In Colorado, thousands of good fathers are losing their children—not because they’re unfit, but because of bias, broken systems, and unchecked judicial power. Family courts are using unproven allegations and decades-old criminal records to rip children from their fathers’ lives. We are demanding an end to this injustice, including removing immunity for judges who act with bias or misconduct. If you believe children deserve both parents, sign now and help us demand reform.

To: Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado General Assembly, the Colorado Judicial Branch, and the Office of the Child’s Representative

We, the undersigned, demand immediate and lasting reform to Colorado’s family court system, which routinely discriminates against fathers and places children at risk of emotional trauma.

Too often, fathers walk into courtrooms already presumed guilty—not because of evidence, but because of gender stereotypes, outdated laws, and judicial discretion unchecked by accountability.

📊 In Colorado, more than 75% of custody cases award primary physical custody to mothers, while only about 10% go to fathers—despite increased father involvement and national research showing children benefit most from shared custody.

🚨 False or exaggerated allegations—especially of abuse or neglect—are increasingly being used in custody battles. Colorado laws, including House Bill 24-1350, now allow courts to act on these accusations without requiring verified evidence before making life-changing decisions. Fathers often lose visitation or custody based on nothing more than a claim.

Meanwhile, fathers with criminal records older than five years—even non-violent or unrelated to children—are labeled as “unfit” despite rehabilitation, employment, therapy, and years of responsible parenting. This ignores the very premise of criminal justice: that people can grow, change, and contribute.

 All too many children are suffering because of this. Not only locally in Colorado but nationally and internationally  

 “My son cries when I drop him off. He asks why he can’t stay with me. I’ve done everything right. I’ve never been arrested, I have a job, and I love him. But the court treated me like I didn’t matter.” – Colorado Father, 2024

 “I had a misdemeanor in my early 20s. I’m 38 now. I have two degrees, a career, and a clean record—but the judge still brought up that charge to question my parenting.”

We are not asking for favoritism—we are asking for fairness.

We demand the following reforms to protect children and uphold the rights of all parents:

REFORM DEMANDS:

1. End the use of unverified allegations as grounds for custody loss. Require clear and convincing evidence before restricting parental rights.
2. 
   Prohibit courts from using criminal records older than 5 years unless they directly relate to child endangerment. Courts must consider evidence of rehabilitation.
3. 
   Mandate equal legal standing for both mothers and fathers at the beginning of every custody case.
4. 
   Create an independent oversight board for family court judges. This board must be empowered to review complaints of bias, misconduct, and unjust rulings.
5. 
   REMOVE JUDICIAL IMMUNITY in cases of proven misconduct or discrimination. No judge should be above accountability when their actions cause lasting harm to families.
   Fund legal aid and advocacy programs for underrepresented fathers. Equal justice must be accessible, not just theoretical.

Colorado children need both parents. Biased courts and unchecked judicial authority are tearing families apart, punishing good fathers, and setting damaging legal precedents. It’s time for real change, not just promises.

Please stand with us. Sign this petition and demand that Colorado protect parental rights, judicial fairness, and—most importantly—the best interest of our children.

Please add your name and help us fight for fairness in Colorado family courts.

#ColoradoFathers #JudicialReform #FamilyCourtAccountability #LetDadsParent