times of lower flight volume.
• Include a fallback schedule that applies if the monthly schedule is not provided on time.

Colorado judges favor parenting plans that are realistic, child centered, and cooperative.

2. Frequent Travel and Long Absences

Pilots often travel for several days or weeks at a time. Long absences can be challenging for children, particularly young children who rely on consistent routines.

Solution: Maintain Connection During Absences

• Incorporate virtual parenting time such as FaceTime, Zoom, messaging, or shared digital activities.
• Focus on high quality, meaningful in person time when the pilot is home.
• Establish simple traditions like bedtime stories, video messages, or journaling together that can continue regardless of location.
• Provide makeup parenting time when absences occur due to unavoidable work obligations.

Colorado courts value emotional continuity and encourage creative solutions to support parent child bonding during extended separations.

3. Logistical Complexities

Pilots often rely on childcare providers, extended family, or nannies when away on assignment. Coordinating transitions and handling delays, standby assignments, and schedule disruptions can be challenging.

Solution: Anticipate and Prepare

• Include a list of approved caregivers or backup providers in the parenting plan.
• Establish clear procedures for emergencies, flight delays, and unexpected schedule changes.
• Draft a parenting plan that includes pilot specific issues such as standby shifts, irregular rotations, or deployment orders for military aviators.
• Use a parenting coordinator or mediator if needed to resolve disputes quickly.

Colorado judges are more likely to approve a detailed, complex parenting plan if it demonstrates cooperation and careful planning.

Final Thoughts

Pilots do not have to choose between their careers and their children. With thoughtful planning and experienced legal guidance, it is possible to create a custody arrangement that respects the child’s best interests and the realities of a pilot’s schedule.

As a family law attorney who regularly represents commercial, charter, and military pilots, I understand the demands of aviation careers and the unique custody challenges they create. I can help you craft a customized parenting plan that supports both stability and flexibility.

Quote for Emphasis

“I have worked with many pilots who feared that inconsistent flight schedules would interfere with meaningful parenting time. Colorado law allows flexible and creative parenting plans when they serve the child’s best interests. With open communication and thoughtful planning, your parenting rights can remain in full flight.”

If you are a pilot, or co parenting with one, and need help creating or modifying a custody plan, contact me for a confidential consultation.
 

Forbes rated Matthew C. Clawson as one of the best attorneys in Colorado. U.S. News & World Report recognizes Matthew and Clawson & Clawson LLP as one of the Best Law Firms in America. Matthew has also been honored by Colorado Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. Our family law attorneys have years of experience helping clients navigate the Colorado legal system. We understand Colorado divorce and family law inside and out, from complex high net worth property and child custody cases to simple child support modifications.

We can be reached at www.clawsonattorney.com, and Matthew can be contacted directly at Matthew@clawson.law. For more information about our top rated legal services, fill out our online form or call 719 471 7050 or 303 805 9353 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Legal Disclaimer-This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content or contacting the author does not create an attorney client relationship. Legal outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case and Colorado laws may change over time. You should consult an attorney for guidance tailored to your circumstances. No guarantee is made regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided

Colorado Springs and Denver Based Airline Employers of Pilots

Many Colorado pilots work for major carriers including:

• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue Airways

These carriers employ a large number of pilots whose custody arrangements often require specialized aviation focused parenting plans.

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/