What factors does the court consider when determining Child Support in Colorado?
When determining child support in Colorado, the court considers several factors to ensure that the child's financial needs are adequately met. Child Support is a right of the child and not of the parent. Here are the key factors considered:
Income of both parents: The court assesses the gross income of both parents, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, pensions, Social Security benefits, and other sources of income.
Parenting time: The amount of time each parent spends with the child, also known as parenting time or visitation, is taken into account. The court may adjust child support based on the number of overnights each parent has with the child.
Childcare expenses: If either parent incurs reasonable childcare expenses due to work or education, these costs may be factored into the child support calculation.
Health insurance and medical expenses: The court considers the cost of health insurance coverage for the child and may allocate responsibility for premiums and uninsured medical expenses between the parents.
Extraordinary expenses: Extraordinary expenses related to the child's special needs, education, extracurricular activities, or other necessary expenses may be taken into consideration.
Deviations from child support guidelines: The court may deviate from the standard child support guidelines if it finds that applying the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate. This may occur in cases involving high-income parents or special circumstances that affect the child's best interests.
It's important to note that child support calculations in Colorado are primarily based on the Child Support Guidelines established by the state. These guidelines consider the income of both parents and the number of children involved. The court has discretion to deviate from the guidelines in certain situations.
To obtain an accurate assessment of child support in a specific case, it is recommended to consult with a family law attorney or use the resources provided by the Colorado Child Support Services Program, which includes an online child support calculator.
