Denver Child Support Attorney
Colorado Child Support Laws Explained
Every caring parent in the great state of Colorado, wants their child to have the best support and opportunities in life. That is one reason why divorce and single parenting can be so difficult. Here at the Denver Family Lawyers, our Denver child support attorney can help you protect your child’s future by advocating for a fair child support order. Whether you are a single parent or you are looking to separate from your partner, our experienced child support attorneys are here for you and your children.
Contact Our Denver Child Support Lawyers at (303) 225-3343 or Get in Touch Online for Dedicated Support!
What Factors Determine Child Support in Colorado?
The amount of child support awarded in any given case through Denver, is determined based on:
- the number of children,
- the gross income of each party,
- and the number of annual overnights the child or children have with each parent.
The base amount of child support in Colorado, is then adjusted to account for expenses such as health insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and a few other “extraordinary expenses.”
Calculating Child Support Payments in Colorado
Typically child support will roughly come out to 20% of the combined income of both parents with each additional child requiring another 10%. This support will be required until the child turns 18, but if the child turns 18 while still in high school the support must continue until they graduate. Additionally, if the child receiving support is mentally or physically disabled the support may last indefinitely.
50/50 Custody and Child Support in Colorado
One parent may be required to pay child support even if there is 50/50 custody in Colorado. According to family law, the state of Colorado uses overnight visits to determine the percentage of custody each parent has. That percentage is to determine child support payments.
A Guide to Denver Child Support Modifications
If you're a parent in Denver and your current child support arrangement no longer aligns with your circumstances, you may need to modify it. Here's a breakdown of the process, considerations, and why legal assistance might be beneficial.
Conditions for Modifying Child Support Orders in Colorado
Child support payments can be changed in Colorado, but this requires a legal motion that can only be made if two conditions are met:
- First, the change in the amount of child support must be substantial, meaning at least 10 percent or more per month.
- Second, the life event or reason for the change in child support must be permanent or ongoing (not temporary).
Common examples of a permanent or ongoing changes that could necessitate child support modification include:
- Losing a job
- Increase in childcare costs
- Increase in child’s healthcare costs
- Increase in the number of overnight stays child has with a particular parent
- The child has left home and is no longer living with the caregiver receiving payment
- It has been over three years since the child support order was reviewed
How to Modify a Child Support Order in Colorado
To initiate a child support review in Denver County, you must submit a written request to the county child support office overseeing your case. This request should include:
- A detailed explanation of the reasons for the review.
- A completed Income and Expense Affidavit outlining your current financial situation.
- Supporting documentation such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, and any other relevant financial records.
Please note that after the review, the child support order may be adjusted upward, downward, or remain unchanged. The review process can take up to six months to complete.
Helpful child support modification resources:
Can A Lawyer Help Reduce Child Support?
Each state has its own sanctions in location for managing child custody issues. Child support laws might vary extensively by state, so it is necessary to look for knowledgeable assistance in your child custody case. When one is facing child and child support problems, it is necessary to get the help from our knowledgeable family law attorneys in Denver, Colorado.
