When it comes to child support in Denver, Colorado, there are many factors to consider. As an expert in family law, I am here to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this topic. Child support is a court-ordered payment made by one parent to the other for the financial support of their child. In Denver, Colorado, child support is determined based on the income of both parents and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.
The purpose of child support is to ensure that the child's basic needs are met and that they have access to the same standard of living they would have had if their parents were still together. Legal custody refers to a parent's right to make important decisions on behalf of their child, such as those related to education, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody, on the other hand, refers to where the child resides on a day-to-day basis. In Denver, Colorado, both legal and physical custody can be either sole or joint. In most cases, the parent with sole physical custody will receive child support from the other parent. This is because the child is primarily residing with one parent and therefore, that parent incurs most of the expenses related to raising the child.
In cases of joint physical custody, where the child spends a significant amount of time with both parents, child support may still be ordered but may be reduced based on the amount of time each parent spends with the child. When it comes to legal custody, it does not have a direct impact on child support in Denver, Colorado. This is because both parents are still responsible for financially supporting their child regardless of who has legal custody. However, if one parent has sole legal custody and makes all decisions for the child, they may be responsible for any additional expenses related to those decisions. Child support orders are not set in stone and can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances. If you are not receiving the child support payments you are entitled to, there are various methods of enforcing child support orders such as wage garnishment or suspension of driver's license or professional licenses. Child support in Denver, Colorado is a complex issue that involves many factors.
While legal and physical custody may have an impact on child support, the ultimate goal is to ensure that the child's best interests are met. If you have any questions or concerns about child support in Denver, Colorado, it is best to consult with a family law attorney who can provide you with personalized advice based on your specific situation.