Colorado Child Support Guidelines
Helping You Reach a Fair Determination of Child Support
Divorce affects families both emotionally and financially. Each state has a unique formula for determination of child support after divorce. In Colorado as in other states, you will need a good reason to deviate from the formula and not follow statutory child support guidelines.
At the law firm of Stowell, P.C. in Lone Tree, Colorado, we offer a free initial consultation to explain how child support is calculated.
Modifications to child support: Child support can be increased or decreased after your divorce if your financial situation changes. Our lawyers handle post-judgment modifications to child support.
Child Support Guidelines: How Is Support Calculated?
Under Colorado law, child support is determined using a worksheet/formula that considers several different factors. These include number of the number of children supported, each parent's respective income, as well as incidental expenses like healthcare, daycare and tuition. Child support is typically paid to the parent who has primary residential custody.
Some parents ask, based on their individual financial situation, to deviate from the child support guidelines and pay a less amount. Courts must have a very good reason to lower the amount; the court's primary focus is on the best interests of the children at all time.
Effect of Visitation on Child Support
In Colorado, the amount of visitation you have can affect on the amount of child support you pay. For example, if you have at least 92 days of overnight visits a year, you will use a different worksheet and pay less child support than a parent who has less than 92 overnight visits per year. However, Colorado courts are aware that some parents will seek just over 92 days of visitation for the sole purpose of thwarting additional support payments. The circumstances of each deviation from the child support guidelines are thoroughly investigated.
Schedule an Attorney Consultation
To discuss child support with a lawyer at Stowell, P.C., call 888-353-9358 or fill out our contact form. From our office in Lone Tree, Colorado, we represent clients in the Denver metropolitan area and throughout Douglas, El Paso and Pueblo counties.
