Understanding Child Support in Colorado: What Parents Need to Know
Navigating child support in Colorado can feel overwhelming—but understanding how it works can help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you are expecting to receive support or pay it, here’s what every parent should know about Colorado’s child support system.
1. Colorado Uses a Formula to Calculate Child Support
Child support in Colorado is calculated using a standardized formula known as the child support guidelines, set out in C.R.S. § 14-10-115. The formula takes into account:
The gross monthly income of both parents
The number of overnights the child spends with each parent
Costs of health insurance, daycare, and other extraordinary expenses
The number of children involved
This formula produces a presumptive amount of child support, which the court is generally expected to follow unless there’s a valid reason to deviate.
2. Income Is Key—But It’s Not Always Simple
The court looks at gross income from all sources, including wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and even recurring gifts or fringe benefits. In cases involving unemployment or underemployment, the court may impute income—meaning it assigns an income level based on the parent’s earning potential.
If one parent is self-employed or earns variable income, things can get more complicated. Accurate documentation becomes critical.
3. Parenting Time Affects the Amount
Parenting time—specifically the number of overnights—can have a major impact on child support. If one parent has fewer than 93 overnights per year, the other parent usually pays more. If both parents have substantial parenting time, the formula adjusts to reflect that shared responsibility.
This makes it important to align your parenting plan with the financial realities of your case.
4. Child Support Can Be Modified
Once a child support order is in place, it can be modified if there’s a substantial and continuing change in circumstances—such as a job loss, income change, or shift in parenting time. The change must result in at least a 10% difference in the support amount to qualify for modification.
Modifications are not automatic—you must file a motion and provide updated financial disclosures.
5. Child Support Is Enforceable by Law
Unpaid child support can lead to serious consequences, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and even contempt of court. If you’re owed child support or need help catching up on payments, there are legal options available.
At the same time, paying parents are entitled to accurate calculations and fair treatment under the law.
Need Help with Child Support in Colorado?
Whether you’re establishing, enforcing, or modifying a child support order, Stordahl Law, PLLC can help. We serve clients across the Denver metro and Front Range with clarity, strategy, and personalized attention.
