Jefferson County Child Support Attorney

Jefferson County Child Support Lawyer

The concept of “child support” was created to provide a formal system of financial support for children impacted by divorce. Because one parent might struggle to afford a child’s basic needs when living on their own, the court ensures the other parent shares some of the financial responsibility by making child support payments. If you are in the process of divorce and need this type of arrangement, a Jefferson County child support attorney can help.

Your Jefferson County Child Support Attorneys

At Kinnett & Cordes, our law firm understands how stressful these moments can be. If you are the lower-earning spouse, you might be worried if you can care for your child after divorce. If you are the higher-earning spouse, you may have concerns over being taken advantage of and paying too much. Regardless of your role in this situation, our team is standing by, ready to take on your case and ensure your child’s needs are met.

What Factors Are Considered When Determining Child Support Payments in Colorado?

There are many different areas of a child custody case that must be examined before a final monthly figure can be determined. It’s important to understand all of these factors, as it can give you a sense of what you can expect to pay or receive after your divorce. Some of the most influential factors include:

• The Income of Both Parents
  One of the first areas the court will look into is how much money each parent makes. This is done by evaluating each parent’s gross income and taking away any deductions, like taxes, to understand their true net income. Once the court has this number for both parents, they will use this as the foundation for calculating how much child support is appropriate.
• Number of Children
  The number of children needing to be financially supported is another critical factor in determining payments. The spouse required to pay child support only has so much money, so determining how much they will pay is not as simple as just doubling what they would pay if there was only one child involved. Colorado has different guidelines for scenarios involving multiple children that use specific percentages to adequately determine payments.
• Custody and Visitation
  The amount of time each parent spends with their children will also have an influence on child support payments. For example, if one parent has been awarded sole custody, the other parent will likely be the one who has to pay child support. This is because the noncustodial parent isn’t directly responsible for the child’s basic needs like shelter, schooling, food, or clothes. The court will examine whether or not the noncustodial parent’s visitation schedule impacts child support.
• Specific Needs of the Child
  If a child has any special needs that have financial implications, this is another factor that will influence final child support payments. For example, if a child is diagnosed with a specific medical condition that requires ongoing treatment and frequent travel to other facilities, this increase in medical costs can be reflected in child support payments. The court will ensure the payments reflect the cost of raising the specific children in question.
• Childcare Costs
  Just because one parent has sole custody does not mean that the children will be under their constant care. The custodial parent may still have their own career they need to maintain to be able to support their child as well. When this happens, the court will assess the cost of daycare, after-school programs, or babysitters to ensure that these costs are fairly divided between both parents, as childcare is both parents’ responsibility.

FAQs

Q: What Can You Do If Your Financial Situation Changes After a Child Support Order Is Finalized in Colorado?

A: If your financial situation has changed after an original child support order was put in place, you have the authority to request a modification if there has been a significant change in circumstances. Some of the most common reasons why people request a modification are due to a change in their job status, a decrease in their annual income, or a last-minute need to relocate to a new area. Our team can help you present evidence that justifies your modification request.

Q: What Happens If a Parent Refuses to Pay Child Support in Colorado?

A: Anytime a parent refuses to pay child support, it can create a number of financial and personal challenges for the custodial parent and child. In these cases, enforcement measures can be taken by the court. This includes garnishing the non-compliant spouse’s wages, intercepting their tax refund, or even suspending their driver’s license until the outstanding balance is satisfied. Our child support attorneys can help guide you through this enforcement process.

Q: Can Child Support Payments Be Used on More Than Basic Needs in Colorado?

A: Yes, child support payments can be used to cover more than just basic needs like food and clothing. They can also be used to cover specific costs, like a preventative healthcare program or extracurricular activity related to school. As long as the cost can be attributed to the child’s overall well-being, it is generally allowed. This flexibility ensures that the child has access to opportunities similar to those they would have had if their parents remained together.

Q: How Long Do Child Support Payments Typically Last in Colorado?

A: Child support payments will typically continue until a child is 18 years old in Colorado. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the child is still in high school after turning 18, the court may order the payments to continue until they graduate. If the child has special needs, the court may also order payments to continue to ensure they receive adequate care that helps them better transition into adulthood.

Kinnett & Cordes: Child Support Representation in Jefferson County

If you need help securing a favorable child support arrangement in Jefferson County, contact our firm today. We would be honored to learn more about your family’s needs and how we can strike the right child support arrangement that covers your child’s needs adequately.