Colorado Springs Child Support Lawyer 

How Does Colorado Calculate Child Support Payments?

How child support is calculated depends on the types of expenses. For example:

• For Basic Expenses, child support is calculated using a formula set forth by the state's Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations. Although this schedule dictates the amount, parents can agree on which expenses should be included. The schedule does not cover extraordinary expenses.
• For Extraordinary Expenses, parents have options for handling these costs. Some agree to pay as expenses come up or choose to estimate the costs and add a monthly average to the basic support. When parents include extraordinary expenses in the worksheet, these become fixed amounts shared by both parties in proportion to their incomes, which simplifies enforcement. If these expenses are not listed, parents can agree on their own arrangement, which requires good communication but may be harder to enforce.

Families in Colorado Springs can access forms and worksheets at El Paso County courts and Child Support Services. These agencies help parents navigate the state’s formulas and answer questions about costs, such as after-school care or health needs, and their impact on payment calculations. Military families or those with seasonal income often follow special steps to ensure the payment assessment reflects their actual financial circumstances.

What Do the Courts Consider in Child Support Cases?

Colorado courts review several key factors when setting child support. These factors help make sure children have the resources they need even after a family changes. 

Here are the key considerations:

1. Parental income: Both parents' gross income—including wages, bonuses, rental income, and more—plays a major role in the support calculation. The court will look at overall resources available to support the child.
2. Parenting time and custody arrangements: The time each parent spends with the child, especially overnight, affects support calculations. More parenting time means more direct expenses and can lower a parent's support payment.
3. Child’s basic and special needs: Courts look at actual costs for housing, food, school, and medical care. When a child has special or extraordinary needs, like medical treatment or special education, this increases the support amount.
4. Health insurance and childcare costs: The court will consider who pays for health insurance or out-of-pocket medical expenses. Childcare costs, such as daycare or after-school programs, are generally shared in proportion to both parents’ incomes.
5. Other children and existing obligations: If a parent is already supporting other children, previous support payments are deducted from their income before a new order is calculated. This helps keep support for all children fair.
6. Parental employment and earning capacity: Courts look at each parent's current job and potential to earn. If a parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income to ensure both parents contribute fairly to their child’s needs.

Child support hearings in Colorado Springs usually take place at the El Paso County Combined Courts on Tejon Street. Local judges review detailed financial documents and may ask for more information to account for the cost of living in the region. Parents should prepare all paperwork early and know local court expectations to avoid delays. Addressing what is unique about your family situation helps the court make effective support orders for the present and future.

When courts consider these factors, they aim to make support orders fair and prioritize the best interests of the child. At The Harris Law Firm, our Colorado Springs child support attorneys guide you step by step, always working to support a fair outcome for your family.

Can I Modify Child Support Payments?

In Colorado, you can modify child support obligations when circumstances change. Either parent may file a motion to request modification, but the person seeking change must show that their situation has shifted. 

Changing circumstances that may qualify for a child support modification include:

• Job loss or sudden drop in income
• Increase in child-related costs
• Refusal to pay court-ordered support
• Significant changes in parenting time

Many families in Colorado Springs file for modifications at the El Paso County court and can also consult Child Support Services for resources. When life changes—such as a parent relocating for military service at Fort Carson or starting a new job—updating a child support order may be the best option. Keeping thorough records of your employment, child care, or other major expenses will help the process go smoothly. Courts review these records alongside the official motion and other supporting statements.

Colorado courts put the needs and best interests of children first. While they carefully review each request to change child support, courts also understand that life does not stand still and sometimes new orders are needed.

At The Harris Law Firm, our attorneys can review your situation if you want to modify a child support agreement and guide you through each step of the process.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Help with Child Support?

While you are not required to work with a lawyer on child support issues, having a skilled child support attorney in Colorado Springs can help you achieve a fair result. Child support cases often involve complex questions about income, parenting time, or modification, and an informed attorney can clarify your rights and help keep the focus on your child’s needs. 

At The Harris Law Firm, we know that people have questions about the cost of legal representation and whether they need an attorney for support concerns. Our team offers several options for clients who want cost-conscious support for important legal matters. 

