The Colorado child support guidelines are based on the combined gross income of both parents. Many of our clients are high earners whose household incomes exceed the guidelines; in which case a court must decide what level of child support is merited.
The attorneys of Hogan Omidi, PC, are well-versed in all aspects of custody and support, including negotiating child support payments in high-income cases. We also assist clients in child support modifications, enforcement and collections.
Calculation Of Child Support In Colorado
The child support guidelines start with the combined monthly gross income of the two parents (before taxes or other deductions). The guidelines will calculate a different amount based on the number of children involved and based on the gross income and the amount of parenting time (meaning overnights) a child spends with each parent. The guidelines also consider the contributions each parent makes toward expenses such as medical insurance and childcare, and whether either parent is also legally obligated to support other children or is paying or receiving maintenance.
The Colorado guidelines top out at a combined gross income of $30,000 a month. For incomes above that threshold, the amount of child support will be determined by the court based on the child’s reasonable needs. This may include an analysis of the lifestyle the child would have enjoyed if the parents had stayed together. The court presumes that child support should be at least as much as it would have been at the highest bracket of the guidelines.
Our attorneys represent executives, professionals and other high earners. We are considered experts in child support negotiations not governed by the guidelines.
Child Support In Paternity Cases
We represent unmarried mothers or fathers in paternity actions and related actions for parenting time and child support, including calculation of arrears. Establishing paternity can be more complex than a DNA test. For example, the parental status of a biological father may not be automatically recognized, especially if another man has filled that role as the presumptive father.
Child Support Modifications
Children’s needs change over time, as do parents’ financial circumstances. Modification of child support orders may be justified when a parent loses a job, when a parent gets a significant promotion, when the cost of childcare decreases or when parenting time changes. We advocate for either parent in modification hearings to increase, decrease or terminate child support.
Child Support Enforcement And Collections
Our attorneys are experienced with collection of past-due support payments, defense of county Child Support Enforcement actions, and other arrearage issues. We can advise if your most economical option is to engage the services of the local Office of Child Support Enforcement, which has various remedies for compelling unpaid support. In high earner cases, it may be worthwhile to engage our lawyers to pursue or defend arrears.
Experienced Advocacy For Child Support Proceedings
Hogan Omidi, PC, regularly handles complex child support cases. We handle divorce and family law in the Denver metro area and throughout Colorado. Call 303-691-9600 or contact us online to arrange a consultation at our offices in Cherry Creek or Aspen.