Child support is a critical financial obligation that ensures children receive the care and support they need, even after their parents separate or divorce. It’s important to understand how child support payments are calculated and can be enforced.
Calculating Child Support Payments
Child support payments are typically calculated based on several factors, including:
- Income of Both Parents: The court considers the income of both parents when calculating child support. This includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions and any other sources of income.
- Child’s Needs: The court takes into account the financial needs of the child, including expenses such as education, health care, child care, and extracurricular activities.
- Custody Arrangement: The amount of time each parent spends with the child, known as the custody or visitation arrangement, can also impact child support calculations.
- State Guidelines: Most states have specific guidelines or formulas for calculating child support payments. These guidelines help ensure consistency and fairness in child support orders. Here’s how Colorado’s child support is calculated.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
Once a child support order is established, it is legally binding, and both parents are required to comply with its terms. In Colorado, the Child Support Services Program will work to enforce the order when a parent doesn’t fully pay. As the CSS website notes, “Unpaid child support does not go away. If child support is not paid, a balance will be created. The balance will continue to be due until it is paid in full. Interest may be added to this balance.”
If you are experiencing difficulties with managing or enforcing child support payments, seek legal assistance from a knowledgeable family law attorney. Attorneys at Andersen Law PC can help you navigate the legal process, advocate for your rights, and ensure that your child’s best interests are protected.
In Colorado, there are several methods CSS can use to enforce the child support order:
Income Withholding: Income withholding, also known as wage garnishment, is the most common method of child support enforcement. It involves deducting child support payments directly from the non-custodial parent’s paycheck.
Driver’s License Suspension: Failure to pay child support can result in the suspension of the non-custodial parent’s driver’s license.
Negative Credit Report: Federal law requires CSS to report all past-due child support to the credit bureaus monthly.
Tax Refund Loss: The government can intercept federal and state tax refunds to collect past-due child support payments. This is known as tax refund offset.
Recreational License Suspension: If you don’t pay your child support in full, CSS can ask Colorado Parks and Wildlife to suspend your hunting/fishing license for a year.
Bank Account Seizure: When you owe child support, the state can put a 30-day lien on your bank account.
Managing child support payments involves understanding how payments are calculated, complying with court orders, and taking appropriate steps to enforce those orders when necessary. By understanding your rights and obligations, seeking legal assistance when needed, and advocating for your child’s well-being, you can ensure that they receive the financial support they deserve.
At Andersen Law PC, we understand the complexities of child support and are committed to helping you navigate this challenging process. Our experienced family law attorneys are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need. To get advice on your unique child support case, contact us to schedule your free consultation with an attorney at 720-922-3880.
