Holiday Travel With Kids: What Divorced Parents Need to Know

The holiday season is one of the most exciting—and most stressful—times of the year for divorced or separated parents. Between school breaks, family gatherings, and out-of-state travel, navigating travel plans with children can quickly become complicated. Whether you’re planning a ski trip to the mountains or visiting relatives across the country, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential.

As a family law firm dedicated to supporting Colorado parents, Divorce Matters helps families prepare for a smooth and conflict-free holiday season.

Check Your Parenting Plan First

Before booking flights or mapping out a road trip, review your court-approved parenting plan. Many Colorado parenting plans include specific language about:

Holiday rotations
Travel restrictions
Required notice for out-of-state trips
Passport arrangements (for international travel)

If your agreement specifies who gets the children for Christmas or New Year’s, these terms override normal weekly parenting schedules. Ignoring these provisions can cause disputes—or even lead to legal consequences.

If your plan is vague about holiday travel, Divorce Matters can help you update or clarify terms to avoid conflict.

Give Plenty of Notice to the Other Parent

Most parenting plans require “reasonable notice” before taking children out of state or overnight for holidays. Even if yours doesn’t, providing notice builds trust and reduces tension.

Be sure to share:

Travel dates
Flight numbers
Lodging information
Emergency contact details
Names of adults traveling with the child

Open communication protects your parental rights and helps keep kids safe.

Know When You Need Permission

In Colorado, parents traveling with children—especially out of state—must often obtain the other parent’s consent. This is especially important if:

The parenting plan includes a travel consent requirement
You share joint decision-making
You’re taking an international trip
The child does not have a passport or previously required both signatures

If the other parent refuses unreasonably, you may need court intervention. A family law attorney can help file for a motion to travel to ensure your plans stay on track.

Plan for Communication and Virtual Visits

Holiday travel doesn’t mean a child should lose contact with the other parent. Courts expect both parents to support ongoing communication—even during trips.

Consider arranging:

Scheduled FaceTime or Zoom calls
Daily text check-ins
Photo updates
Shared itineraries

This reassures the other parent while showing the court you prioritize co-parenting cooperation.

Prepare Travel Documents Early

Nothing ruins holiday joy faster than a passport issue or missing consent form. Before leaving, ensure you have:

Child’s passport (valid for entire travel period)
Notarized travel consent letter, if required
Medical consent forms
Health insurance cards
Parenting plan copies

These documents help avoid delays at airports and border checkpoints.

Put Your Child’s Needs First

Holiday travel can be exciting, but it can also be exhausting for kids—especially those adjusting to a new family dynamic. Keep the focus on what’s best for them by:

Minimizing rushed transitions
Avoiding hostile exchanges with the other parent
Maintaining routines as much as possible
Allowing downtime between events or flights

Supporting your child’s emotional wellbeing plays a major role in successful co-parenting during the holidays.

When Travel Disputes Arise

If the other parent is blocking travel, not following the holiday schedule, or violating your parenting plan, don’t wait. Holiday conflicts often require quick legal action—and courts get busy this time of year.

Common issues include:

One parent denying consent for out-of-state travel
Attempts to change holiday schedules last-minute
Failure to return a child on time
Disagreements about international travel safety

Working with family law attorneys who handle holiday parenting disputes can help protect your rights and avoid escalation.

Need Help With Holiday Travel Parenting Issues? Divorce Matters Is Here for You

Holiday travel should create meaningful memories—not legal headaches. If you’re facing travel disputes, need to modify your parenting plan, or want guidance on Colorado’s holiday custody laws, Divorce Matters can help you protect your rights and your child’s best interests. Contact Divorce Matters today to speak with a Colorado family law attorney.

Who Pays for School Christmas Party Expenses? Understanding Child Support During the Holidays

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year for children. Schools host Christmas parties, gift exchanges, concerts, winter festivals, and other special events that make December feel extra special.
But for divorced or separated parents, these school-related holiday expenses often raise a common question:

Do Christmas party costs count as child support expenses—and who should pay for them?

