Child Support
Colorado Springs Child Support Lawyers
Dedicated & Experienced Child Support Attorneys
At Aviso Law, we understand how important your children are to you. When it comes to divorce, questions of parental responsibilities and child support are often sensitive and difficult matters. It takes an emotionally intelligent and experienced child support attorney to handle them successfully. At Aviso Law, our child support lawyers are knowledgeable about child support matters, and we have the skills to make decisions that benefit you and your children. We truly care about your outcome and will work to provide you with individualized, quality representation.
In a divorce or legal separation with children, allocation of parental responsibilities, modifications of parental responsibilities, and child support modifications are determined by the Colorado court using a formula. This formula establishes how much child support you are entitled to receive or are obligated to pay. As with any formula, the numbers used are critical and often a source of conflict. Determining child support can be complicated, with several exceptions and conditions to general rules. Colorado Child Support guidelines are governed by C.R.S. § 14-10-115.
Key Factors in the Child Support Calculation Process
Navigating the complexities of child support can be daunting, but understanding how child support amounts are calculated can empower you during this critical time. In Colorado, child support is primarily determined based on the income of both parents, the number of children, and specific expenses related to the child's needs.
Here are some key factors that influence child support calculations:
- Parental Income: Both parents' gross incomes are assessed to determine their financial responsibilities.
- Time Spent with Children: The amount of time each parent spends with the children can affect the support amount, as more time may reduce the financial burden on the non-custodial parent. This aspect can involve complex negotiations, particularly if work schedules or out-of-state relocations impact visitation.
- Childcare Expenses: Necessary expenses for childcare, including daycare or after-school programs, are factored into the calculations. It's vital to keep accurate records of these expenses to ensure they are properly considered in the calculation.
- Healthcare Costs: Medical insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses for the child are also considered. This includes routine medical expenses and any ongoing treatments or therapies that the child may require.
- Special Needs: If the child has special needs, additional costs may be taken into account to ensure their well-being. This includes not only medical needs but also educational and developmental support.
At Aviso Law LLC, our knowledgeable child support attorneys can help you navigate the calculation process and ensure that your child's best interests are prioritized. We can also assist with modifications if your circumstances change, ensuring that your child support agreement remains fair and equitable.
Don't leave your child's financial future to chance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you through the child support process. By securing skilled legal assistance, you can achieve peace of mind knowing that a professional is advocating for your child's future financial stability.
The Influence of Colorado's Legal Landscape on Child Support
Understanding the intricacies of Colorado's family law is crucial when dealing with child support. Colorado's unique regulations, such as the Income Shares Model, play a significant role in determining the allocation of financial responsibility between parents. This model ensures that both parents share the financial obligations of raising their children in proportion to their income, promoting fairness and equity. Navigating this legal framework efficiently requires not just understanding the numbers but also interpreting how these rules apply to your specific situation.
In Colorado Springs, local courts may have variations in applying state guidelines, influenced by the community's socio-economic factors. Factors such as housing costs, local schooling options, and community support resources can impact court decisions. Engaging a knowledgeable child support lawyer familiar with the local legal landscape can provide a strategic advantage, ensuring that all relevant factors are considered in your case. Aviso Law's team offers insight into these local nuances and tailors their approach to meet the community's specific needs.
Military Considerations in Child Support Cases
Given Colorado Springs' strong military presence, it's crucial to consider how military service can impact child support arrangements. Military families often face unique challenges, such as deployments, relocations, and irregular income patterns, which can complicate standard child support calculations. Special considerations are given to allowances and other non-taxable military benefits, which may not traditionally factor into civilian income calculations but are essential when determining overall financial support obligations.
Aviso Law leverages its military experience to address these complexities effectively. Our team understands the nuances of military pay structures and the potential impact of deployments on custody and support arrangements. We aim to provide comprehensive support by anticipating and addressing these potential complications, ensuring that military families receive fair and equitable child support outcomes that consider their unique circumstances. This holistic approach fosters a supportive legal environment for military parents navigating the child support process.
To speak with our experienced Colorado Springs child support lawyers, give us a call at (719) 356-5552 or contact us online today.
Important Child Support Factors in Colorado
The primary factors used in the formula to determine the amount of child support are the parties' gross monthly income and the amount of overnights each party has with the children. The court will determine each parent's overnights based on the best interest of the child. Other factors that could impact the amount of child support include, but are not limited to, daycare costs, school costs, health insurance, and spousal maintenance. In addition to these foundational elements, the court may also consider extraordinary expenses, such as special educational needs or health-related costs that exceed standard healthcare provisions.
Child support can be complicated and can have a significant impact on your financial situation, but advice from the skilled attorneys at Aviso Law can help you cut through the confusion and make the right decision for you and your children. By understanding your rights and obligations, you can effectively plan your financial future and support your child's needs.
