The Harris Law Firm is proud to share that Senior Associate Attorney Jolyn Noel Belk recently authored an article for the April 2026 newsletter of the Boulder County Bar Association’s Family Law Section in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The article was published in conjunction with a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program presented by Blue Sky Bridge, a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center serving Boulder County. The educational program focused on child abuse prevention and the important role legal professionals play in identifying, addressing, and responding to concerns involving children’s safety.
As a family law attorney, Jolyn regularly works with parents navigating complex divorce, custody, and allocation of parental responsibilities matters. In her article, she examines the difficult legal and ethical considerations attorneys face when allegations of child abuse arise during family law proceedings.
The article explores several important topics, including:
- How Colorado law defines child abuse
- The role of family law attorneys when abuse allegations emerge during a case
- Mandatory reporting requirements and ethical considerations
- The involvement of the Department of Human Services and law enforcement
- Motions to Restrict parenting time and other court interventions designed to protect children
- Balancing child safety concerns with parental rights throughout the legal process
Child abuse allegations often present some of the most challenging issues in family law litigation. Attorneys must carefully evaluate evidence, advise clients on available legal options, and work within strict statutory timelines while prioritizing the safety and well-being of children.
“Child abuse often first comes to light in a domestic relations case,” Jolyn writes in the article. “Whether you represent the parent making the allegation or the parent defending against it, the information you receive at the outset needs to be handled with care.”
The Harris Law Firm is honored to support educational initiatives that help attorneys better serve families and protect children throughout the legal process. We appreciate the efforts of the Boulder County Bar Association and Blue Sky Bridge in providing resources and training opportunities for Colorado legal professionals.
To read Jolyn’s full article, click here.