At Divorce Matters, we understand that even small seasonal costs can spark conflict when parenting plans and expectations aren’t aligned. Here’s what parents should know as holiday events begin filling the calendar.

Are School Christmas Party Expenses Included in Child Support?

Generally, child support covers a child’s basic, recurring needs—housing, food, clothing, school essentials, and healthcare. But holiday or seasonal expenses don’t always fit neatly into these categories.

School Christmas events often involve:

Classroom party contributions
Gifts for teachers
School-organized holiday field trips
Holiday performance attire
Fundraisers and seasonal activities

These non-routine expenses typically fall under a separate category known as extracurricular or special school-related expenses, depending on your parenting plan or court order.

What Most Parenting Plans Say

Many parenting plans specify how parents split extra school expenses, often 50/50, unless otherwise agreed.
However, if your order doesn’t specifically mention holiday costs, parents may need to:

Review their current court order
Check communication agreements
Discuss and mutually agree on a fair split

When plans are outdated or unclear, misunderstandings are common—and unnecessary stress follows.

Why Holiday School Expenses Become a Conflict Point

December tends to amplify financial and emotional strain. Parents may disagree on:

Whether a fee or item is “necessary”
Who should make the purchase
Whether these costs are already covered by monthly child support
Last-minute school announcements and deadlines

If one parent feels they are paying more than their share, resentment can build. Clear expectations—and updated legal guidance—can prevent conflict during a month that should be joyful for your children.

How Parents Can Stay Aligned During the Holidays

Here are a few best practices for smooth, conflict-free co-parenting during the Christmas season:

1. Communicate Early

Share school calendars, teacher emails, and cost breakdowns as soon as they come in.

2. Set a Budget Together

Agree on reasonable spending for holiday-related school items.

3. Put Agreements in Writing

Even a quick message or co-parenting app confirmation can prevent misunderstandings.

4. Follow Your Existing Court Order

If it specifies cost-sharing rules, stick to them—consistency helps avoid conflict.

5. Update Your Parenting Plan if Needed

If holiday expenses or school activities happen often and the order doesn’t address them, a modification may be helpful.

When to Involve a Lawyer

If disagreements keep happening—especially every holiday season—it may be time to seek legal clarity.

A family law attorney can help you:

Review whether child support covers certain expenses
Interpret vague or outdated parenting plan language
Modify orders to reflect your child’s actual needs
Reduce recurring disputes through clearer terms

At Divorce Matters, we help parents each year navigate holiday-related child support questions and establish long-term solutions that protect both children and co-parents from unnecessary stress.

Get Clear Guidance Before Holiday Conflicts Grow

Holiday school activities should bring joy—not disputes. If questions about child support and Christmas party expenses keep resurfacing, clear legal guidance can make all the difference.

Divorce Matters is here to help you understand your rights, update your parenting plan, and ensure fair sharing of holiday school expenses.

Need support this holiday season?
Contact us at Divorce Matters today to protect your parenting rights and secure peaceful co-parenting.

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Child Support Enforcement: What Happens If a Parent Doesn’t Pay?

When parents separate or divorce, child support becomes one of the most important financial responsibilities they must navigate. These payments ensure that children continue to receive the food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, and emotional stability they need—regardless of the status of their parents’ relationship. But what happens when one parent fails to pay child support? Many custodial parents face the emotional and financial strain of nonpayment, and understanding the enforcement process can make all the difference.

This guide breaks down what child support enforcement looks like, what consequences the non-paying parent may face, and what steps the receiving parent can take to secure overdue support.

Why Child Support Matters

Child support isn’t a punishment—it’s a legal and ethical responsibility. Courts calculate child support based on state guidelines and both parents’ financial circumstances. The goal is to maintain as much financial stability for the child as possible.

When payments are missed or stop entirely, the custodial parent often bears the full financial burden. This can impact:

Daily necessities: food, clothing, transportation
Housing stability: rent/mortgage, utilities
Healthcare needs: insurance, medical expenses
Educational costs: school supplies, extracurriculars
Long-term well-being: savings, development opportunities

Because the stakes are so high, states take child support enforcement seriously and offer various tools to ensure compliance.

