Raising a child requires emotional, physical, and financial support. In Colorado, parents have a legal obligation to provide for their children, and child support ensures that both parents contribute fairly. If you need to file for child support in Larimer County, understanding the process can help you secure the financial assistance your child deserves. Whether you are seeking to establish child support for the first time or need to modify an existing order, a Fort Collins child support lawyer can help guide you through the legal system.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility for Child Support
Child support in Larimer County is typically requested by:
- A custodial parent who needs financial assistance from the other parent.
- A non-parent caregiver (such as a grandparent or legal guardian) raising a child.
- A government agency seeking reimbursement for public assistance provided to the child.
To be eligible, one parent must have primary custody or a substantial share of caregiving responsibilities. Child support obligations are based on Colorado’s statutory guidelines, which take into account parental income, childcare costs, health insurance, and other relevant expenses.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Before filing for child support, you should gather important documents and information, including:
- Personal identification (driver’s license or passport).
- Birth certificate of the child(ren).
- Proof of paternity (if the father’s name is not on the birth certificate, a paternity test may be required).
- Income information (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s).
- Details about health insurance for the child(ren).
- Any existing custody or support agreements.
A Fort Collins child support lawyer can assist in ensuring you have all necessary documentation before submitting your case.
Step 3: File a Child Support Application
Child support in Larimer County is managed through the Colorado Child Support Services (CSS) program. To initiate a case, you must complete a child support application. You can file in two ways:
- Online Application:
- Visit the Colorado Child Support Services portal (https://childsupport.state.co.us).
- Create an account and complete the application.
- Upload necessary documents and pay the required $20 application fee (waived for qualifying low-income applicants).
- In-Person Application:
- Visit the Larimer County Department of Human Services at:
1501 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524 - Request a paper application and submit it along with supporting documents.
- Visit the Larimer County Department of Human Services at:
Once filed, the Larimer County Child Support Services Office will review your case and begin the process of establishing a child support order.
Step 4: Establish Paternity (If Necessary)
If paternity has not been legally established, the Colorado Child Support Services or the court may require DNA testing. This process ensures that the correct individual is financially responsible for the child. If both parents agree on paternity, they can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) to avoid delays.
A Fort Collins child support lawyer can assist in navigating paternity disputes, ensuring the proper legal steps are followed.
Step 5: Attend the Child Support Hearing
Once the application is processed, both parents will receive a court summons to appear before a Larimer County family court judge. The judge will evaluate:
- The income and financial situation of both parents.
- The needs of the child, including healthcare and educational expenses.
- Any existing custody agreements.
If both parties agree on child support terms, the judge will issue an official child support order. If there is a disagreement, the judge will determine a fair payment amount based on Colorado’s guidelines.
Step 6: Enforce Child Support Payments
Once a child support order is established, payments must be made as directed. In Colorado, payments are typically collected through:
- Wage garnishment (automatic deduction from the paying parent’s paycheck).
- Direct payments to the custodial parent.
- Electronic transfer through the Colorado Family Support Registry (FSR).
If the non-paying parent falls behind or refuses to pay, enforcement measures may include:
- License suspension (driver’s, professional, or hunting licenses).
- Wage and tax refund garnishment.
- Legal action and possible jail time for non-compliance.
A Fort Collins child support lawyer can help enforce court-ordered child support and ensure compliance through legal channels.
Step 7: Modify a Child Support Order (If Needed)
If either parent experiences a significant change in financial circumstances, they may request a modification of the child support order. Common reasons for modification include:
- Loss of job or reduction in income.
- Significant increase in the custodial parent’s income.
- Changes in the child’s healthcare or educational expenses.
To modify child support, a Motion to Modify Child Support must be filed with the Larimer County Family Court. Consulting a Fort Collins child support lawyer can help ensure your modification request is properly documented and supported by evidence.
Get Legal Help from a Fort Collins Child Support Lawyer
Filing for child support can be a complex and emotionally charged process. Whether you need assistance filing a new case, enforcing payments, or modifying an existing order, an experienced Fort Collins child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and advocate for your child’s best interests.
At Baker Law Group, we are committed to helping parents in Fort Collins and Larimer County secure the financial support their children deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your child support case.
