Colorado Spring Child Support Case? Protect Your Interests – and Your Child
When parents decide not to stay together, the financial support of any children they have together is one of the biggest issues that need to be resolved. Each party wants to know who needs to pay and how much, but determining these things can be incredibly nerve-wracking and confusing.
When going through a custody case in Colorado Springs, you need an experienced team to help you navigate the process and arrive at a fair place for all parties involved. At the Law Offices of Andrew Bryant, you can count on our skill and expertise to help guide you to a fair conclusion.
There is much to understand about Colorado law and child support, but you will never be left in the dark regarding your child support case with the Law Offices of Andrew Bryant by your side.
How Much Is Child Support in Colorado Springs?
In our state, the courts use something called the Income Shares Model to determine how much child support payments should come to. In this model, the amount of money that would have been spent on the children had the parents stayed together is assessed and then split between them according to their income.
In general, these factors are taken into account for child support:
- The financial resources of the children
- The emotional and physical condition of the children
- The financial resources of each parent
- The standard of living enjoyed by the children if the marriage or relationship had continued
- The needs of the parent with custody of the children
This is a long and complex process involving adjusted gross income rather than taking taxable adjusted income into consideration. There is a lot more that goes into child support litigation than simply plugging numbers into a calculator. Colorado judges are given broad discretion under the child support guidelines to make determinations about support.
Because of this, you need someone to represent you who will ensure the correct numbers are being used for child support calculations – and that any appropriate expenses are represented in the process. You put yourself at a large disadvantage in the process if you do not have an experienced attorney on your side.
How Long Does Child Support in Colorado Springs Need to Be Paid?
You are obligated by the state of Colorado to pay child support until:
- A child turns 19 and is a full-time high school student
- They turn 18 and graduate from high school
- They are emancipated from your care
If they get married or join the military, for example, then they are considered legally emancipated, and they will no longer be required to pay child support.
In certain cases, such as for children with severe disabilities, your obligations of child support can go past age 19 if needed. There is no limit to how long obligations to support your child can last merely in terms of age, which is something important for parents going through child support cases to understand.
Can You Agree to No Child Support in Colorado?
In our state, the courts have the final say on whether or not child support is to be paid. However, in circumstances where both parents agree to waive the obligation, the court may allow it. This is often the case when the parents have equal income and parenting time with the children.
If you are in a situation where you have relinquished custody of a child, then you are not required by the state to pay child support. You cannot, however, sever your parental rights to a child simply to avoid paying support. If you attempt to relinquish your rights and the court suspects this as your motivation, you will likely be denied.
Additionally, the court may disagree that child support obligations should be waived – even if both parents want them to be. The court must prioritize the child’s well-being, which can impact child custody, visitation, and support issues.
What Does Colorado Say About Extraordinary Expenses?
When child support is calculated in Colorado Springs, they do take into account extracurricular expenses or anything considered extraordinary. This can include expenses related to school, medical costs, and even vehicle expenses.
If something occurs that requires more money to support a child, contact an experienced lawyer to help.
Can One Parent Monitor How Child Support Is Used in Colorado Springs?
The state of Colorado says that parents of children do not have to prove how they spend the child support payments received. Why is that?
According to the state, child support payments directly reflect a child’s reasonable needs, such as shelter, food, and clothing. The court is not interested in monitoring how funds are spent as long as the child’s basic needs are met.
Can Colorado Child Support Orders Be Modified?
Under state law, child support modification can be requested in certain circumstances. Any modification of child support will be calculated in the same way that the original child support was calculated. You must have a substantial and continuing change to your income that alters the amount you can afford for child support by 10 percent or more to request a modification.
This is available to you because the courts understand that circumstances can change over time and that as children age, their needs also change. When major events occur, work with the Law Offices of Andrew Bryant to have your child support modified.