What Is Considered Nonpayment?

A parent is considered delinquent or “in arrears” when:

They miss a scheduled child support payment
They pay less than what is ordered
They fail to pay additional ordered expenses, such as medical or educational costs

Late or partial payments still count as nonpayment. The longer these payments go unpaid, the more serious the legal consequences become.

How Child Support Enforcement Works

Every state has a Child Support Enforcement (CSE) agency responsible for tracking payments, maintaining records, and helping custodial parents enforce court orders. When a parent stops paying, the CSE or court can initiate enforcement actions.

Here are the most commonly used enforcement tools:

1. Income Withholding (Wage Garnishment)

This is the most effective and widely used enforcement method. Once child support is ordered—even before any missed payments occur—states often require automatic wage withholding.

If a parent falls behind:

The employer may deduct additional amounts to cover arrears
Garnishment continues until the full amount is paid
This applies to salaries, bonuses, commissions, and sometimes unemployment benefits

For many parents, wage withholding ensures consistent, timely payments with less conflict.

2. Interception of Federal and State Tax Refunds

If a parent is behind on payments, the government can seize:

Federal tax refunds
State tax refunds
Certain government payments, including lottery winnings

This intercepted money goes directly toward unpaid child support. In cases involving public assistance, some funds may reimburse the state.

3. Driver’s License Suspension

States can suspend or revoke:

Driver’s licenses
Occupational licenses
Professional licenses
Recreational licenses (hunting, fishing, etc.)

Losing a driver’s or professional license can impact employment and mobility, creating strong incentive to pay overdue support. Once the parent pays the required amount or agrees to a repayment plan, the license can typically be reinstated.

4. Passport Denial

Parents who owe more than $2,500 in child support arrears may be denied a U.S. passport or passport renewal. This enforcement tool is particularly impactful for parents who travel for work or leisure.

5. Liens on Property

The court or CSE agency may place a lien on:

Real estate
Vehicles
Bank accounts
Investment accounts

A lien means the parent cannot sell or refinance the property until they pay their arrears. In some cases, the state may even seize and sell assets to satisfy the debt.

6. Credit Reporting

If payments are late or unpaid, the arrears may be reported to credit bureaus. This can significantly lower the nonpaying parent’s credit score, affecting their ability to:

Buy a home
Get a loan
Finance a vehicle
Obtain credit cards

Credit reporting often motivates parents who need credit access for major financial purchases.

7. Contempt of Court

If a parent repeatedly ignores a child support order, the court can hold them in civil or criminal contempt.

Civil contempt may result in:

Fines
Mandatory repayment plans
Court monitoring
Possible jail time (though courts often use jail as a last resort)

Criminal contempt involves more serious penalties and may be used when the parent willfully refuses to pay despite having the ability to do so.

In both cases, the goal is compliance—not punishment. Courts typically prefer alternatives that encourage future payment.

8. Criminal Prosecution

In extreme cases, the federal government can prosecute parents under the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act (DPPA), especially if:

The parent owes more than $10,000
The parent has not paid for 2 years or more
The parent lives in a different state than the child

Penalties can include hefty fines and prison time. While rare, these prosecutions underscore the seriousness of child support obligations.

9. Bank Account Seizures (Levy)

Some state agencies can directly seize funds held in the nonpaying parent’s:

Checking accounts
Savings accounts
Investment accounts

This requires due process, including notice to the parent, but it is an effective way to collect large arrears.

10. Court-Ordered Payment Plans

If the parent falls behind due to hardship—such as job loss or medical issues—the court may allow a structured repayment plan. This can include:

Reasonable monthly payments toward arrears
Continued ongoing support
Mandatory financial disclosures

Payment plans balance the need for support with a realistic path toward compliance.

Why Some Parents Stop Paying Child Support

Nonpayment isn’t always due to unwillingness. Common reasons include:

1. Loss of employment

A parent may be unable—not unwilling—to pay. However, they must still seek a modification rather than simply stopping payments.

2. Unexpected medical issues

Major health problems can disrupt income and ability to work.

