Child Support Attorneys in Centennial

Comprehensive Child Support Solutions in Centennial

Under Colorado law, every parent has a legal obligation to provide the financial support needed for the care and raising of his or her child. Every child deserves financial as well as emotional support, whether his parents have been married or not, and the state has established rules and procedures for calculating and enforcing such support.

At the Law Office of Alexandra White, PC, we understand that all children deserve such support, but we also know that a fair agreement needs to be established. Only in this way will the overall financial and emotional health of the entire group be maintained. To that end, we can work with you by bringing in mutually beneficial solutions to the child support issue. Whether you are involved in a divorce, seeking or contesting child support as an unmarried parent, or seeking a modification of an existing support order that is no longer workable, our Centennial child support lawyers can provide trusted and capable legal help.

Child support disputes can be stressful—let a dedicated child support attorney in Centennial advocate for you. Call (303) 647-4245 or contact the Law Office of Alexandra White, PC today for personalized legal support.

How Our Firm Approaches Child Support Cases in Centennial

When you come to us for help with child support, we start by listening to your concerns, your goals for your children, and any financial worries following separation. We review the financial information and parenting-time arrangements that local courts rely on so we can identify areas of agreement and potential dispute while working to reduce unnecessary conflict.

• Focused Case Review: We examine income records, parenting schedules, and any child-specific needs to understand how Colorado child support guidelines are likely to apply in your situation.
• Clear Explanation of Options: We walk you through settlement discussions, mediation, and what a contested hearing in a Centennial courtroom may involve, including the time, cost, and emotional impact of each path.
• Addressing Complex Issues Early: We proactively consider factors such as variable income, self-employment, and shared parenting time to help create support arrangements that are realistic and durable.
• Local Court Insight: Our child support attorney in Centennial can explain how Arapahoe County judges typically approach disputed support issues, giving you realistic expectations if an agreement cannot be reached.

Child Support Laws in Colorado

Child support payments are generally paid by the noncustodial parent to the parent who has the majority of custody. Under Colorado law, strict and quite complex guidelines have been set up to determine how much a parent is obligated to pay. As parents, you and your spouse (or the child’s other unmarried parent) can determine your own child support, but if the amount varies too far from state guidelines, it may not get approval from the court.

Factors Influencing Child Support Payments:

• Income of Both Parents: The court looks at the gross income of both parents, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and other sources of income.
• Child's Needs: The needs of the child, including health care, education, and any special needs, are taken into account.
• Child's Standard of Living: The court considers the standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the parents were together.
• Time Spent with Each Parent: The parenting time arrangement is important; more time spent with a parent may reduce their child support obligation.
• Other Children: If either parent has other children to support, this may impact the amount of support calculated.
• Health Insurance Costs: The cost of health insurance for the child is factored in, including whether either parent has coverage through their employer.
• Extraordinary Expenses: Any extraordinary expenses related to the child, such as childcare or educational costs, are considered.
• Work-Related Childcare Costs: The costs incurred by a parent to provide childcare while they are working are also taken into account.
• Debt Obligations: The court may consider the parents' existing debt obligations when determining child support payments.
• Income Potential: If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income based on their potential earning capacity.
• Other Relevant Factors: Any additional factors that may impact the child's well-being or the parents' financial situations can also be considered.

In cases where a parent becomes delinquent, the courts can enforce child support through various methods, such as contempt of court, potential jail time, fines, and more. Child support payments can also be modified through the courts when substantial changes in a parent’s or child’s circumstances arise. These can include parental job losses or changes in a child’s medical costs or other needs.

Because the calculations can feel overwhelming, our child support attorney in Centennial can help you gather pay stubs, tax returns, childcare invoices, and health insurance information so the worksheet filed with the court is accurate and complete. We can also walk you through how the Colorado Child Support Guidelines interact with parenting-time orders from courts such as the Arapahoe County District Court, so you understand why a proposed amount may go up or down depending on changes to your schedule or income.

