When Does Child Support End in Colorado?
Child support is an important aspect of divorce or separation cases involving children. In Colorado, child support is typically paid until the child reaches the age of emancipation, which is 19 years old. However, there are certain circumstances in which child support may end earlier or be extended beyond the age of 19. It is crucial for parents to understand the laws and regulations surrounding child support in Colorado to ensure compliance and avoid any legal complications.
Child Support Laws in Colorado:
In Colorado, child support is determined based on the Income Shares Model, which takes into account the income of both parents, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. The court considers these factors to calculate the appropriate amount of child support that the noncustodial parent must pay to the custodial parent.
Child support payments are typically made until the child reaches the age of 19. At this age, the child is considered emancipated and is legally an adult. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and child support may continue beyond the age of 19 in certain circumstances.
Circumstances in Which Child Support May End Earlier:
1. Emancipation: If the child gets married, joins the military, or becomes self-supporting, child support may end earlier than the age of 19. In such cases, the parent paying child support must file a motion with the court to terminate the support order.
2. High School Graduation: If the child graduates from high school before the age of 19, child support may end. However, the parent paying child support must file a motion with the court to terminate the support order once the child graduates.
3. Legal Emancipation: In some cases, a child may petition the court for legal emancipation before the age of 19. If the court grants the petition, child support obligations may be terminated.
Circumstances in Which Child Support May Be Extended:
1. Special Needs: If a child has special needs and requires ongoing care and support, the court may order child support to continue beyond the age of 19. The court will assess the child’s individual needs to determine the appropriate duration and amount of support.
2. College Expenses: In some cases, parents may agree or the court may order the noncustodial parent to contribute to the child’s college expenses. This can include tuition, books, housing, and other related costs. The court may extend child support beyond the age of 19 to cover these expenses.
FAQs:
Q: Is child support automatically terminated when the child turns 19 in Colorado?
A: No, child support is not automatically terminated when the child turns 19. The parent paying child support must file a motion with the court to terminate the support order.
Q: Can child support be modified after it has been established?
A: Yes, child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or the child’s needs.
Q: Can child support be paid directly to the child?
A: No, child support payments must be made to the custodial parent or through the Colorado Child Support Services.
Q: Can child support be enforced if the paying parent fails to make payments?
A: Yes, child support orders can be enforced through various methods, such as wage garnishment, tax refund interception, or suspension of driver’s license.
Q: Can child support be modified for college expenses?
A: Yes, child support can be modified to include college expenses if the parents agree or the court orders it.
In conclusion, child support in Colorado typically ends when the child reaches the age of 19. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and child support may end earlier or be extended beyond the age of 19 depending on the circumstances. It is important for parents to understand the laws and regulations surrounding child support in Colorado to ensure compliance and avoid any legal complications.