3. Disputes over custody or parenting time

Some parents mistakenly believe they can withhold support if the custodial parent blocks visitation or violates the parenting plan. This is not legally allowed.

4. Belief the order is unfair

Parents may think the support amount is too high, but again, they cannot stop paying—they must request a modification.

5. Willful noncompliance

In some cases, a parent simply refuses to pay despite having the ability. Enforcement is most aggressive in these situations.

What a Custodial Parent Should Do If Child Support Isn’t Paid

If you’re not receiving the child support you’re owed, you’re not alone—and you have options. Here’s what you can do:

1. Contact Your State Child Support Enforcement Office

Your local CSE agency can:

Track missing payments
Send notice to the nonpaying parent
Begin enforcement actions
Manage wage garnishment
Help locate the other parent if necessary

This service is typically low-cost or free.

2. Request Court Enforcement

If the situation persists, you can file a Motion to Enforce or Motion for Contempt. The court can:

Order wage garnishment
Order payment of arrears
Impose penalties
Create a repayment schedule

Having an attorney can streamline this process.

3. Document Everything

Keep a record of:

Missed payments
Partial payments
Communication with the other parent
Any hardships caused by nonpayment

Documentation strengthens your case if enforcement becomes necessary.

4. Never Withhold Parenting Time in Response

Child support and parenting time are separate legal issues. Withholding visitation can backfire and hurt your case.

Can a Parent Modify Child Support Instead of Falling Behind?

Yes. If financial circumstances change, the parent can request a modification. Courts typically allow changes when:

Income significantly increases or decreases
A parent loses a job
A child develops additional needs
Parenting time arrangements change

But modification is not retroactive. Until the court formally changes the order, the existing amount still applies.

Waiting too long can lead to large, unavoidable arrears.

How Long Can Child Support Be Collected?

Child support arrears do not disappear after a child turns 18. In many states:

Arrears can be collected indefinitely
Interest accrues on unpaid amounts
Enforcement tools remain available until the total balance is paid

Some states impose 10- to 20-year collection periods, but these are often renewable.

When to Contact a Family Law Attorney

Child support enforcement can be overwhelming and stressful. An experienced family law attorney can help:

File motions
Negotiate payment plans
Seek wage garnishment
Request modification
Represent you in court
Protect your rights and your child’s well-being

Whether you’re a custodial parent seeking overdue support or a noncustodial parent struggling to keep up, legal guidance can help you avoid major financial and legal risks.

Conclusion

Child support is essential to ensuring a child’s stability and well-being. When a parent doesn’t pay, state agencies and courts provide many enforcement tools—from wage garnishment and tax refund interception to license suspension and even criminal penalties. While nonpayment can stem from hardship or personal conflict, ignoring a child support order only leads to more serious consequences.

If you’re facing nonpayment as a custodial parent, or struggling to meet your support obligations as a paying parent, taking action early is key. Understanding your rights—and your responsibilities—can help protect your child’s future.

Establishing Guardianship in Colorado: Protecting Your Child with Legal Support

When life takes unexpected turns, parents often face tough questions about who will care for their children if they can’t. Guardianship offers a legal solution that ensures a trusted adult can step in to make crucial decisions and provide daily care when parents are unable to do so.

Whether due to illness, deployment, or other personal challenges, establishing guardianship gives parents and families peace of mind knowing their children’s well-being and future are secure. At Divorce Matters, we understand how emotional and complex these decisions can be, and we’re here to help families protect what matters most.

What Is Guardianship?

Guardianship is a court-approved legal arrangement that allows someone other than a child’s parent — known as the guardian — to make decisions about the child’s care, education, and welfare.

In Colorado, guardianship is established through the courts and governed by the Colorado Probate Code. The primary goal is always to serve the best interests of the child.

Parents often seek guardianship when:

They’re temporarily unable to care for the child due to health issues, incarceration, or deployment.
They’re planning for the future in case of incapacity or death.
A child needs stability and protection in a difficult home environment.

Types of Guardianship in Colorado

Every family’s situation is unique, and Colorado law provides several types of guardianship to meet those needs.