Some of the options we make available include: 

• Traditional representation by an attorney
• Mediation services
• Unbundled legal services through our LawYourWay™ program
• Guidance from a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional, who is licensed by the State of Colorado to represent litigants in child support, divorce, and other family law matters

When hiring a child support attorney in Colorado Springs, keep in mind how your family's situation could affect your case. Military members may deal with deployments or complex income, and our team knows how to adapt plans for families working with bases such as Peterson Space Force Base. Local residents can also connect with our Colorado Springs office for bilingual services and flexible consultations to fit their schedules.

If you have questions about our services or what next steps make sense for your situation, contact our team for guidance. 

Colorado Child Support Guidelines 

The Colorado Child Support Guidelines determine how much support a parent should pay. These guidelines expect both parents to contribute financially and take into account each parent’s income, the number of children, and additional costs like health care or child care. Our attorneys can help you understand how the guidelines may apply to your case and provide support for an accurate calculation.

The state updates its child support worksheets and guidelines regularly, so families in Colorado Springs must stay current to avoid mistakes or delays. El Paso County court staff and Child Support Services help families understand required forms and inform them of any recent changes. Staying informed and working with a team that understands the local process helps you meet requirements without setbacks.

What Age Do You Stop Paying Child Support in Colorado?

In Colorado, child support usually continues until the child turns 19. However, some exceptions apply. For example: 

• If the child is still in high school at 19, payments may extend to the end of the month after graduation but not past age 21. 
• If the child has a disability that requires continued support, payments can extend beyond the standard cutoff. 

Colorado law also allows support to end before age 19 in some situations. Some examples include:

1. Emancipation of the child: If the child becomes legally emancipated before age 19, support may end. Emancipation may occur if the child marries, joins the military, or becomes financially independent.
2. Child passes away: If the child dies before turning 19, support obligations end.
3. Adoption by another party: If a child is adopted by a third party, such as a stepparent, and the adoption is finalized, the biological parent’s support obligation may end.
4. Court order for early termination: In some cases, a court may end support early if specific circumstances justify it.

Families in El Paso County can face unique factors, such as frequent moves for military service, which may affect a child’s graduation timing or emancipation status. Our attorneys can assess your situation and help clarify obligations under Colorado law, taking into account any provisions that local courts or agencies may recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support

What are the consequences of not paying child support in Colorado?

Not paying child support in Colorado may bring serious consequences. Non-payment can lead to wage garnishment, seizure of tax refunds, driver’s license suspension, and contempt of court. These actions promote consistent financial support for children. Parents struggling to pay should contact the court or seek legal advice promptly, as ignoring overdue payments can result in even stricter penalties.

How do I calculate child support if I am self-employed?

Self-employed parents in Colorado must determine total gross income as the basis for support, just as salaried individuals do. Adjustments for business expenses help reach the actual net income. The state’s calculation method accounts for these details when determining a parent’s share of financial responsibility. Organized record-keeping simplifies this process. Consulting a child support lawyer can offer guidance on presenting your financial situation correctly.

Can child support orders be enforced across state lines?

Yes. States follow the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which allows child support orders made in one state to be enforced anywhere in the country. This cooperation ensures children do not lose support if a parent relocates. The Act allows states to work together to collect overdue payments and prioritize a child’s financial stability no matter where a parent lives.

What steps should I take if I cannot pay child support?

If you are unable to pay child support, act quickly by contacting the court and requesting a modification based on your new situation, such as job loss or lower income. Submit supporting documents, including pay stubs or unemployment records, to strengthen your request. Also, let the other parent know about your circumstances and seek an interim arrangement. Speaking with a family law attorney can help you navigate your options and understand both your rights and obligations.

Contact Our Child Support Attorneys in Colorado Springs Today

The Harris Law Firm is a nationally recognized divorce and family law practice trusted by clients and colleagues across Colorado. If you have questions about child support or other family law matters, our award-winning team is available to help.

Our Colorado Springs child support lawyers offer confidential consultations to help prospective clients learn more about us, our services, and how we can help with their cases. Call (719) 417-5779 or contact us online to request yours.