Child Support
Child support is often a stressful issue for a couple already struggling with upheaval in their personal lives.
But securing the appropriate level of support can impact your child's financial security for years to come. You want to get it right.
The child support lawyers at Dunsing, Deakins & Galera, LLC, in Denver, CO, can provide the advice you need when dealing with these issues.
Top-Rated Family Law Attorney
Our lead family law lawyer, Fred A. Dunsing, is rated an AV Preeminent attorney by the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings. It is the highest rating an attorney can receive and is a testament to the fact that his peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence.
Mr. Dunsing limits his practice cases to family law, where he has more than 20 years of experience. His practice areas include divorce, child custody disputes, property settlements, paternity, visitation rights, and other related family law topics.
An Attorney Who Delivers The Best Outcomes
"I have worked with numerous attorneys regarding my family law case for almost a decade, and I can say without a doubt that Fred is one of the best attorneys I have worked with ... Fred has always delivered the best outcomes possible in my cases."
Compassionate Attorneys: We Can Help You Collect
If needed, we work with mediators and other professionals who can help the family reach an amicable agreement regarding child support. We can also get involved if child support payments go unpaid. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Factors To Consider In Determining Support Payments
Our family law and child support attorneys in Denver can help you negotiate a fair agreement that provides your children with the financial support they need now and into their future.
What Does Child Support Cover?
Colorado child support is primarily meant to cover the basic needs of the children. However, when parents have the financial means to allow their kids to participate in cultural or athletic activities, the financial support agreement may be arranged to include more than the basics. In these situations, required payments may also include the cost of after-school activities, summer camps, and related transportation needs.
Is it Important to Establish Parentage?
The first factor for the Colorado court to determine when ordering a child support payment is parentage. This means determining who is the mother and who is the father. Depending on your case, this may or may not require a paternity test.
How Are Child Support Payments Calculated?
Once parentage is determined, the court will examine:
- The income of each parent.
- The custody and visitation schedule.
- The type of lifestyle the child became accustomed to while the parents were together.
- Educational and physical needs, especially in cases involving a special needs child.
Taking these factors into consideration, the court then calculates the gross income of each parent and orders payment according to income and number of children. The amount ordered is typically 20 percent for one child and an additional 10 percent for subsequent children. It is possible to have an existing order changed when financial circumstances change, but you must gain the court's approval to modify the order before any alteration is final.
Do You Need a Child Support Lawyer? Request a Free Consultation
Child support can be a difficult subject for parents to deal with after a divorce. Our attorneys can sort out how much support is appropriate in your circumstance.
Our team of lawyers includes child support attorney Fred A. Dunsing. He works exclusively in family law and can help you deal with the conflicts and legal questions that surround child support orders and child custody. If you need to request changes to a child support order, we can help with that too.
Mr. Dunsing is a top-rated attorney by his peers and has spent 20 years in family law, helping families navigate the emotional and legal issues that happen when families split apart or divorce. Dunsing, Deakins & Galera has offices in Denver and Avon but draws clients from throughout Colorado, including the communities of Vail Valley, Centennial, Lakewood, Aurora, and Eagle County.
If you want to speak to a child support lawyer, we suggest starting with a complimentary consultation at Dunsing, Deakins & Galera. We will sit down with you and have an honest conversation about your concerns.
Request a consultation by phone or online:
Call Us: (303) 758-8981
Zeros in on the Important Issues 5-Stars for Our Denver Firm
"I have found Fred to be personable, conscientious, professional, and straight-forward. He expertly analyzed my situation and knew exactly how to go about obtaining the best possible results. His expertise in negotiating and in "zeroing in" on the important issues was essential in quickly and efficiently setting the necessary ground rules and getting through paperwork and negotiations."
Did You Know?
How Can Child Support Funds Be Spent?
Not surprisingly, how child support funds are spent can create tensions. Child support is intended to be spent on care for the children involved, not on the custodial parent. But there is not always a clear distinction between the two and that can lead to confusion, and perhaps conflict.
You may need an experienced child support lawyer to help negotiate what is, and is not, included in a support agreement. Items to consider include:
Shelter
Rent or mortgage payments can be included, along with the cost of utilities.
Food & Fundamentals
Food, clothing, toys, books, and furnishings also can be included as part of child support.
Medical Expenses
Doctor's visits, medications, eyeglasses, dental care, and similar services are considered necessities covered by child support, along with medical insurance.
School Expenses
Books, supplies, clothing, and the cost of field trips can also be rolled into child support agreements. However, if your child needs a tutor, that can be more complicated and you may need expert advice to determine who has the authority to decide on the question of tutoring and who is responsible for payment.
Extracurricular Activities
Sports, summer camp, and other enrichment programs may need to be specifically included in a child support agreement in order to be covered.
"Lucy, Wendi, and Fred were all amazing throughout my case. Lucy's knowledge and expertise, as well as the law firm's professional connections with mediators and child family investigators, led to a custody resolution that truly represents the best interest of my son. Many thanks!" Amelia Muniz, 5-Star Reviews
