How Child Support Works
Colorado parents have the option of reaching a child support agreement on their own or to have it decided by the court. Child support obligations are based on both parents’ incomes, certain expenses that are paid for the benefit of the children, and the number of overnights that each parent enjoys. Child support is designed to assist the receiving party in covering the children’s reasonable needs.
Estimating Colorado Child Support Payments
Colorado uses its own set of child support guidelines to calculate a rough estimate of how much a parent could be expected to contribute toward the support of a child. The child support calculator can be used by the parents to reach agreements on the amount of child support. If the parents want to agree to an alternate amount of child support, they will need to show the court the alternate amount is in the best interests of the children. Parents need to show the alternate amount is for cause because judges want to make sure parents are not waiving/reducing support that is meant to benefit the children.
If you need help navigating child support, contact our family attorneys in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction.