Determining child support is often one of the most stressful aspects of a separation or divorce involving children. Parents naturally worry about ensuring their children’s financial needs are met while maintaining their own stability. In Colorado, child support is generally calculated using specific guidelines aimed at fairness. However, understanding how these numbers are derived requires looking at several critical variables that influence the final amount.
Understanding the Key Factors Influencing Child Support Amounts in Colorado
Combined Gross Income of Both Parents
The foundation of Colorado’s guidelines is the combined gross monthly income of both parents. This includes wages, commissions, bonuses, and investment returns. A skilled child support lawyer ensures all income sources are accurately identified and documented, preventing one party from underreporting earnings to skew the final calculation unfairly.
The Number of Overnights Scheduled
Parenting time drastically affects support obligations. The state uses a "shared physical care" adjustment when a child spends a significant number of overnights per year with the paying parent (usually exceeding 92 nights). We help clients establish realistic parenting schedules that serve the child's best interests while accurately reflecting the financial reality of that arrangement.
Health Insurance and Child Care Costs
Beyond basic support, specific monthly expenses are factored into the total obligation. These typically include health insurance premiums actually paid for the children and work-related child care costs. Child support law in Colorado requires these essential expenses to be divided between parents in proportion to their respective incomes, adding another layer to the calculation.
Extraordinary Medical and Educational Expenses
Standard calculations may not cover everything. Children with special needs, chronic health conditions requiring ongoing treatment, or significant educational costs (like private school tuition agreed upon by parents) can influence the final order. We advocate for these extraordinary expenses to be properly considered to ensure your child’s specific needs are adequately funded.
While online calculators provide a rough estimate, they often miss the nuance of individual circumstances. Accurate child support determinations depend on precise financial data and a deep understanding of the law. At Erskine Family Law, our experienced child support attorneys are ready to guide you through this complex process, ensuring a fair outcome that prioritizes your children's well-being.