In child custody cases, the court typically awards a joint custody arrangement to the parents, along with a child support order. In most cases, joint custody with both parents is in the best interest of the child. This scenario allows both parents to build an ongoing relationship with their child and also requires them to share financial responsibility for the child. If you have been awarded child support, or if you have been ordered by the court to pay child support, you may have many questions regarding your responsibilities and obligations. The following are some answers to commonly asked questions and concerns regarding child support. If you have any questions regarding Colorado child support, contact the experienced and dedicated family law attorneys at Johnson Law Group. Reach us at 720-445-4444 today.
When parents of a child divorce, or when only one unmarried parent has custody, the court may order the “non-custodial” parent to share the expenses of the child by paying child support. Since the child has a legal right to be supported by their parents, the court steps in and facilitates this right by issuing a child support order. The regulation of child support is a common issue, since almost half of marriages end in divorce, and 25% of all children are born to unmarried parents. Statistics show that child support payments are often inconsistent, and state agencies must work with the courts to enforce these payments.
If you are ordered by the court to pay child support, your compliance is not optional. Child support is a serious matter in the eyes of the court, and penalties can be harsh when a person disregards payments. Even if the other parent does not pursue child support, the state can enforce your legal obligation to financially care for your child. When a parent does not pay child support, the government can step in and take it from that parent’s paycheck (wage garnishment), withhold tax returns, or seize property to enforce the child support order.
Both parents are financially responsible for their child, and court-ordered child support is a way to focus on this goal. Although it may seem as if one parent is simply paying the other parent money, child support payments are to be used only for the child’s expenses. Child support addresses some important issues for the minor child:
If you discover that the other parent of your child is misusing child support funds and not taking care of the needs of your child, contact our experienced attorneys today.
Child support orders are not permanent, and if there is a considerable change in the child’s living conditions, or in the circumstances of the parent, child support orders may be modified. This may include remarriage of the other parent, relocations, changes in the academic, emotional, or physical needs of a child, a change in financial status, or any major shift from the original circumstances of the court order. There are only certain circumstances in which child support orders can be modified in Colorado. To learn if you have this as a legal option in your circumstance, contact the experienced family law attorneys at Johnson Law Group today.
The state of Colorado has an objective formula for determining the amount of child support a parent must pay, and it is decided by the salary of the spouses and the number of children involved. Although a judge can make certain changes, these financial calculations typically follow state guidelines.
Child support responsibilities will never be dismissed in a situation of bankruptcy. A parent who owes child support cannot escape the duty to financially support his or her child because they have filed for bankruptcy. Bankruptcies do not change or modify child support obligations. However, filing for bankruptcy may remove certain burdensome financial obligations making it easier for a parent to make their child support payments.
Child support is typically required until the child turns 18. Sometimes, there are further agreements made in the court order, such as the parents sharing in the college education expenses of their child.
If you have an upcoming child support order due to a divorce, or if you would like to modify your existing child support order, visiting with a family law attorney can help you understand your legal rights, answer your questions, and help you make the best decisions for your circumstances. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your child support questions and help you find the answers you need. Contact our legal team at Johnson Law Group today for a free consultation. You can reach us at 720-445-4444 to learn more about our legal rights and get answers to your child support questions. We look forward to learning more about your situation and helping you ensure your legal and financial rights are protected.
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