Denver Child Support And Alimony Attorneys

Reaching a child support or spousal maintenance (alimony) arrangement can seem overwhelming. Whether you are going through a separation, divorce, or a need to revisit existing agreements, you may feel uncertain about your financial future and the well-being of your children. At The Law Offices of Rodger C. Daley and Associates, we understand these concerns and we are here to provide the support you need. Based in Denver, we represent clients throughout the region with integrity and dedication.

At our firm, we pride ourselves on the efficient legal help we provide to Colorado families. Our client-focused approach means we create a personal strategy for each individual. We are a collaborative team driven to achieve results. With us, you can expect personalized service and a relentless pursuit of your goals.

What Is Child Support In Denver, Colorado?

Child support refers to payments made from one parent to the other to support a child’s life financially. Courts determine child support based on several factors to ensure fairness and adequacy. These factors include:

• The income of both parents
• The number of children
• The amount of time each parent spends with the children
• Health insurance and medical expenses
• Childcare costs
• Educational needs
• Special needs of the child

Understanding these criteria is essential for both parents in order to ensure a fair support arrangement. Our family law team will guide you through each step, providing clarity as we advocate for your best interests.

Financial Support For The Dependent Spouse

In Colorado, what was formerly known as alimony is now known as spousal maintenance. It refers to the amount of money that the higher-earning spouse pays to the lower-earning spouse for a period after a divorce. Spousal maintenance provides a safety net for a spouse who may have a lower earning potential or who has stayed home to care for a family and/or a home. Spousal maintenance helps the dependent spouse have the time and resources to gainful employment or to go back to school to learn a new trade or other skills.

Maintenance can be an important issue in many divorces. Determining the financial needs of the party seeking maintenance and the ability of the other party to pay maintenance requires an investigation into the financial circumstances of each party. Our attorneys pursue the entry of fair and reasonable orders to provide an appropriate amount of financial support to the party in need and to defend a party from an excessive maintenance claim.

How Is Child Support And Spousal Maintenance Calculated?

Family law judges used to have total discretion about the amount and duration of spousal maintenance payments. Newer guidelines create a more predictable framework for both the amounts and the length of time required for spousal maintenance payments to be made after a divorce. Judges do not have to follow this guideline. The equation provides a model for a more standard determination of support. The equation is:

40% of the higher earner’s monthly gross income – 50% of the lower earner’s monthly gross income

Spousal support also takes into consideration the lower earner’s needs on two levels:

• Financial contributions the lower earner may have made by putting the higher earner through school
• Financial support needed to get the lower earner back into the workforce, including potential educational costs

Child support amounts are less discretionary than spousal maintenance. The judge uses a formula that takes both parents’ incomes into consideration, as well as the number of overnight stays a child or children have at each residence. Child support payments also take into consideration the need for children to have health insurance. However, many factors can influence the final decision. Hiring a knowledgeable lawyer is crucial to get an accurate estimate and to advocate for fair payment terms. Our firm will fight for your financial interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support And Spousal Maintenance

What Is Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance (also known as alimony) is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a divorce.

How Is Spousal Maintenance Determined In Colorado?

Spousal maintenance is determined based on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and each spouse’s earnings and/or earning potential.

How Long Does Spousal Maintenance Last?

The duration of spousal maintenance in Colorado depends on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage and each spouse’s financial situation. In some cases, spousal maintenance may be permanent, but more commonly, it is awarded for a specific duration.  Typically, if there is a disparity in income between divorcing spouses, maintenance is ordered to be paid for approximately one-half of the length of the parties’ marriage. Judges still have discretion over how long they may order spousal support to be paid. The length of spousal mainentance payments can also depend upon other factors, for example, the parties’ ages, health, and earning ability.

Who Pays Child Support?

Children have the right to be supported financially by both of their parents. Unmarried parents must still pay child support. However, before a support order can be issued, an unmarried former couple has to establish legal paternity through a DNA test. Sometimes that requires that a father who has disappeared be found. Our experienced Denver child support attorneys can help with any or all of these steps.

How Is Child Support Calculated In Colorado?

Child support is calculated based on several factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children and the parenting schedule.

How Long Does Child Support Last?

Child support typically lasts until the child turns 19 or until the child graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, child support can continue past this age if the child has special needs.

Can Child Support Be Modified?

Yes, child support can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or a change in the parenting time schedule.

What Happens When A Parent Doesn’t Pay Child Support?

Our lawyers can step in if your court-ordered child support payments are not arriving, and we can enforce the order through a number of methods, including:

• Wage garnishment
• Liens
• Orders of contempt
• Driver’s license suspension

Depending on the reason for nonpayment, our experienced legal team can look into seeking an adjustment of an amount that the paying parent can afford, or else use more aggressive methods to secure child support payments that you are owed, as well as any back payments.

Contact Us With Questions About Your Financial Status After Divorce

Divorce is not only an emotional upheaval but can also result in a major reordering of your finances. One of our attorneys can represent you with integrity and commitment to ensure that any financial support orders are balanced for the needs and resources for all involved. Contact us online or call 720-773-5708 to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our child support/alimony attorneys in Denver.