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Colorado Child Support Calculator & Guidelines (2026)

Estimate Colorado child support under C.R.S. § 14-10-115 (as amended by HB 25-1159, eff. Mar. 1, 2026) — Income Shares model, current caps and percentages, with a step-by-step worked example.

Estimate Your Child Support

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Colorado Child Support Rules at a Glance

Guideline model Income Shares
Income basis Gross (pre-tax) income
How it works Both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is taken from the state’s official schedule, and each parent pays in proportion to their share of combined income.
Caps & limits New schedule effective March 1, 2026 (HB 25-1159): combined monthly AGI $100-$40,000 with amounts interpolated between rows; obligor income at or below $650 gets a $10/month minimum order; pre-2026 tables ($1,100-$30,000) are obsolete
Statute / rule C.R.S. § 14-10-115 (as amended by HB 25-1159, eff. Mar. 1, 2026)
Parameters verified 2026-07

Worked Example: $5,000 + $3,000 Income, Two Children

  1. Paying parent’s monthly income: $5,000 - other parent’s: $3,000 - two children, primary custody.
  2. Combined monthly income: $8,000 - basic obligation from the official C.R.S. § 14-10-115 (as amended by HB 25-1159, eff. Mar. 1, 2026) schedule for two children: $1,808.
  3. Paying parent’s share of combined income: 62.5% - $1,808 x 62.5% = $1,130 per month.

Result: $1,130 per month

Colorado Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Colorado?

Colorado uses the income shares model under C.R.S. § 14-10-115 (as amended by HB 25-1159, eff. Mar. 1, 2026): both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is determined, and each parent is responsible for their proportional share. Both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is taken from the state’s official schedule, and each parent pays in proportion to their share of combined income.

Does Colorado use gross or net income for child support?

Colorado calculates support on gross (pre-tax) income as defined in C.R.S. § 14-10-115 (as amended by HB 25-1159, eff. Mar. 1, 2026). New schedule effective March 1, 2026 (HB 25-1159): combined monthly AGI $100-$40,000 with amounts interpolated between rows; obligor income at or below $650 gets a $10/month minimum order; pre-2026 tables ($1,100-$30,000) are obsolete.

Can a Colorado court order more or less than the guideline amount?

Yes. The guideline amount under C.R.S. § 14-10-115 (as amended by HB 25-1159, eff. Mar. 1, 2026) is presumptive, not absolute - courts may deviate with written findings for factors like extraordinary medical or educational needs, other children supported, or very high income beyond the guideline range.

How do I apply for or modify child support in Colorado?

Apply through the Colorado child support agency or the family court in your county. Existing orders can be modified on a substantial change in circumstances - typically a significant income change, job loss, or a change in custody. The official calculator/worksheet is linked on this page (childsupport.state.co.us).

Official Colorado Resources

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About This Estimate

Estimate only — not legal advice. Based on Colorado guidelines (C.R.S. § 14-10-115 (as amended by HB 25-1159, eff. Mar. 1, 2026)), last verified 2026-07. Courts may deviate. For an official figure use the official Colorado calculator.