Colorado Divorce Laws

Colorado Divorce Laws regarding child support

The revised statutes 14-10-115 are the basis of the laws for child support in this state. Child support is decided by utilizing the Income Shares model. As per this model, the combined income of both the parents is considered to decide the level of support. The Colorado Judicial Branch Child Support guidelines have worksheets which assist in calculating the level of support. The features of child support are as follows –

• Support is essential till the child graduates from high school
• Support is necessary till the child is set free
• If the child is physically or mentally disabled, then support continues after the child attains 19 years of age

Colorado Divorce Laws regarding child custody

Keeping the optimum interests of the child in mind, the Court speculates the following prior to issuing orders of custody.

• Whether the parent has a capacity to give more priority to the child’s needs than the parent’s need
• Proofs of neglect, child abuse and spousal abuse by any parent
• The physical separation between the partners to consider the practicalities of parenting time
• In the past, when the parents have been involved with the child, whether there is an evidence of mutual support, time commitment and a system of values
• The capacity of one parent to inspire a sharing of contact, affection and love amongst the other parent and the child
• The physical and mental health of all those who have been involved with the child
• How the child has adapted to the community, school and home
• The relation of the child with siblings, parents or any other individuals who might considerably influence the best interests of the child
• If the child is mature enough to voice reasoned preferences regarding the parenting arrangement, then the desires of the child are taken into account
• The desires of the parents with respect to parenting time

Spousal Support

Alimony may be awarded to either spouse on a permanent or temporary basis. During the dissolution of marriage or during legal separation, if a request for temporary support is made, then the monthly amount of temporary maintenance is calculated as follows – consider that the combined annual gross income of both partners is less than 75 thousand USD. Then, (40 percent of the higher income partner’s monthly income) – (50 percent of the lower income partner’s monthly income) = monthly amount of temporary maintenance.

However, the spousal support after the dissolution of marriage is calculated considering the following issues –

• The partner from whom support is requested should have the capacity to meet self needs as well as other partner’s needs
• Regarding the partner requesting support, the emotional and physical condition as well as the age is considered
• The duration essential for the partner requesting support to have enough education and training to secure proper employment and the earning potential of this partner in the future
• The standard of living that was being enjoyed in the marital life
• The period of the marital life

Divorce Papers