Colorado Child Support Calculator
When parents separate in Colorado, one of the first practical questions is how much child support will be. This calculator gives you a starting estimate based on the way Colorado law calculates support.
Colorado uses an income shares model under C.R.S. § 14-10-115[1]. It combines both parents’ incomes, factors in the parenting time each parent has with the children, and matches the total to a state schedule that splits the cost of raising the children between the parents in proportion to what each earns. The guideline amount is presumed correct, but a judge can set a different amount when the guideline would be unfair, as long as the reasons are explained. The schedule covers combined monthly incomes up to $40,000, and above that a court uses its discretion.
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Making the most of your child support estimate
A child support estimate turns a stressful unknown into a number you can plan around. Before anything is filed, it helps you build a realistic monthly budget, see how support fits with a parenting schedule you are considering, and understand the financial side of different custody arrangements.
It can also make your first conversation with an attorney more productive. You can bring your own figures and focus on the details a calculator does not settle, such as income that is hard to document, work-related childcare and medical costs, or a reason the guideline amount may not fit your family.
Talk With a Colorado Child Support Attorney About Your Results
Johnson Law Group helps Colorado parents understand where a child support figure comes from and what it means for the family budget. Our family law attorneys can look at the facts of your case and explain how a court is likely to apply the guideline. You are welcome to meet with us at any of our offices or by video.
Schedule a no-pressure consultation to get a clear read on your child support question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this estimate what a court will order?
Not necessarily. The calculator provides an estimate. Courts generally begin with the Colorado child support guideline worksheet, but the final order depends on verified income, parenting time, required adjustments, and whether the court finds a legal reason to deviate from the guideline amount.
How does parenting time affect child support in Colorado?
Parenting time is part of the calculation. The number of overnights each parent has with the children affects how the support obligation is divided between the two households.
What counts as income for child support?
Colorado looks at each parent’s gross income from most sources, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income, before applying certain adjustments. Income can be harder to pin down for business owners or parents with variable pay.
What expenses are added to the guideline amount?
On top of the basic support figure, Colorado adds work-related childcare, the children’s health insurance premiums, and extraordinary medical or other expenses, and splits them between the parents in proportion to their incomes.
Can a child support order be changed later?
Yes. Either parent can ask the court to modify support when there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. In Colorado, a change that would adjust the guideline amount by less than 10 percent generally will not meet that threshold. Changes in income, parenting time, childcare costs, or health insurance costs may affect whether modification is available.
Sources:
[1] C.R.S. § 14-10-115 – Child Support Guidelines | https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-14/dissolution-of-marriage-parental-responsibilities/article-10/section-14-10-115/
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