How is child support calculated in Colorado?

Colorado child support is governed by C.R.S. § 14-10-115, an extensive Income Shares statute revised most recently by HB 22-1029 (effective Jan. 1, 2023).

1. Two Worksheets

Worksheet A — Sole Physical Care: When the noncustodial parent has fewer than 93 overnights per year.

Worksheet B — Shared Physical Care: When each parent has the child for at least 93 overnights (~25%) per year.

2. Income Shares Calculation

Determine each parent's adjusted gross income (gross less alimony paid, support actually paid for prior children).

Combine adjusted gross incomes.

Read the Basic Child Support Obligation from the Schedule in § 14-10-115(7)(b).

Add work-related childcare, extraordinary medical (>$250/year), health insurance premium for the child, and other extraordinary expenses (private school if agreed/ordered, transportation for visitation).

Pro rate by income.

For Worksheet B, multiply by 1.5 and apply each parent's percentage of time with the other parent; offset to determine net obligor amount.

3. Combined Income Range

The Schedule covers combined adjusted gross incomes from $1,100 up to $40,000/month. Above the cap, the court extrapolates or uses discretion based on the standard of living the child would have enjoyed.

4. Self-Support Reserve (§ 14-10-115(7)(c))

The obligor's net income after support cannot fall below a Self-Support Reserve equal to 100% of the federal poverty guideline for one person. A presumptive minimum order of $50/month applies.

5. Duration (C.R.S. § 14-10-115(13))

Support continues until the child:

Reaches age 19 (Colorado's general age of emancipation), OR

If still enrolled in high school or equivalent, until the end of the month following graduation or until age 21, whichever first.

A child who is mentally or physically disabled before age 19 may receive support indefinitely.

6. Modification (C.R.S. § 14-10-122)

A substantial and continuing change in circumstances permits modification. A rebuttable presumption of substantial and continuing change exists when guideline recalculation would change the order by 10% or more. Title IV-D 3-year reviews available.

7. Imputation (§ 14-10-115(5)(b))

Income may be imputed for voluntary unemployment or underemployment, except in defined circumstances (parent has child under 30 months, is incarcerated longer than 180 days, has a physical/mental disability).

8. Deviation (§ 14-10-115(8))

Guideline amount is presumed correct; deviation allowed only with written findings that application would be inequitable, unjust, or inappropriate.

This is legal information, not legal advice.