Child support is a crucial aspect of ensuring the well-being of children whose parents are no longer together. In Colorado, there are legal avenues in place to help custodial parents receive the financial support they need for their children. If you find yourself facing a situation where the other parent refuses to pay child support, this guide will walk you through the steps to navigate the system and ensure the financial stability of your child.
Understanding Child Support in Colorado
Child support in Colorado is typically determined based on a formula that takes into account the income of both parents, the number of children involved, how much time each parent spends with the children, and certain expenses like health insurance and child care. After considering these things, the court issues a child support order, specifying the amount the paying parent is obligated to pay.
If the paying parent will not pay the ordered amount:
- Open Communication: Before taking legal action, it may be beneficial to attempt to communicate with the other parent. Discuss the importance of child support and try to understand their reasons for non-payment. Sometimes, disputes can be resolved amicably through open communication.
- Document Everything: Keep a record of all communication with the other parent regarding child support. This includes text messages, emails, and any other form of communication. Document instances where payments were promised but not delivered.
- Contact Your County Child Support Service and/or an attorneys: In Colorado, each county has a Child Support Services office that can assist you in enforcing child support orders. Contact your local office and provide them with all relevant information, including the court order and evidence of non-payment. Contacting an attorney may help the process go faster.
- Income Withholding Order: An attorney and/or the Child Support Services office can help you obtain an Income Withholding Order (IWO), which instructs the paying parent's employer to deduct child support payments directly from their paycheck.
- Contempt of Court: If the paying parent continues to refuse payment, you may file a contempt of court motion with the assistance of an attorney. This involves providing evidence to the court that the other parent is not complying with the child support order. If found in contempt, the court may impose penalties, such as payment of attorney fees or jail time, or take other enforcement actions.
Navigating the process of getting child support paid in Colorado may require persistence and patience and potentially legal assistance. By seeking the assistance of Child Support Services or the attorneys at Knies, Helland, and McPherson Law, you can increase the likelihood of receiving the financial support your child deserves. Remember that every case is unique, and it's essential to stay informed about your rights and the available resources in your local jurisdiction.