The concept of a two-year limitation on seeking changes of parenting time in Colorado courts is a significant source of confusion among not only litigants, but also frequently among attorneys. The two-year “rule” comes into play most commonly as follows: if a party to a case has filed a motion to change the primary residence of a child, another motion to change the primary residence of the child cannot be filed for another 2 years after the first motion is decided. The exception to this rule is if the Court finds the child is endangered in the present environment. If the court finds endangerment to the child, changes to the primary residence can be made at any time, even less than 2 years from the prior order. The other area where a two-year limitation can come up is with grandparent visitation. Grandparents (and great-grandparents) can only request visitation every two years, pursuant to statute.
