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Even when a court has ordered child support, that doesn’t mean the checks will come. And if you’re the one raising the child, those missed payments can feel like a betrayal—not just of your rights, but of your child’s needs.

If you’re tired of chasing what’s legally owed, you’re not alone. There are legal steps you can take, and you don’t have to take them by yourself. A trusted Colorado Springs, CO child support lawyer at The Law Office of Andrew Bryant can help you take action, hold the other parent accountable, and fight for the support your child deserves.

Understanding Colorado Child Support Orders and Enforcement Rights

A child support order is a court-ordered obligation under Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-115. It doesn’t matter if the other parent is mad, broke, or simply avoiding responsibility—if they’re not paying, they’re violating a court order.

These orders are enforceable for as long as they’re active, and a Colorado Springs family law lawyer can help you handle what enforcement looks like based on your unique case.

Common Reasons Child Support Is Not Paid in Colorado

Sometimes the paying parent loses their job or has a legitimate hardship. Other times, they just refuse out of anger or spite. Either way, excuses don’t change the fact that your child still needs support.

Here are some of the most common reasons child support goes unpaid in Colorado:

• Job loss or reduced income
• Disputes over custody or visitation rights
• Intentional refusal to pay out of anger or resentment
• Belief that the child doesn’t need the money
• Undocumented income or attempts to hide earnings
• Mistaken belief that payments aren’t required anymore
• Relocation or attempts to avoid legal responsibilities

Whether the missed payments started recently or have been building for years, you’re entitled to take legal action. A Colorado Springs family law attorney can help cut through the excuses and push the court to take action.

How Long Does It Take to Enforce a Child Support Order in Colorado?

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. If the other parent is working and can be found, things like wage garnishment or license suspension can happen quickly. But if they’ve skipped town or are hiding income, it might take longer.

Still, time matters. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to recover what’s owed. A lawyer can help you move fast and follow the right legal channels from the start.

Legal Methods to Enforce a Child Support Order in Colorado

Colorado courts offer several powerful enforcement tools, including:

• Wage Garnishment: Withholding child support directly from paychecks
• Tax Refund Intercepts: Seizing federal or state tax refunds to pay arrears
• Contempt of Court: Penalizing deliberate non-payment, even with jail time
• License Suspension: Including driver’s, professional, and even recreational licenses
• Liens: Placing claims on property or financial accounts

These aren’t DIY actions—you need legal filings and court approval. That’s why having a Colorado Springs family lawyer in your corner can make the process smoother and more effective.

Modifying a Child Support Order During Enforcement in Colorado

Enforcement doesn’t mean the order can’t be changed. If either parent experiences a substantial and ongoing change in income, a formal modification request can be filed.

But here’s the catch: the paying parent can’t just stop paying because they think the order should be different. Until a judge approves a change, the original order stands. Your child support attorney can help protect you from stalling tactics and push for what’s fair.

Enforcing Colorado Child Support When the Other Parent Moves Out of State

If the paying parent has left Colorado, your rights don’t end at the state line. Thanks to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), child support orders can be enforced across state borders.

Whether they’re in Texas, Nebraska, or anywhere else, a Colorado Springs child support attorney can coordinate with the appropriate agencies to pursue back payments and file enforcement actions where needed.

Contact a Colorado Springs Child Support Attorney Today

You shouldn’t have to chase down support that’s already been ordered. If you’re dealing with missed payments, delays, or out-of-state issues, it’s time to get help.

The Law Office of Andrew Bryant has been named to The Gazette’s Best of the Springs list six times and recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Martindale-Hubbell for trusted legal service. Families across Colorado Springs turn to him for honest guidance and strong results.

Call (719) 634-7353 or contact us online to speak with a Colorado Springs family law attorney who’s ready to fight for what your child deserves.