Colorado Child Support Calculator

Colorado uses the income shares model. Colorado uses the Income Shares Model under C.R.S. § 14-10-115. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined to determine the Basic Child Support Obligation from a statutory schedule. Each parent's proportionate share is based on their percentage of combined income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, childcare costs, extraordinary medical expenses, and shared parenting time (multiplied by 1.50 for shared physical care). The guidelines apply to combined adjusted gross income up to statutory limits.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Colorado generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Colorado can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Colorado has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.