Child Support in Colorado: How Much Will You Owe?

Quick answer: it depends on both parents' incomes, how many children you have, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page turns those numbers into a real guideline estimate in about a minute. It is an educational estimate, not legal advice, and the judge always sets the final amount. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource, not a law firm.

Wondering how much child support you will owe or receive in Colorado? The state uses one formula everywhere, so the same math applies in every county. This page explains how it works, lets you run a live estimate, and links to a dedicated page for each county at the bottom.

Colorado follows the Income Shares model under C.R.S. § 14-10-115. The court combines both parents' monthly gross incomes, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that income level and number of children, then prorates the obligation between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined income.

What counts as income? Colorado runs the formula on gross income, meaning income before taxes come out. Gross income from any source, wages, salaries, self-employment income, bonuses, severance, pensions, dividends, trust income, annuities, capital gains, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment, and gifts. Reasonable business expenses are deducted from self-employment.

Parenting time matters directly in Colorado: the number of overnights each parent has changes the math itself. Colorado uses a shared physical care formula, so parenting time can change the support number once a parent reaches at least 93 overnights per year with the child. Below that threshold, the court applies the basic schedule without a shared-care adjustment. At or above 93 overnights, the worksheet shifts to a shared-care calculation that accounts for the time each parent spends with the children. More balanced 50/50 schedules usually lower the higher earner's payment, but they rarely erase it because Colorado still combines both parents' incomes first.

When does it end? Support generally ends at age 19 in Colorado, the statutory age of emancipation. It continues through high school (capped at age 21) and indefinitely for a child whose mental or physical disability began before age 19.

Can the amount change later? Either parent can file a verified motion to modify in district court, or request review through the Division of Child Support Services. A 10% variance creates a presumption of substantial change.

If payments fall behind, Colorado has real enforcement tools. Income withholding is automatic. Additional remedies include tax refund interception, license suspension, lien recordation, credit reporting, passport denial, and contempt with potential jail time.

Child support cases in Colorado are generally handled through the state's District Court, and Colorado Division of Child Support Services runs the state's child support services program. Forms and local practice can vary, so confirm the current details with your local court or the agency.

The calculator on this page is the same live engine behind our full Child Support Calculator. Enter both incomes, the number of children, and the overnight split, and the estimate updates instantly. The full calculator page adds extras like health insurance, child care costs, and saved scenarios.

Bottom line for Colorado: the guideline number comes from incomes, children, and parenting time. Run the estimate on this page, keep your paperwork honest and complete, and let the court confirm the final amount.

Frequently asked questions

How much child support will I owe in Colorado?

There is no flat amount. Colorado uses the Income Shares model under C.R.S. § 14-10-115, so the number depends on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page gives you a guideline estimate, and the court sets the final amount.

When does child support end in Colorado?

Age 19, Colorado's statutory age of emancipation, unless the child is still in high school (then through high school but not past 21) or is mentally or physically disabled.

Can the child support amount be changed later in Colorado?

Usually yes, when circumstances change enough. A 10% change between the existing order and a new guideline calculation creates a presumption of substantial and continuing change.

Who handles child support cases in Colorado?

Cases are generally heard in the state's District Court, and Colorado Division of Child Support Services handles services like locating parents, establishing orders, and collecting payments.