Denver Child Support Lawyer
Each state has set guidelines to ensure adequate financial and emotional support for children. In Colorado, the guidelines are intended to provide the same level of support the children would enjoy if the parents’ marriage remained intact. The guidelines can be complicated and disputes over child support arise frequently.
If you need help with a child support dispute, contact VanLandingham Law to discuss your situation with our Denver child support attorney. We keep you and your children’s best interests in mind while providing reliable representation from start to finish.
Understanding Child Support Payments & Guidelines
Child support is a financial payment, generally awarded in a dollar amount to be paid by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent.
Parents have the option of negotiating and agreeing on child support payments on their own, outside of court. Their agreed payment must fall in line with the state’s child support guidelines and be approved by a judge. If parents cannot come to an agreement about child support, the court will determine payments for them.
Child Support Services in Colorado
What Does Child Support Cover in Colorado?
Child support payments are intended to cover:
- Childcare
- Educational expenses
- Medical expenses
- Health insurance
- Travel expenses
Factors That Influence Child Support Payments
When determining child support payments, the court considers factors such as:
- Each parent’s income and financial resources
- The physical, emotional, and educational needs of the child
- The standard of living the child enjoyed before the parents’ divorce
Can Child Support Payments Be Modified?
Yes, either parent can request a modification if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, such as:
- A 10% or greater change in the support amount
- A significant increase or decrease in income
- Changes in parenting time
- Changes in healthcare or childcare costs
A request must be filed with the court or through Child Support Services.
Consequences of Not Paying Child Support
If a parent fails to pay, enforcement actions may include:
- Wage garnishment
- Tax refund interception
- Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
- Contempt of court proceedings, which may result in fines or jail time
When Does Child Support End in Colorado?
Child support typically ends when the child turns 19 years old, unless:
- The child is still in high school, in which case support continues until graduation (but not past age 21).
- The child is disabled and unable to support themselves.
- The parents agree to continue support for a longer period.
Contact Us for Child Support Guidance in Denver
-
“He has a rare combination of professionalism and compassion. His experience and approach to the process allowed me to see things clearly and make the right decisions.”
- Jim N. -
“Very prompt, excellent communication skills, and did not sugar coat anything for my benefit which allowed me to see all sides and aspects of what may be to come.”
- Joseph A. -
“You´d be lucky to have Joe on your side in a family law matter of any shape or size - the man is super bright and hardworking...and most of all, he genuinely cares.”
- Jon A.
How Colorado Calculates Child Support
In Colorado, the total gross income of both parents is calculated. This includes income from primary employment, a second job, public assistance, a retirement plan, and any other sources.
To help clarify, here are some common types of income and factors courts consider in child support cases:
- Primary employment and self-employment: Courts account for earnings from all jobs or self-employment pursuits.
- Public benefits or assistance: This may include Social Security, unemployment, or disability payments where applicable.
- Retirement and investment income: Distributions from pensions, IRAs, and interest from investments are considered for support calculations.
- Additional sources: Other monies such as rental income, royalties, trust distributions, or workers' compensation can play a role.
- Health insurance coverage: Premium costs for children are included in the final child support amount.
- Daycare and extraordinary expenses: Child care, education, and other unique needs are factored into the court’s calculations.
A percentage of the total gross income of both parents is calculated, and a percentage is taken for child support. This percentage is about 20% for the first child and another 10% for each additional child. This amount is split between the parents.
Because each family law case is unique, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our Denver child support attorney to explore your options and seek guidance through this situation.
Navigating the specifics of Colorado’s child support calculations can be challenging, as factors such as health insurance costs, daycare, and extraordinary needs may impact the final amount determined by the court. If you are unsure about how your circumstances will affect child support, or you want to understand your rights and obligations more clearly, reaching out to a child support lawyer in Denver is an important step. The support guidelines used by Denver courts, including the Denver District Court, are based on Colorado statutes but require careful consideration of each family's financial details and parenting arrangements. Working with a child support attorney in Denver can help you ensure accuracy and advocate for fair outcomes during this process.
Need child support representation in Denver, Colorado? Contact our office at (720) 727-6563 to arrange a consultation with our experienced attorneys.
WHY HIRE VANLANDINGHAM LAW?
Your Family Deserves it
-
Attentive, Personalized Legal SolutionsWe work one-on-one with our clients to ensure that we understand their unique needs.
-
Extensive Experience in the CourtroomWe bring years of trial experience to the courtroom on behalf of your family's case.
-
Flexible Appointments and AvailabilityWe are committed to making ourselves available whenever you or your family needs us.
-
Compassionate, Family-Oriented AdvocacyOur sole focus is on protecting you and your family though effective legal representation.