Colorado Springs Child Support Lawyers

Knowledgeable Child Support Attorneys Serving El Paso County, CO

Divorce with children is complicated. Don’t navigate this legal road alone. Instead, secure a trusted team to guide you. At Drexler Law, our child support lawyers in Colorado Springs are proud of our accomplishments, accolades, and associations; however, we are most pleased about the results we have achieved for our clients and our client’s word-of-mouth referrals to our firm Take a moment to peruse the reviews of Drexler Law and call us to set up your initial consultation.

Our experience and confidence show in the courtroom to be sure—a member of our team has been named to the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars® list and we are a National Academy of Family Law Attorneys Top 10 firm. For many years running, our attorneys and our law firm have achieved Client Choice Awards and other professional recognition based on our reputation, experience, and results.

During your legal separation, divorce, or custody proceedings, it’s imperative that child support is addressed and that you and the court have provided for your children.

Calculating Child Support in Colorado Springs

Colorado uses a joint responsibility model for child support. Based on the combined income of the parties, Colorado applies a statutory child support obligation and then shares that financial obligation between the parents based on a proportion of income and adjusting for the number of overnights exercised by each parent according to the custody plan or parenting plan.

In essence, the court determines the incomes of the parties to establish the amount of money that would have been available to spend on the children of the marriage or relationship, perhaps as if the marriage continued.

Child support utilizes the gross income of the parents meaning that income is factored without adjusting for tax consequences, tax withholdings, required deductions or voluntary deductions from pay.

Accordingly, a parent who earns more money may be given larger financial responsibilities. The courts also consider how much time each parent spends with the children. In most cases, the non-custodial parent will pay child support to the other parent; however, the calculation of child support takes into account that both parties are contributing to the financial support even though it seems like only one party end up paying a support obligation.

Colorado uses two child support calculation worksheets, referred to conveniently enough as Worksheet A and Worksheet B. Child Support Worksheet A is utilized when one parent takes on the primary parenting time or custody role, meaning that the other parent exercises 92 overnights or less with a child. This situation is common when one parent is not available based on work schedules, geography, military assignments (PCS or training), court-imposed limitations or restrictions on parenting time or the inability to parent based on factors that are sometimes out of a parent’s control (e.g. a serious disability, drug addictions). Worksheet B is more typical with shared custody situations where it’s necessary to maintain two separate households for a child.

When a couple has multiple children and where the children may not exercise the same parenting time schedule based on a variety of circumstances, the calculation of child support is more complex, and it’s important to perform the calculation correctly and consistent with Colorado law, which is a constantly evolving process that has occupied many cases brought to the Colorado Court of Appeals.

Call Drexler Law to learn more about the proper calculation of Child Support.

How to Use Child Support

Child support should meet the basic needs of each child, but the funds can also be used to enhance the child’s life experiences.

Child support can be spent on:

• Educational expenses
• Clothing
• Food
• Sports camps
• Housing
• Transportation
• Living expenses

This list is by no means exhaustive. It is important to note that child support is intended to be applied to a child’s needs, and that it would be improper to use the support payments for personal expenses that deprive the children of their basic needs. Colorado law is sparse on penalties on misappropriating child support payments; however, in the cases that have resolved the issue, it’s clear that serious remedies are available to enforce the application of child support payments.

In addition to the basic child support obligation calculated using the Child Support Worksheets, the court is also tasked with allocating between the parties, usually in proportion to income or other agreed upon allocation, the costs associated with the following:

• Extraordinary Medical Expenses (out-of-pocket expenses other than insurance premium payments)
• Extracurricular activities
• Dental and orthodontics costs

What Happens if Both Parents are Unable to Afford Insurance for the Child?

If both parents are unable to afford insurance, the children may qualify for public medical benefits. The court will typically order one party to provide Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health Insurance for the benefit of the children with the insurance premiums built into or calculated in the Basic Child Support obligation. By law, extraordinary expenses include required orthodontic care or braces for minor children.

Child Support Calculations, court hearings, and the paperwork involved in this process can be complex. A miscalculated child support obligation can have a serious impact on the ability of a parent to provide for the needs of a child.

Call Drexler Law and let our highly qualified and experienced attorneys and support staff ensure a proper calculation of child support, taking into account the income available and the needs of the children.

If your particular circumstances justify a deviation from the Child Support Guidelines (upward or downward), it’s critical that any deviation be presented to the Court for approval. In all deviations, the court must make a factual finding that the deviation would be in the child or children’s best interest.

At Drexler Law, we are a family law firm that will treat you like family. We make every effort to keep our clients comfortable. This includes being available for them, answering their questions, and giving voice to their concerns.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities in Child Support

Navigating the complexities of child support can be overwhelming, especially during emotionally charged times. At Drexler Law, we believe that knowledge is power. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial for ensuring the well-being of your child and protecting your interests.

Here are some essential points to consider:

• Legal Obligations: Both parents have a legal duty to support their child financially. Familiarizing yourself with Colorado's child support guidelines can help clarify what is expected of you.
• Modification of Support: Life circumstances can change, and so can your ability to pay or need for support. Learn how to file for a modification if your situation changes, such as job loss or a significant change in income.
• Enforcement of Support: If a parent fails to meet their child support obligations, there are legal avenues available to ensure compliance. Understanding these options can help you take action when necessary.
• Impact on Parenting Time: Child support and parenting time are interconnected. Knowing how support agreements affect visitation rights can help you navigate custody discussions more effectively.
• Resources for Assistance: There are various resources available, including state agencies and legal aid, that can provide assistance and guidance in understanding child support matters.

At Drexler Law, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the child support process. We are dedicated to ensuring that your child's best interests are prioritized while also protecting your rights. Reach out to us today for a consultation!

How Our Experienced Colorado Springs Child Support Lawyers Can Help

When navigating the complexities of child support, having a dedicated legal team by your side can make all the difference. At Drexler Law, we understand that child support matters are not just legal issues—they are deeply personal and emotional. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing you with not only legal expertise but also the compassion and understanding you need during this challenging time.

Here’s why clients in Colorado Springs trust us with their child support cases:

• Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
• Proven Track Record: Our successful history in child support cases demonstrates our ability to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
• Transparent Communication: We believe in keeping our clients informed every step of the way, ensuring you never feel lost or overwhelmed.
• Comprehensive Support: Beyond legal representation, we offer resources and guidance to help you navigate the emotional aspects of child support.
• Community Commitment: As a local firm, we are deeply invested in the Colorado Springs community and understand the local laws and regulations that affect your case.

Choosing the right legal representation is crucial. At Drexler Law, we are here to advocate for your rights and ensure that your child's best interests are prioritized. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you secure a fair and just outcome.