Colorado Child Support Calculator

Colorado uses the income shares model under C.R.S. § 14-10-115. Both parents' monthly adjusted gross incomes are combined to determine a basic child support obligation from the statutory schedule. That obligation is divided proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income. Colorado also applies a specific overnights-based adjustment when the non-custodial parent has 93+ overnights per year.

Gross income in Colorado includes income from all sources including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, pensions, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, disability, interest, dividends, trust income, rental income, royalties, and maintenance (alimony) received. Colorado also allows the court to impute income based on potential earnings if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Colorado applies a shared physical care adjustment when the non-custodial parent has 93 or more overnights per year (approximately 25% of the time). Under C.R.S. § 14-10-115(8), the formula multiplies each parent's obligation by a factor based on overnights: (365 - 2 × overnights) / 365. As overnights approach 50/50 (182.5 nights), the adjustment significantly reduces the support amount.

Yes, either parent can file a motion to modify child support when there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Colorado allows modification if the recalculated amount differs from the current order by 10% or more. Common reasons include significant income changes, changes in overnights, changes in childcare or insurance costs, or a child emancipating.

In Colorado, child support generally continues until the child turns 19 (not 18, unlike many states). Support may terminate earlier if the child marries, is emancipated by court order, or enters active military duty. For a child with a mental or physical disability, support may continue beyond age 19. Colorado courts may also order post-secondary education support until age 21.

Yes. Under Colorado's guidelines, work-related childcare costs and the cost of health insurance for the child are added to the basic child support obligation. These costs are then divided proportionally between the parents based on their respective shares of the combined adjusted gross income.

This calculator provides an estimate based on the Colorado child support guidelines. Actual court-ordered support may differ because judges may deviate from the guidelines based on factors including the child's special needs, extraordinary medical expenses, the financial resources of each parent, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed. Consult a Colorado family law attorney for an accurate assessment.