Broomfield Child Support Lawyer
Whenever a Colorado family law case involves minor children, a determination of child support will need to be made at some point. At Plog & Stein, P.C., our Broomfield child support lawyers have the skill and experience to handle your case. We understand that any issue regarding your children may be complex and emotionally charged. With over 70 years of combined legal experience, you can expect both vigorous advocacy and open communication from us throughout the process.
Understanding Child Support Rights and Obligations
Parents have an obligation to financially support their children. Our Denver child support attorneys can assist you with all of the aspects of child support, including initial determinations, modifications, the collection of past due support, the enforcement of child support orders, and any matters that involve the Child Support Enforcement Agencies.
Child support determinations are generally based on a statutory formula. While it may seem straightforward to plug figures into the formula, it may quickly become complicated when a parent is self-employed, unemployed, or underemployed. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can help you make sure that proper numbers are used in formulating an appropriate monthly child support amount.
The main factors that are considered when making a child support determination include each parent’s income, the number of their children, the number of overnights for the non-custodial parent in some situations, any day care needs, and any health insurance expenses for the children. It is important to note that child support is typically not based on either party’s expenses or property. For example, having a high car payment or mortgage will not help either the payer or payee in terms of affecting the calculation of the monthly child support payments. A child support attorney can help Broomfield residents further understand how the calculation works.
Child support obligations may change if a parent experiences a significant change in their income or recurring child-related expenses, such as day care. The process involves filing a motion for modification with the appropriate court. A child support obligation may be modified as often as is necessary, as long as the change in circumstances is substantial and continuing, and the amount of child support will be increased or decreased by at least 10 percent.
Child support obligations continue until the child turns 19 years of age, unless the child is in high school (in which case child support may continue to 21 years of age) or is disabled to the point of being unable to take care of themselves. However, if a child enters the military before 19 years of age or becomes truly self-sufficient, child support obligations may end because the child is considered emancipated.
Colorado child support statutes also entail additional provisions of which our family law attorneys in Denver are keenly aware, including rules related to medical expenses, income tax exemptions, and payment of activity and school costs.
Contact a Broomfield Lawyer to Discuss a Child Support Matter
Many families with young children live in the area, and sometimes the parents decide to part ways. The impact of a divorce on children may be severe and lasting, but it does not need to be. Ongoing support from both parents is an obligation designed to lessen the financial aspects of that impact. At Plog & Stein, P.C., our diligent Broomfield child support attorneys can help you determine the appropriate amount of support in your case. We can safeguard your legal rights and interests at every step of the way. To discuss your case in more detail with a divorce attorney, call us at 303-781-0322 or contact us online to arrange an appointment.
Broomfield is a city and county in Colorado that contains over 60 parks and 250 miles of bike and walking trails. Residents and visitors may enjoy a number of local attractions, including the Broomfield Depot Museum and the Broomfield Veterans Memorial Museum. The Plog & Stein, P.C. North Metro office is conveniently located in Broomfield, just south of U.S. 36, in the Interlocken area.