Respondent parent is the term given to parents who have been named in an action by the State for alleged abuse and neglect of their children. They must “respond” to the allegations against them by the State.
In a divorce action the parties are either co-petitioners, or the petitioner and the respondent. The petitioner files the action originally and the other party must then respond to the petition.
Some parties think the court may act with favor towards the party filing the petition originally. I’ve not known this to be the case. Colorado is a no fault State – meaning no one is blamed for the divorce regardless of the circumstances that lead to the filing of the petition.
