Understanding Colorado Child Support
Key factors that determine your child support calculation
Income Shares Model
Colorado uses the Income Shares Model, which ensures children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have if parents lived together.
Parenting Time Impact
The number of overnights each parent has directly affects the support amount. More overnights with the paying parent typically reduces support.
Additional Expenses
Health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses are added to the basic support and divided proportionally between parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Colorado child support
How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed?
Colorado courts may impute income based on earning capacity, considering education, work experience, and job availability. If genuinely unable to work due to health reasons, the court considers this when determining support.
Can child support be modified if circumstances change?
Yes, child support can be modified when there's a substantial change in circumstances, such as significant income changes, different parenting arrangements, or changes in the child's needs.
What happens if the paying parent moves to another state?
Child support orders are enforceable across state lines through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. Colorado can work with the other state's enforcement agency to establish income withholding.
At what age does child support end in Colorado?
Child support typically ends when the child turns 19, or until 21 if still in high school. For children with disabilities, support may continue indefinitely if the disability prevents self-support.
Helpful Resources
Tools and services to help with your child support case
Official Calculator
Colorado's official child support calculator for precise calculations
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