Winter is a good time to review your family’s legal plans because the year’s changes are fresh and the new year brings new schedules, taxes, and goals. A short annual review of your parenting plan, support orders, and estate documents can catch problems before they become disputes.
Here is a simple checklist for a year-end family plan review.
Parenting Plans and Schedules
Children’s needs change with age, school, and activities. If your parenting plan from a Colorado divorce no longer fits, the court can modify parenting time when a change would serve the child’s best interests.1
Look ahead to spring break and summer and confirm exchange times, travel notice, and holiday rotations now.
Child Support and Income Changes
A support order stays in effect until a court changes it. Child support can be modified only for payments that come due after a motion to modify is filed.2
If your income or a child’s needs changed this year, review whether to file. Job loss and child support is one common reason to act promptly.
A short annual review can prevent bigger problems later. Johnson Law Group offers a no-pressure consultation to review your plans, so schedule a consultation as the new year begins.
Estate Plans and Beneficiaries
- Check beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance.
- Update guardian nominations if your children’s needs or your relationships changed.
- Review powers of attorney and health care directives so the right people are named.
Estate planning choices start with the difference between a will and a trust.
Talk With a Colorado Family Law Attorney
A new year is a natural point to make sure your plans still fit your family. Johnson Law Group is here to help.
The attorneys at Johnson Law Group help families review parenting, support, and estate plans and will give you a clear read on your options. Schedule a free consultation through our Colorado offices, and we will serve as your North Star from here.
Sources
[2] C.R.S. § 14-10-122(1)(a) – Child support modified only as to installments accruing after the motion is filed | https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_14-10-122