Fort Collins Child Support Representation

• Basic living expenses. Colorado guidelines review the average expenses for children, such as food, clothing, housing, and utilities, to form the foundation of all child support calculations and monthly payment amounts.
• Health insurance and medical costs. The monthly premium for a child's portion of a health insurance plan and extraordinary medical expenses (think braces, therapy, or special treatments) are factored into support arrangements.
• Childcare expenses. Childcare costs that a parent needs to pay in order to work are included as essential work-related expenses that enable parents to maintain their earning capacity.
• Educational and extracurricular activities. Major educational or extracurricular fees may sometimes be included in support calculations, particularly when these activities serve the child's developmental needs and interests.
• Additional child-related expenses. Courts may consider other necessary expenses specific to your child's circumstances, including special educational needs, transportation costs for visitation, and age-appropriate developmental activities.

These comprehensive coverage areas work together to provide children with the same financial support they would have received if their parents had remained together, reflecting Colorado's commitment to maintaining children's standard of living after separation or divorce.

How Available Assets and Fair Payment Amounts Are Determined

Colorado uses a detailed formula-based approach to calculate fair child support amounts based on both parents' financial circumstances. The Colorado Child Support Guidelines are designed to make sure that a fair share of each parent's income and resources is given to their child. The guidelines use a formula based on what the parents would have spent on the child had they not separated, creating consistency and predictability in support calculations.

The formula also considers both parents' income and expenses, including child support for other children and spousal maintenance (also called alimony). Courts examine adjusted gross income from all sources, including employment, self-employment, investments, and other regular income streams. When parents attempt to avoid their responsibilities, if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the judge considers their earning capacity rather than actual income. Colorado also caps child support calculations, with the maximum monthly support being $30,000 worth of combined income to protect families from excessive obligations.

When Child Support Obligations May End

Understanding when child support obligations terminate helps parents plan for their financial future and their children's transition to independence. In general, Colorado child support agreements typically end when a child turns 19, which is the state's legal age of emancipation for support purposes.

However, several important exceptions and special circumstances can affect this timeline. If the child is still in high school or an equivalent program, support continues until the end of the month after graduation, even if they've already turned 19. If a child is mentally or physically disabled, child support for that child may continue beyond the age of 19. Support may also end earlier in specific situations, such as the child marrying, joining the military, or becoming self-supporting.

It's crucial to understand that if a parent is paying child support for only one child, the obligation to pay support for the child terminates automatically after that child turns 19. However, stopping child support payments without legal authorization can have serious consequences. Unpaid amounts, known as "arrearages," can accumulate and create significant legal and financial problems.

Ready to establish, modify, or address child support matters? Schedule your complimentary30-minute consultation today and let New Beginnings Family Law help you navigate Colorado's child support system with confidence.