1. Temporary Guardianship

Temporary guardianship allows a trusted individual to care for a child for a limited time — often when a parent faces a short-term challenge such as hospitalization, travel, or deployment. This arrangement usually lasts up to six months unless extended by the court.

2. Permanent (or Long-Term) Guardianship

Permanent guardianship is granted when a parent cannot resume caring for the child. This gives the guardian long-term decision-making authority, though it doesn’t terminate the parent’s rights completely. Parents may still remain involved when appropriate.

3. Testamentary Guardianship

Parents can name a testamentary guardian in their will — ensuring their wishes are clear if they pass away. This proactive step can prevent family disputes and ensures a trusted person is ready to step in when needed.

How to Establish Guardianship in Colorado

The process of establishing guardianship requires court involvement to ensure that the arrangement truly benefits the child. Working with a skilled family law attorney can help you avoid delays and confusion.

Here’s an overview of the process:

Filing a Petition – The process begins when an interested party (usually a relative or family friend) files a petition for guardianship in court.
Notifying Interested Parties – The court requires notification of all parties with a legal interest, such as the parents, grandparents, or others close to the child.
Background Checks and Evaluations – The court may order background checks or home studies to confirm that the guardian can provide a safe, stable environment.
Court Hearing – The judge reviews the petition, hears testimony, and decides whether guardianship serves the child’s best interests.
Issuance of Letters of Guardianship – If approved, the guardian receives official documentation authorizing them to make decisions for the child.

Guardianship vs. Custody: Understanding the Difference

While guardianship and custody both involve caring for a child, they are not the same under Colorado law.

Custody (often called parental responsibilities) applies when parents separate or divorce and must decide how to share parenting time and decision-making.
Guardianship applies when someone other than a parent assumes responsibility for a child, often due to a parent’s absence or incapacity.

Both arrangements focus on the child’s best interests, but guardianship typically involves extended family members or trusted friends, rather than parents.

Why Guardianship Matters

Without formal guardianship, even a close relative may face challenges in caring for a child. Schools, doctors, and other institutions may require legal documentation before allowing someone to make important decisions for a minor.

Legal guardianship ensures that:

The guardian can act on behalf of the child without legal barriers.
The child’s living arrangement is stable and court-recognized.
The guardian has authority to make decisions about education, healthcare, and daily life.

Most importantly, guardianship prevents uncertainty and potential family conflict — ensuring that a child’s safety and stability come first.

How Divorce Matters Can Help

At Divorce Matters, we know that guardianship decisions often arise during emotional and uncertain times. Our experienced attorneys provide compassionate guidance and reliable legal support to help you make informed choices.

We can assist with:

Filing guardianship petitions and handling court procedures.
Preparing testamentary guardianship documents as part of your estate plan.
Advising on the differences between guardianship, custody, and adoption.
Representing you in court to protect your rights and your child’s best interests.

We’re committed to helping Colorado families find peace of mind by ensuring their children are protected — today and in the future.

Final Thoughts

Establishing guardianship is one of the most caring and responsible steps a parent or family member can take. It’s about more than legal paperwork — it’s about providing stability, safety, and love for a child when they need it most.

If you’re considering guardianship or want to plan for your child’s future, contact Divorce Matters today. Our experienced Colorado family law attorneys will walk you through every step of the process and help you make the best decision for your family.

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Colorado Springs, Colorado Child Support Lawyers

Understand Child Support in Colorado Springs Before Your Case

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Overview

Proper representation is critical for any parent when going through a child custody case. While parents are allowed to create their own child support agreements, any agreement that deviates too far from the Colorado child support laws & guidelines will likely not receive court approval. This is just one reason why having an attorney with expertise in Colorado child support is critical for your case.

The child support attorneys at Divorce Matters® in Colorado Springs are highly skilled in helping their clients navigate the more difficult aspects of child support proceedings.

