Longmont, CO asked in Family Law for Colorado

Q: Will I be in trouble for not paying attorney fees ordered by judge to other party? Is there a CO family code 2030?

My child was sick over night on the day I had court hearing with her father. I provided the court with a doctor’s note and I submitted a motion immediately the morning of. But I continue to be ordered to pay. Plus, I cannot afford to pay it. My outcome is more than my monthly income.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Cindy Perusse
PREMIUM
Cindy Perusse
Answered
  • Denver, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: Bottom line is a court order has to be followed. Will you be thrown in jail? No. The other party who was awarded fees would have to be the one to file a motion for contempt if he or she chooses that route. The other way people enforce a judgement for fees is to do what anyone else does to collect a debt and that is by filing paperwork to levy bank accounts and garnish wages. No court involved but it's all a tedious process.

Joel Hassell agrees with this answer

Joel Hassell
Joel Hassell
Answered
  • Golden, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: I agree with the other attorney's answer. Also, it's important to know that Colorado does not have a "Family Code Section 2030" like California does, which deals with attorney fees in family law cases. However, in Colorado, the court can still order one party to pay the other party’s attorney fees. The court bases this decision on what is fair, the financial situations of both people, and how each person acted during the case.

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