Colorado child support WITHOUT courts or lawyers??

[sbenson]

I am common-law married in the state of Colorado which requires a divorce when seperating. My husband is an absolute wonderful man, but we have come to terms that we no long have the love for each other to continue our marriage. He's a fantastic dad and we have both been through previous "nasty" divorces and before we actually file for the divorce I am moving across town with our children (1 of them from my previous marriage) and we have both agreed to me keeping the kids and he provide support, but we would both like to avoid the courts as far as the child support goes.

"Is it possible to just write up a child support agreement on our terms, have it notarized, and it still be binding without involving the courts or lawyers?"

He's a very dependable, fantastic dad who is still actually making child support payments to his two children 21-yrs(almost 22-yrs believe it or not!) and 18-yrs from his previous marriage.

 

[shanney27]

It's really a protection for your soon to be XH that it DOES go thru the courts. That way the amount is set at your states guidline and he can show payment either through wage assignment or by checks. This prevents you OR the state from going after him for any type of arrearages in the event you claim he didn't pay enough or you go on AFDC. It isn't a bad thing for you either because you would have the full backing of the court w/o having to go through hoops to get him to pay. If it is by wage assignment you get your money directly from his check and in the event you guys have a falling out (ie your relationship changes), you will KNOW that check is coming (assuming he continues to work ). Anyhoo...JMHO Good Luck!

Shanney

 

[VeronicaGia]

I disagree with the poster who said to take it to court.

You could go to a lawyer, have papers drawn up that state that if he falls 60 days behind you will go to court and get it enforced. Also, make him responsible to keep copies of all checks he sends for support. Tell him you will not accept cash.

If you really get along with him this well, the court system, IMHO will eliminate that good relationship.

Get a lawyer to write up the paperwork for you. Cover both your butts in this. Keep your good relationship, it truly is in the best interest of your child/ren.