How Child Support is Calculated in Colorado

There are a variety of factors that are likely to affect the amount of child support a divorcing parent can expect to receive – or pay. In Colorado Springs, child support is based on a strict and somewhat complicated statute that is designed to ensure every child of divorcing or separating parents receives full financial support from both of them. According to the Colorado Child Support Guidelines, the first step in calculating child support is to establish the gross monthly income of both parents. Gross income is the amount that someone brings home before any taxes and deductions. If one parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the judge may “assign” income to him or her. This often happens if it is clear to the court that the parent could be earning more than they actually are based on their experience and qualifications.

The second step of calculating child support in Colorado is establishing the number of overnights per year that each parent has with the child (or children). Generally speaking, the parent with fewer overnights can expect to have to pay child support to the other. A common exception to this general rule is if the parent with primary custody is a significantly higher-income earner.

The third thing that a judge will consider in a child support case falls under the category of extraordinary and ongoing expenses. These expenses include things like medical insurance, daycare costs, extracurricular activities, travel, and the like. Per the Colorado Child Support Guidelines, the parent who pays these extra expenses is credited for them in the child support calculation formula.

Searching for the Best Divorce Lawyer in Colorado Springs?

Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Why Choose Divorce Matters®?

The attorneys at Divorce Matters® are experienced legal professionals who are well-versed in all aspects of Colorado child support, including child support calculation, along with a myriad of other divorce and child support-related issues. Divorce Matters® in Colorado Springs is a proud Colorado family law firm that has helped thousands of people just like you get a fresh start.

Every child support lawyer at Divorce Matters® is well-versed in Colorado child support laws and genuinely understands how difficult going through a divorce can be. We are aggressive and compassionate legal advocates who are devoted to achieving the best possible outcome for each client.

If you are curious to know what your monthly child support payments might be, we encourage you to download our very own Child Support Calculator App. Simply input your personal financial information along with the financial information of your co-parent and the app will provide a close approximation of what your child support payment will look like.

Contact Divorce Matters

To speak with a Colorado Springs family law attorney about child support or any other family law topic, contact Divorce Matters® today by filling out our online form or calling us at 720-542-6142.

How much child support will I be ordered to pay or receive?

Child support obligations are based primarily on each parent’s current gross income, the amount of work-related day care expenses which are incurred on behalf of the minor children (if any), and the cost for providing health insurance coverage for the children. The court must use a child support worksheet, which calculates the presumed correct amount of child support under Colorado law. The court can order a higher or lower amount than the presumed correct amount under certain circumstances such as when the parties have shared parenting, a child has special needs, or other unusual circumstances.

My children’s mother/father has not paid child support in a while; can I withhold parenting time in Colorado?

The simple answer is, NO. As far as the court is concerned, child support and parenting time are two separate issues. If your children’s mother/father fails to pay child support, she/he can be held in contempt of court, or may even be charged with a felony. If you fail to provide the scheduled parenting time, you too can be held in contempt of court. Again, remember that one of the ”˜best interest of the child factors’ is: “The willingness and ability of each of the parties to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent or the child and the parents.” If you fail to encourage parenting time with the other parent, it may be used against you at a later date.

Will I be obligated to pay for my children’s college expenses?

The court cannot order you to pay for college expenses; however, if you and your spouse agree to have a provision included in the judgment of divorce that requires payment for college, then the court can enforce that promise just like any other contract.

Can I garnish my ex’s wages to obtain past-due child support?

In Colorado, you can enter an income assignment or garnishment, with your ex’s employer. Then, the Family Support Registry will monitor and transfer the payments directly to you.

My ex is trying to reduce the amount of child support he/she pays because he/she quit their job. Will the Court reduce the amount of child support he/she was ordered to pay?

If the Court finds your ex is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the Judge may impute, or assign an income to him/her for purposes of determining the amount of child support to be paid. Divorce Matters® is a Denver Colorado divorce attorney law firm. We provide information and services including the divorce process through the courts, division of marital property, assets as well as debts and parental rights regarding biological and adopted children.

Bringing a Human Approach to Legal Services

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Douglas A. Thomas

Founding Partner

As founder of Divorce Matters®, my team of attorneys works with families in Colorado to help them achieve optimal outcomes in the highly emotional, individual, and sensitive area of family law, particularly divorce, child custody, and child support.