The Child Support Process in Arapahoe County Court

While every case is different, most child support matters in Centennial follow a general court process. Understanding these steps can help reduce uncertainty and allow you to prepare more confidently:

• Filing or Requesting Child Support: A child support case typically begins when one parent files a request with the Arapahoe County District Court, or when support is addressed as part of a divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, or post-decree motion. The filing outlines what the court is being asked to decide.
• Financial Disclosures and Documentation: Both parents are required to exchange financial information, including income, expenses, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. These disclosures form the foundation for applying Colorado’s child support guidelines and identifying any disputed issues.
• Temporary Orders (If Needed): In some cases, the court may issue temporary child support orders to provide stability while the case is pending. These orders are based on the information available at the time and can later be adjusted in final orders.
• Negotiation or Mediation: Many child support cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation. This stage allows parents to discuss support terms, parenting-time schedules, and related issues with the goal of reaching an agreement without a contested hearing.
• Court Hearing: If an agreement is not reached, the court schedules a hearing. Each side presents financial information and arguments, and the judge applies Colorado law and guidelines to determine the appropriate amount of support.
• Final Child Support Orders: After agreement or hearing, the court enters final child support orders. These orders address payment amounts, frequency, health insurance, and allocation of certain child-related expenses.
• Modification or Enforcement (If Circumstances Change): Child support orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as income changes or parenting-time adjustments. The court may also become involved if enforcement issues arise.

A Centennial child support lawyer helps you navigate each step, ensures the required information is properly prepared, and works to present your situation clearly to the court so decisions are based on accurate and complete information.

When Does Child Support End in Colorado?

In Colorado, child support typically ends when the child reaches the age of 19, which is considered the age of emancipation in the state. However, there are several circumstances where child support may continue beyond this age or end earlier:

When Child Support May Continue Beyond Age 19

• Full-time High School Attendance: If the child is still in high school when they turn 19, child support will continue until the end of the month following their graduation, but not beyond their 21st birthday.
• Physical or Mental Disability: If the child is physically or mentally disabled and cannot support themselves, child support may continue indefinitely, depending on the circumstances and court order.
• Agreement between Parents: If both parents agree, they may set an arrangement to extend child support beyond the typical end date (for example, to cover college expenses).

When Child Support May End Early

• Emancipation: If the child becomes emancipated before turning 19 (e.g., through marriage, joining the military, or being declared emancipated by the court), child support may end earlier.
• Death of the Child: Child support obligations would naturally end if the child passes away before the age of 19.

Is Child Support Automatically Terminated in Colorado?

In Colorado, child support is not automatically terminated when a child reaches the age of 19 or qualifies for emancipation. The paying parent must take action to formally end the support obligation. Typically, this involves filing a motion with the court to terminate child support, providing evidence that the child has reached the age of emancipation or that other qualifying conditions (such as graduation from high school or disability) no longer apply. Without this court action, the child support order remains in place, and payments will continue.

If you are unsure whether your obligation should continue, we can help you review your current order, confirm the applicable emancipation rules, and prepare the documents needed to request termination or adjustment from the court. Working with a child support lawyer Centennial families rely on can also help you avoid mistakes that might otherwise lead to overpayment, collection actions, or confusion at the family court clerk’s office.

Contact Our Child Support Lawyer in Centennial

Child support decisions can affect your child’s stability and your financial future for years to come. Whether you are establishing support, seeking a modification, or facing a dispute, having clear family law guidance can help you move forward with confidence.

When you contact our firm, we will review your situation, explain how Colorado’s child support guidelines may apply, and discuss practical options based on your goals and your child’s needs. Our child support lawyer in Centennial takes the time to answer your questions, outline next steps, and help you understand what to expect from the Arapahoe County courts.

Our experienced child support attorney in Centennial is here to protect your rights and your child’s future. Call (303) 647-4245 or contact the Law Office of Alexandra White, PC online today.