Boulder Child Support Enforcement Lawyer
Timely payment of child support is essential for custodial parent’s ability to meet their children’s basic needs. In recognition of the importance of the timely payment of child support, Colorado has a number of mechanisms to ensure child support payments are made on time. Courts can enforce firm penalties and sanctions for parents who willfully violate a child support order.
Family Support Registry
Upon motion from either party, the court may order that child support payments be made through the Family Support Registry. When a child support payment is made through the Family Support Registry, the Registry records the date and amount of the payment before delivering the payment to the parent receiving child support. While the Registry provides an independent record of the date and amount of payments, the Registry does not have any ability to enforce or collect child support.
Boulder Income Assignment Attorney
Courts in Colorado have the authority to order a child support obligation be paid via an income assignment. An income assignment is an order that requires a parent’s employer to automatically withhold child support and pay it directly to the other parent. Income assignments are an effective way to secure the timely payment of child support.
Hire an Experienced Boulder Attorney to Enforce Child Support Claims Through Contempt
When a parent fails to comply with an existing child support order, the court can find that parent in contempt of court and enter sanctions designed to force compliance with the existing order or sanctions punishing a parent for violating the child support order. Whether you are contemplating a contempt action or have been threatened with contempt for non-payment of child support, these proceedings are legally complex. Understand your rights. Call me at 303-872-8041 or email me today to schedule your consultation and receive an explanation of the contempt process, defenses, and possible sanctions.
Seeking Judgment for Past Due Child Support
Another option to enforce a child support order is to reduce the outstanding child support to a judgment. Once child support arrears are reduced to judgment, the judgment can be enforced by garnishing the delinquent parent’s income, bank accounts and other non-exempt assets.
Interest Accrues on Child Support Arrears
When a child support payment is due and not paid, the parent receiving child support is entitled to interest on the unpaid child support in the amount of 12% compounded monthly. This interest will continue to accrue until the debt is satisfied. The high interest rate and monthly compounding causes interest on unpaid child support to accrue quickly. Interest can be a significant sanction deterring future non-compliance with the child support order.
If you have questions about securing or enforcing a child support order, email me or call 303- 872-8041and set up your free consultation today.