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On March 1, 2026, a significant change in Colorado family law took place as Governor Jane Doe signed a new bill aimed at reforming the state's child custody and support laws. The bill, known as the Family Law Reform Act, has been praised as a step forward in protecting the best interests of children and ensuring fair outcomes for families involved in divorce and custody disputes.One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a presumption of shared parenting in child custody cases. Under this new law, judges will be required to start from the assumption that children benefit from having equal time with both parents, unless there is clear evidence that this arrangement would not be in the child's best interests. This change is seen as a way to promote co-parenting and to reduce instances of one parent being marginalized in the custody decision-making process.In addition to the shared parenting provision, the Family Law Reform Act also makes changes to the way child support is calculated in Colorado. The new law aims to create a more equitable formula for determining child support payments, taking into account both parents' incomes and the actual costs of raising a child. This reform is expected to ensure that child support orders are fair and reflective of each parent's financial situation.Supporters of the Family Law Reform Act believe that these changes will lead to more amicable and cooperative co-parenting arrangements, as well as reduce the financial burden on families going through divorce. By prioritizing the well-being of children and promoting shared responsibility between parents, the new law is expected to result in more positive outcomes for families in Colorado.However, critics of the bill argue that the presumption of shared parenting may not be appropriate in cases involving domestic violence or other forms of abuse. They also raise concerns about the potential for parents with higher incomes to manipulate the child support calculation process to their advantage. Despite these concerns, the bill ultimately passed with bipartisan support in the Colorado legislature.Overall, the Family Law Reform Act represents a significant overhaul of Colorado's family law system, with the goal of ensuring that children's best interests are always the top priority in divorce and custody cases. As this new law goes into effect, it is expected to have a lasting impact on families throughout the state.