Professional and Community Associations

• Colorado Bar Association
• Arapahoe County Bar Association
• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
• Defense Research Institute ”“ Member

Public & Speaking Engagements

Mr. Thomas has been a frequent speaker at the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association and numerous Continuing Legal Education seminars.

Bar Admissions

• Colorado
• U.S. District Court, Colorado

Education

• J.D., University of Denver, 1993
• B.A., New Mexico Highlands University, magna cum laude, 1989

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Justin J. Oliver

Lead Attorney

As an attorney, I care about my clients and alleviating the problems they bring to me and ensure they receive nothing less than top-notch from when we first meet to the conclusion of their legal matter. From representing clients in divorces, custody disputes, protection order hearings, child and spousal support conflicts, parentage issues, and many other issues surrounding and concerning families here in Colorado, myself and the Divorce Matters® team are here for you.

I care about my clients and alleviating the problems they bring to me and ensure they receive nothing less than top-notch from when we first meet to the conclusion of their legal matter.

Professional and Community Associations

• Member, Colorado Bar Association
• Member, Larimer County Bar Association

Bar Admissions

• Colorado

Education

•J.D., Drake University Law School, 2014
• B.A., Sociology, Western State Colorado University, 2011

Fort Collins, Colorado Child Support Lawyers

Understand Child Support in Fort Collins Before Your Case

Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.

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Overview

Proper representation is critical for any parent when going through a child custody case in Fort Collins. While parents are allowed to create their own child support agreements, any agreement that deviates too far from the Colorado child support laws & guidelines will likely not receive court approval. This is just one reason why having an attorney with expertise in Colorado child support is critical for your case.

The child support attorneys at Divorce Matters® Fort Collins are highly skilled in helping their clients navigate the more difficult aspects of child support proceedings.

How is Child Support Calculated in Fort Collins, Colorado?

There are a variety of factors that are likely to affect the amount of child support a divorcing parent can expect to receive – or pay. In Fort Collins, child support is based on a strict and somewhat complicated statute that is designed to ensure every child of divorcing or separating parents receives full financial support from both of them. According to the Colorado Child Support Guidelines, the first step in calculating child support is to establish the gross monthly income of both parents. Gross income is the amount that someone brings home before any taxes and deductions. If one parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the judge may “assign” income to him or her. This often happens if it is clear to the court that the parent could be earning more than they actually are based on their experience and qualifications.

The second step of calculating child support in Fort Collins, Colorado, is establishing the number of overnights per year that each parent has with the child (or children). Generally speaking, the parent with fewer overnights can expect to have to pay child support to the other. A common exception to this general rule is if the parent with primary custody is a significantly higher income earner.

The third thing that a judge will consider in a child support case falls under the category of extraordinary and ongoing expenses. These expenses include things like medical insurance, daycare costs, extracurricular activities, travel, and the like. Per the Colorado Child Support Guidelines, the parent who pays these extra expenses is credited for them in the child support calculation formula.

Searching for the Best Divorce Lawyer in Fort Collins?

Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Why Choose Divorce Matters® in Fort Collins?

The attorneys at Divorce Matters® are experienced legal professionals who are well-versed in all aspects of Colorado child support, including child support calculation, along with a myriad of other divorce and child support-related issues. Divorce Matters® is a proud family law firm in Fort Collins that has helped thousands of people just like you get a fresh start.

Every child support lawyer at Divorce Matters® is well-versed in Colorado child support laws and genuinely understands how difficult going through a divorce can be. We are aggressive and compassionate legal advocates who are devoted to achieving the best possible outcome for each client.

If you are curious to know what your monthly child support payments might be, we encourage you to download our very own Child Support Calculator App. Simply input your personal financial information along with the financial information of your co-parent and the app will provide a close approximation of what your child support payment will look like.

Contact Divorce Matters

To speak with a Fort Collins family law attorney about child support or any other family law topic, contact Divorce Matters® today by filling out our online form or calling us at 720-542-6142.