A number of states are beginning to adopt Maintenance formulas as part of their divorce or dissolution of marriage statutes. Colorado has such a formula but it only applies to temporary orders and only to combined annual gross incomes of $75,000 or less.  The rationale behind a maintenance formula is to provide predictability and uniformity while still giving the court the ability to deviate from the formula for unique situations such as a party with special medical needs or a large asset case when a party can use the property awarded to him/her to meet his/her needs.     

            In February 2012, Representative Beth McCann introduced a Maintenance formula bill into the Colorado legislature. This was based upon a statute recently enacted in the state of Massachusetts.  Representative McCann sought input from the Colorado Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the Family Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association.  After these discussions, the maintenance bill is being revised with the idea it will be presented again next year.

The Colorado statute governing child support is sometimes confusing and allows discretion and deviations in certain situations. The statute has been amended numerous times in the last 25 years, and it is currently the lengthiest section in the state’s Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act.

Here’s where our experience matters.

At Dale E. Johnson, P.C., we’ve been practicing Colorado family law for more than 40 years. We’re familiar with the intricacies of the Colorado statute and can work efficiently and effectively to help you make sure your child is appropriately supported.

Our process begins with organization. 

Because of the complexity of the child support statute, it is important to have accurate and documented evidence of all sources of income and all expenses for the children. Good record keeping is essential to both analyze and present the case for an appropriate child support order.

We can help you organize those facts and documents to determine, as closely as possible, the child support level. Organization and experience allow us to assist clients in reaching resolution on child support matters efficiently and effectively.

To learn more, see our Helpful Information page on Child Support or call us at 303.666.4468.