Child Support

Boulder County Child Support Lawyer

We Will Protect Your Child’s Future in Colorado

When two married parents of minor children decide to divorce, the issue of child support should be considered. Colorado State law mandates that the amount of child support to be paid will be determined by certain statutory guidelines. Among other factors, these guidelines typically take into account the gross income of both parents, various expenses such as healthcare and childcare, and the number of overnight stays the child/children spend with each parent.

At Barre M. Sakol, P.C., our Boulder child support attorney can help you understand the various guidelines that apply in your child support case. Barre will work to secure reasonable, fair payments that prioritize the best interests of your child/children. We have helped numerous individuals over the course of more than 40 years in practice, offering reliable legal counsel and outstanding representation.

Child support involves more than just financial payments. It includes understanding the child's emotional and developmental needs and ensuring that both parents contribute equitably according to their financial capabilities. We also dive into less obvious factors that could influence support arrangements—such as parental educational contributions and extracurricular activities that are essential to a child's development. With our deep understanding of Colorado laws, we guide clients through the complexities involved, tailoring strategies that reflect each family’s unique circumstances.

Call us today at (720) 999-9506 to schedule your free initial consultation with our experienced Boulder child support attorneys!

How Child Support is Calculated in Colorado?

Colorado follows the Income Shares Model, which estimates the amount parents would have spent on their children had they remained together. The calculation takes into account both parents’ gross incomes, expenses related to childcare, medical costs, and other relevant financial factors. A Boulder County child support lawyer can provide a thorough analysis of income sources, potential deductions, and special considerations that may impact the final child support order.

Some of the key factors considered in child support calculations include:

Gross monthly income of both parents, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment earnings
Number of overnights each parent has with the child
Healthcare expenses, including insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs
Childcare costs necessary for employment or education
Educational expenses, including tuition and school-related fees
Special needs or extraordinary medical expenses of the child

How Long Does Child Support Payments Last?

While every situation is different, child support payments are typically required until the child is emancipated, either on his or her 19th birthday or when the child graduates high school. Certain circumstances may result in a parent no longer having to make child support payments, even if the child is not emancipated.

Child support is no longer required if a child is not yet 19 or graduated from high school but is:

Married
Enlisted in the military
Financially independent

Likewise, child support may extend beyond the age of majority if a child has special needs and the proper child support obligation is put into place before the child turns 19. Additionally, adjustments to child support payments can be made if a situation changes and previously agreed-upon payments are no longer fair or reasonable.

How to Modify a Child Support Order?

It's important to understand that child support orders can be modified if there are significant changes in circumstances, such as a change in income, a change in the child's needs, or a change in custody arrangements. Our experienced Boulder County child support attorneys can help you navigate the process of modifying child support orders to ensure that they accurately reflect your current situation and the best interests of your child.

Some common reasons for seeking child support modification include:

Loss of job or decrease in income
Increase in the child's financial needs
Change in custody arrangements
Healthcare or educational expenses

Our legal team has the knowledge and ability to guide you through the child support modification process and advocate for the best possible outcome for you and your child.

How to Enforce Child Support Orders?

When a parent fails to meet their child support obligations, enforcement actions may be necessary. Colorado has strict measures in place to ensure compliance, and a Boulder County child support lawyer can help enforce child support orders through:

Wage garnishments
Interception of tax refunds
Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
Contempt of court proceedings, which could result in fines or jail time

If a parent is struggling to collect child support, legal intervention may be the most effective way to secure the financial support owed to their child.

Our Experienced Boulder Child Support Lawyers Can Help

Having an experienced Boulder child support lawyer on your side can make all the difference in a successful resolution to your legal family matter. Barre’s 40+ years in practice have afforded him the ability to skillfully navigate a wide range of family law and divorce-related matters, including child custody. We have received an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, a national attorney peer rating system that recognizes exceptional legal ability and high ethical standards.

An often overlooked aspect is the lawyer's ability to blend empathy with strategic insight. Our practice emphasizes building strong client-lawyer relationships, founded on trust and open communication. Recognizing the stressful nature of child support and custody disputes, we ensure that our clients are thoroughly informed and supported every step of the way. This approach not only prepares clients for legal proceedings but also empowers them to make informed decisions that align with their family's best interests.

Find out how an attorney can help you with your child support issue—call Barre M. Sakol, P.C. at (720) 999-9506 or complete our online form to get started with a complimentary consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Boulder

What Factors Determine the Amount of Child Support in Boulder?

In Boulder, the calculation of child support is influenced by a range of factors including each parent's gross income, the number of overnight stays each parent has with the child, and the needs of the child such as education and healthcare. Colorado uses a specific formula to ensure fairness and equitability. Additional considerations may include work-related child care expenses and any applicable extraordinary medical costs. Our attorneys at Barre M. Sakol, P.C. are adept at navigating these calculations, ensuring that all unique circumstances are accounted for and that the final arrangement aligns with legal standards and the well-being of the child.

How Does a Change in Circumstances Affect My Child Support?

When significant changes in circumstances occur, such as a drastic change in income or a change in the child's needs, modifications to the existing support order may be warranted. Colorado law allows for modifications when these changes affect the ability to maintain the agreed-upon financial support. At Barre M. Sakol, P.C., we provide the legal guidance necessary to approach these modifications systematically. We help clients understand the implications of these changes and strategize adjustments that are equitable and legally sound, thereby ensuring ongoing support for the child.

What Happens If a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support?

When a parent fails to meet their child support obligations, there are several enforcement mechanisms available under Colorado law. These can include wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, and even contempt of court actions. It's critical to address non-payment issues promptly, either as a recipient or a payer, to resolve the underlying issues. Our firm provides comprehensive support to address these challenges and seek viable resolutions that uphold the obligations and protect the child's interests. Timely legal intervention can help in effectively managing and rectifying compliance issues to avoid further escalation.

Can Child Support Be Enforced Across State Lines?

Yes, child support orders can be enforced across state lines due to federal regulations under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). This legislation facilitates cooperation between states to enforce and modify child support orders. Whether you are pursuing enforcement or need to address a modification from outside Colorado, our firm offers valuable guidance in navigating interstate complexities. We ensure that your rights are respected and that the child's needs are met consistent with legal jurisdiction standards and interstate cooperation protocols.

Are College Expenses Covered Under Child Support Obligations?

In Colorado, child support typically does not extend to cover college expenses unless explicitly included in the support order. However, some parents negotiate agreements during divorce proceedings to include contributions towards higher education. These agreements can be vital in providing for a child's continued education and development. At Barre M. Sakol, P.C., we help craft comprehensive support solutions that can include provisions for educational expenses, ensuring a brighter future for your child while maintaining the family's financial stability.

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