With our considerable experience, our child support attorneys can advise and represent you in all types of child support matters, including:
- Determination of the child support level
- Modifications in child support
- Enforcement of child support orders
- Paternity as it relates to child support
Modifying Child Support in Colorado
A child support order can be modified after a divorce if there is a substantial and continuing change in the circumstances. A substantial change generally means a 10% change in the amount of support ordered to be paid. A continuing change could include an increase or a loss of income, a child reaching the age of 19, and an increase or decrease in the amount of maintenance. It is important to seek the advice of an attorney to help you determine if you are eligible to modify child support. Modifications also address scenarios where a parent's financial circumstances have dramatically altered, such as due to unemployment or a significant increase in the cost of living, which can affect their ability to meet current child support obligations.
FAQs About Child Support in Colorado Springs
How Is Child Support Determined in Colorado?
In Colorado, the determination of child support payments follows the Income Shares Model, designed to equitably distribute the financial responsibilities of raising a child between both parents. This model considers both parents' gross income to calculate the child support obligations, aiming to ensure that children receive the same financial support they would have if the family remained intact. Factors influencing the amount include the number of overnights spent with each parent, healthcare expenses, daycare costs, and any extraordinary expenses known during the calculation.
The uniqueness of this process in Colorado Springs lies in how local courts interpret statewide guidelines, which can vary based on regional socio-economic factors. Therefore, working with a knowledgeable local child support lawyer like those at Aviso Law can help ensure that all pertinent factors, including those uniquely impacting your situation, are accurately represented and advocated for during the child support determination process.
Can Child Support Orders Be Changed?
Yes, child support orders can be modified in Colorado under certain conditions. If there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in either parent's income, or changes in the child's needs, a modification may be warranted. The legal threshold typically requires evidence that the change would result in at least a 10% shift in the child support amount for a modification to be approved.
It is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney if you believe a modification is necessary. The attorneys at Aviso Law are skilled at evaluating your situation and can guide you through the modification process, ensuring that the new support order accurately reflects the current realities and needs of your family.
What Are My Rights as a Non-Custodial Parent in Colorado Springs?
As a non-custodial parent, you have specific rights and responsibilities regarding child support and visitation. It's essential to understand that payment of child support and visitation rights are independent of each other. Even if the other parent denies visitation, you are still obligated to fulfill your child support duties, and vice versa. However, you are entitled to maintain a relationship with your child, and if visitation is being unfairly restricted, you may need to seek a legal remedy.
Aviso Law is committed to defending the rights of non-custodial parents, helping you understand your entitlements and obligations, and ensuring that any disputes about visitation or support payments are handled legally and effectively.
How Do Military Deployments Impact Child Support?
Military deployments significantly impact child support arrangements, especially in areas like Colorado Springs with a high military population. When a military parent is deployed, changes in income, deployment allowances, and shifts in parenting time can affect the current support order. Deployment may necessitate temporary adjustments to child support calculations to accurately reflect these economic changes without disadvantaging either party.
Aviso Law offers tailored support to military families navigating these complex changes. Drawing on their military background, they provide insights and strategies designed to ensure fair outcomes that consider the unique aspects of military life.
What Happens If Child Support Isn’t Paid?
Failure to pay child support in Colorado can lead to serious legal consequences. The state enforces child support orders through various measures, including wage garnishment, suspension of driver's licenses, and even contempt of court, which may result in fines or jail time. It’s vital to address any issues with child support payments proactively to avoid these severe repercussions.
If you are unable to meet your child support obligations due to changed circumstances, such as job loss or medical issues, it's important to seek legal advice immediately. Aviso Law can assist you in navigating the necessary legal process to modify your child support order, helping to ensure that your obligations align with your current financial situation.
To speak with our experienced Colorado Springs child support attorneys, give us a call at (719) 356-5552 or contact us online today.
-
Clients First
Every attorney will tell you they put their clients first. That is true for Aviso Law but it’s how we go about it that sets up apart. We understand the difference between being prepared and aggressive in courtrooms, while being understanding and pragmatic in client meetings. We believe in being realistic as well as easy to work with through all the phases of your case, both in and out of court; this saves you money and time while still receiving the service you deserve with the goal of achieving desired results.
-
Proven Success
To us, success isn’t measured by the years we’ve spent behind a desk but by the careers we’ve built, the contacts we’ve made, and the thousands of clients we’ve served to protect jobs, families, education, and reputations. We developed our careers in Colorado’s military and civil courts, successfully defending clients from all walks of life. We come highly rated by our clients and have received professional recognition for our work.
-
Breaking the Mold
We’re not your typical law firm. We don’t wear fancy suits (unless we have to in court) and we don’t hide behind big imposing desks. Reflective on our military roots, we strive to serve. We understand the legal process can be threatening and worrisome, which is why we work with our clients to get results. We aim to be respectful, diligent, and cost-effective while practicing the highest standards of legal representation.