Modify Child Support In Colorado

Modify Child Support in Colorado: A Comprehensive Guide

Child support modification in Colorado is a legal process that allows for adjustments to existing child support orders to reflect changes in circumstances.

Understanding the process to modify child support is essential for parents who need to increase or decrease their child support payments. This article provides a detailed overview of the steps involved, the legal standards applied, and key considerations for parents navigating the modification process in Colorado.

Legal Basis To Modify Child Support

In Colorado, child support can be modified when there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. The Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 14-10-122 outlines the conditions under which a modification can be sought. This statute mandates that any modification must be based on evidence that the change in circumstances is both substantial and ongoing.

The court requires that the change to modify child support would result in a difference of at least 10% in the support amount calculated under the Colorado Child Support Guidelines.

Common Reasons To Modify Child Support

Several scenarios can qualify as substantial and continuing changes in circumstances, including:

• Income Changes: Significant increases or decreases in either parent’s income due to job loss, promotion, or demotion.
• Changes in Custody Arrangements: Adjustments to the amount of time each parent spends with the child, which can affect the financial needs and responsibilities of each parent.
• Medical Expenses: New or changed medical needs of the child that result in increased costs not covered by insurance.
• Cost of Living Adjustments: Changes in the cost of living that significantly impact a parent’s ability to provide financial support.
• Remarriage: The remarriage of either parent and the resultant financial changes, such as additional income or new financial obligations.

Steps to Modify Child Support

The process to modify child support in Colorado involves several steps.

• Filing a Motion: The parent seeking modification must file a motion with the court that issued the original support order. This motion should include detailed information about the change in circumstances and how it affects the current support arrangement.
• Financial Disclosures: Both parents may be required to submit updated financial information, including income statements, tax returns, and expense reports.
  Mediation (Optional): Colorado courts may encourage or require mediation to help parents reach an agreement on the modification outside of court.
• Court Hearing: If an agreement cannot be reached through mediation, a court hearing will be scheduled. During the hearing, both parents will present their evidence and arguments.
• Court Decision: After reviewing the evidence, the court will decide whether a modification is warranted and, if so, what the new support amount will be.
  Factors Considered by the Court

When determining whether to grant a modification, the court considers various factors, including:

• Income and Financial Resources: The current income and financial status of both parents, including any changes since the original order.
• Needs of the Child: The child’s current and future financial needs, including educational and medical expenses.
• Parenting Time: The amount of time each parent spends with the child, as this can affect the financial responsibilities of each parent.

Any Other Relevant Factors:

Any other factors that the court deems relevant to the child’s best interests and the parents’ financial abilities.

Temporary vs. Permanent Child Support Modifications

Modifications can be temporary or permanent. Temporary modifications are often granted in response to short-term changes, such as a parent’s temporary unemployment or a child’s medical emergency. Permanent modifications address long-term changes, such as a parent’s permanent disability or a significant, sustained increase in income.

Enforcement of Modified Orders

Once a modification is granted, the new child support order is legally binding. Failure to comply with the modified order can result in enforcement actions, including wage garnishment, contempt of court proceedings, and other penalties.

Legal Assistance

While it is possible to pursue a modification without legal representation, many parents find it beneficial to consult with a family law attorney. An attorney can provide guidance on the legal standards, help prepare the necessary documentation, and represent the parent in court if needed.

Modify Child Support? We Can Help

The process to modify child support in Colorado is a structured legal process that ensures adjustments are made based on substantial and continuing changes in circumstances.

By understanding the requirements, procedures, and factors considered by the court, parents can better navigate the modification process and ensure that child support arrangements continue to meet the needs of their children.

An experienced Colorado Springs Family Attorney can be an invaluable resource in this process, helping to present a clear and compelling case to modify child support.