Helping Broomfield Determine Child Support Obligations Based On Individual Circumstances
Child support is an issue of primary concern in any divorce involving children and in other legal actions involving children, such as paternity actions.
The intent of the Colorado child support laws is to ensure and protect the continuing financial well-being of children.
Understanding Child Support Guidelines
Colorado has adopted child support guidelines to calculate the child support, however each scenario is examined differently.
Calculating child support requires a thorough understanding of the innumerable and varied components in a child support obligation, including:
- Gross income of a parent
- School expenses
- Allocation of expenses between the parents
- Medical expenses
- Social Security benefit payments
- Employment status
- Other children and prior child support obligations
- Children with disabilities
How Gross Income Of The Parents Plays A Part
Every child support calculation includes an inquiry into the gross income of the parents. That inquiry may begin with a paycheck but can include more. In Colorado, income may come from sources like employment benefits, investment income, lottery winnings, profits and/or draws from self-employment, and other forms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Child Support
Colorado’s child support laws rely on detailed and complex guidelines. If you have questions or need clarity about your circumstances, the answers to common concerns can help.
Do I have to pay child support in Colorado if we share 50/50 custody?
It is possible. Colorado uses an income shares model that evaluates each parent’s gross income and the exact number of annual overnights. A 50/50 schedule does not automatically remove support obligations because the court must still maintain the child’s financial stability in both homes. When one parent earns significantly more, the guidelines often require that parent to pay support even with equal parenting time.
Courts also review documented childcare costs, health insurance premiums and extraordinary expenses to ensure the final amount reflects the child’s needs. Additionally, judges may consider whether either parent receives bonuses or irregular income that affects the guideline calculation.
How do I modify my child support payments in Colorado?
Colorado permits modifications only when a parent shows a substantial and ongoing change in circumstances that affects the current order. The change must alter the guideline calculation by at least 10% for the court to consider a new amount in Colorado. Common qualifying events include:
- Major income shifts
- Changes in parenting time
- Updated expense information
- New medical or educational expenses
A parent must file a formal motion and provide accurate financial documentation before a judge will review the request. Courts also examine whether the change is expected to continue, so temporary fluctuations do not trigger unnecessary adjustments.
What happens if my ex quits their job to avoid paying child support?
Courts in Colorado address intentional unemployment or underemployment by assigning imputed income when appropriate. Judges evaluate work history, education, job skills and available employment opportunities to determine what the parent could reasonably earn. If the evidence shows a voluntary reduction in income, the court may calculate support using that earning potential rather than the parent’s current reported wages.
This approach prevents a parent from avoiding responsibility through strategic employment decisions. A lawyer can present employment records, vocational assessments and wage data to support imputation and protect the child’s financial interests. Courts may also consider regional wage information when determining a fair earning level.
Reach Out To Us For Guidance Today
At Warkentine Law Office, in Broomfield, Colorado, leading attorney Brent Warkentine knows the nuances of Colorado law and how to properly calculate child support. Brent Warkentine has many years of practical experience in these matters and can take on the most complex cases. His more than 20 years of experience ensures that he is ready to take on any child support issue you may have.
If you need help to determine child support or related issue, contact our office to schedule a free, 30-minute initial consultation with an experienced lawyer. Call 720-443-5849 or send an email. We are located in close proximity to courts.
Learn more about how we can help you pursue past-due child support.