If you have gone through a divorce, you have a divorce settlement printed and stored in a cabinet somewhere. You may refer back to it for any questions about what was decided. But, are settlements set in stone? Can they be modified for issues like child support?
Divorce settlement modifications
In Colorado, you may make requests to modify child support orders. You must make the request in writing at a child support county office that manages your case. You must present affidavits and also provide evidence as to why the state should consider your request to modify the order.
The state provides a calculator that can give you a rough estimate, if the changes in your circumstances might justify a change from the initial child support order.
What circumstances justify a modification?
Typically, either parent can make this modification request, and many do so for changes in income. A common example is when one parent loses their job and no longer has the same resources as when they first got divorced. As a result, they request a reduction in their payment obligation.
Conversely, if one parent’s business or assets hit a bull market, and they now have more resources, the other parent may also request a change to increase the support obligation.
There are other reasons, like deployment in the armed forces or a new childcare provider with an increased cost, that may call for a modification in child support too, among many other reasons.
What if I need assistance?
If you need assistance understanding any steps in the Colorado divorce process, be it the initial steps or a post-divorce modification, a lawyer with family law experience can be an asset in helping you seek assistance.
Remember that a request is just that, and it can be granted or denied, but having help in the preparation and presentation of your materials can be helpful.