Greeley & Erie Child Support & Parenting Time Attorneys
At Peek Goldstone, LLC, we understand that nothing is more important than the well-being and future of your children. When it comes to matters of child support, our experienced family law attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your children receive the financial provisions they deserve.
We know that dealing with child-related family law issues is among life's most challenging situations. Whether that involves child custody and visitation, child support, or adoption, decisions related to these matters will deeply impact your future and the well-being of your children. You can count on the knowledge, skills, and compassion we bring to every client in ensuring that your child-related issue is handled with the utmost care.
Need help with child support? Discuss your case directly with a Greeley child support lawyer. You can reach us online or at (970) 442-5281 to get started.
Child Support in Colorado
Child support is a legal obligation that ensures parents contribute financially to the upbringing and care of their children. It is designed to cover the costs of essential needs such as housing, food, clothing, healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities.
Child support aims to provide children with the same standard of living they would have enjoyed if their parents lived together. In that regard, child support is the child’s right and is not based on the desires or inclinations of parents. It applies to divorced and separated parents and parents who have never married and live apart.
The Determination of Child Support in Colorado.
In Colorado, the general rule is that the non-custodial parent is responsible for paying child support. This is the parent who spends the least amount of parenting time with the child.
Colorado guidelines determine child support. The Child Support Services Program provides a Child Support Calculator to determine child support amounts in Colorado.
This calculator considers relevant factors such as:
- Parental gross income
- Child income, if any
- Number of children being supported
- Parenting time percentages of each parent
- Health insurance and daycare expenses
- Alimony being paid or received by a parent
- Financial support obligations for children from previous relationships
The calculations help parents and the court understand expected financial obligations. An obligation derived from the calculation is assumed to be accurate. However, courts have the discretion to adjust the payment amount up or down based on the individual circumstances of each case.
Modifying Child Support:
Child support orders can be modified in certain circumstances. If a significant change in circumstances has occurred for a parent or child, such as a parental job loss, a substantial increase or decrease in income, or a change in custody arrangements, it may be possible to request a modification. These modifications are not automatic.
To modify child support in Colorado, you must file a motion with the court and provide evidence supporting your request for modification. This may include financial documentation, proof of changed circumstances, and other relevant information. It is strongly recommended that you consult with one of our experienced family law attorneys, who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
What Governmental Agency Oversees Child Support in Colorado?
In Colorado, child support is handled by the Child Support Services Program, a part of the Colorado Department of Human Services. This program is responsible for managing individual child support orders and ensuring that financial support is provided to children per state guidelines and laws.
The Child Support Services Program performs various functions, including:
Establishing Paternity: The program helps parents establish legal paternity, ensuring that both parents are recognized and responsible for providing financial support for their child.
Determining Support Amounts: The program calculates child support obligations based on the Colorado Child Support Guidelines.
Collecting and Distributing Payments: The program facilitates the collection of child support payments from the non-custodial parent and ensures timely distribution to the custodial parent or caregiver.
Enforcement of Support Orders: The program takes appropriate measures to enforce child support orders when necessary, using wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, and other legal avenues to ensure compliance.
Turn to Peek Goldstone, LLC for Comprehensive Child Support Help
If you need help seeking a child support order, determining a fair payment, modifying or enforcing payment from a delinquent parent, our team can help. Our Greeley child support lawyers are well-versed in the law, the court procedures, and helping you reach a fair outcome.
Consult with one of our Greeley attorneys by contacting us at (970) 442-5281.