Child Support
In Colorado, both parents have an obligation to contribute financially toward their child’s support. Each party’s child support obligation is calculated using a formula that takes into account several factors including:
The number of children being supported
Each party’s gross monthly income (pretax)
Any spousal maintenance or alimony paid or received by each party
The number of overnights the child spends per year with each parent
Work related child care costs
Health insurance premiums for the child
Extraordinary expenses
While there are child support worksheets available online, calculating child support may be more complicated than just plugging numbers into the worksheet. Calculating child support can be complicated by a number of unique circumstances including, but not limited to:
A party being self-employed
A party receiving income from multiple sources
A party being underemployed or unemployed
The parties exercise an unusual parenting time schedule
Whether you are the party paying or receiving child support, it is important to calculate child support correctly, which requires a clear understanding of the child support guidelines and relevant provisions. Under special circumstances, the court may deviate from the child support guidelines for good cause. If there is a substantial and continuing change in the parties’ or child’s circumstances that change after child support is ordered, the court can modify child support. The penalties for failing to pay court ordered child support can result in contempt of court or the loss of your driver’s license and/or certain professional licenses. At Frigo Joe Law, we can review your financial circumstances and provide the most compelling argument to obtain the best child support calculation outcome for you.
