Lafayette, CO Child Support Lawyer
Consult a Lafayette, CO child support lawyer when you need to navigate legal requirements and calculate payments. With over 30 years of experience, Danielsen Westhoff can provide the counsel you seek, and a Lafayette family law lawyer can ensure you are treated fairly. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with an experienced child support lawyer in Lafayette.
Choose Danielsen Westhoff to Help You Navigate Child Support in Lafayette
The Lafayette child support lawyers at Danielsen Westhoff, PC are committed to your family and protecting your child’s best interests. Our attorneys provide support throughout your case and ensure you have:
- Experienced guidance throughout each step of the process
- An advocate who can protect your rights and de-escalate disputes
- High-quality service from beginning to end
What is Covered by Child Support in Colorado
Both parents are expected to maintain their financial obligation to provide for their child after a separation or divorce in Lafayette, Colorado. Child support payments ensure the non-custodial or higher-earning parent makes regular payments to share in the costs of raising the child. This financial assistance provides for many of the child’s key expenses, such as:
- Housing-related costs
- Clothes
- Food
- Education-related costs, including daycare
- Health insurance and medical bills
- Expenses for unexpected events or for items that improve a child’s well-being
Child support payments are required until the child turns 19 or graduates high school, whichever comes later. At this point, parents are relieved of their financial responsibilities. Parents are not required to provide support for the cost of college unless they willingly choose to do so.
How is Child Support Calculated in Lafayette
Colorado uses the income shares model to determine how much child support is required. The lawyer handling your case can explain how child support is determined in Colorado and help calculate payments according to the formulas that the state uses. This determines what portion of a child’s costs each parent must contribute, and which parent makes regular payments to the other.
To calculate child support, Colorado starts with each parent’s gross income and then factors in any deductions that apply to either parent. Additionally, the amount of time the child spends with each parent and the child’s expenses are also calculated to determine the financial need of the child, as well as the quality of life they are entitled to. Finally, the courts look at each parent’s ability to provide for their child, so child support does not cause undue financial hardship for parents.
Modifying a Lafayette Child Support Order
Once child support calculations are complete and the court has approved them, it issues a binding child support order. Unapproved deviations from a court order could result in serious penalties and legal action against the parent not upholding their responsibilities. As such, it is important to hire a lawyer and follow the designated process when there is a valid reason to request a change to a child support order.
Modifying a child support order may be allowed when there is a substantial change in a parent’s financial situation. Colorado considers a 10% increase or decrease in income a large enough change to affect child support obligations, especially if the change is expected to continue. If this applies to your situation, work with a lawyer to complete the required paperwork, provide financial evidence, and take additional steps as required by the court.
Contact Our Lafayette Child Support Attorneys Today
Whether you are trying to determine child support obligations or trying to modify an existing order, the Lafayette child support attorneys at Danielsen Westhoff, PC are ready to help you through the process. Set up a free 15-minute consultation when you contact us today, and let us answer your questions.