How child support is calculated in Colorado
What decides the amount, where to get the real number, and the extra rules.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
Colorado uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. The formula uses both parents' gross income, the number of children, the number of overnights each parent has, and costs such as child care and health insurance.
- Model
- Income shares
- Official calculator
- Official Colorado child support calculator
Where the real number comes from in Colorado
The formula uses both parents' gross income, the number of children, the number of overnights each parent has, and costs such as child care and health insurance. Since March 1, 2026, each parent gets a parenting-time credit from a state table based on their number of overnights, starting from the first overnight. The result is shown on the official worksheet (JDF 1821).
Law: C.R.S. 14-10-115 (as amended by HB 25-1159, guideline changes effective March 1, 2026)
We don't estimate Colorado's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:
The low-income rule in Colorado
From March 1, 2026: if the paying parent's adjusted gross income is $650 a month or less, the order is $10 a month. Above $650 and up to the self-support reserve (minimum wage x 29 hours x 50 weeks / 12), support is $50 a month for one child, $70 for two, $90 for three, $110 for four, $130 for five and $150 for six or more. Low-income orders with add-ons are capped at 10% of income, and for parents earning up to full-time minimum wage the total is capped at 20%.
Law: C.R.S. 14-10-115(7), as amended by HB 25-1159
State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.
Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)
What goes into support in Colorado
The formula uses both parents' gross income, the number of children, the number of overnights each parent has, and costs such as child care and health insurance. Since March 1, 2026, each parent gets a parenting-time credit from a state table based on their number of overnights, starting from the first overnight. The result is shown on the official worksheet (JDF 1821).
Law: C.R.S. 14-10-115 (as amended by HB 25-1159, guideline changes effective March 1, 2026)
The model in plain words
In an income-shares state, both parents' incomes are added together. A table gives the support for that combined income, and each parent pays the share that matches their part of the income.
Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.
Law: 45 CFR 302.56
Health insurance in Colorado
Colorado law requires every new child support order to name the parent who must provide health insurance; premiums and ongoing medical costs are part of the worksheet (CSS, Health Insurance).
In nearby states
- Wyoming: Income shares
- New Mexico: Income shares
- Utah: Income shares
- Nebraska: Income shares
From income to an order in Colorado
Find the income numbers
Pay stubs, tax returns and benefit letters for both parents, if you have them.
Check the official calculator
Get the guideline amount from Official Colorado child support calculator.
Count health and child care
Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.
Open a case
To get an order, contact Colorado Department of Human Services, Child Support Services (CSS) program ((303) 866-4300) · Apply online
Ask for free help
Legal aid can help for free: Colorado Legal Services.
Free help in Colorado
Questions about the Colorado guidelines
How does Colorado figure child support?
The formula uses both parents' gross income, the number of children, the number of overnights each parent has, and costs such as child care and health insurance. Since March 1, 2026, each parent gets a parenting-time credit from a state table based on their number of overnights, starting from the first overnight. The result is shown on the official worksheet (JDF 1821).
Does Colorado have an online support calculator?
Is there a low-income rule in Colorado?
From March 1, 2026: if the paying parent's adjusted gross income is $650 a month or less, the order is $10 a month. Above $650 and up to the self-support reserve (minimum wage x 29 hours x 50 weeks / 12), support is $50 a month for one child, $70 for two, $90 for three, $110 for four, $130 for five and $150 for six or more. Low-income orders with add-ons are capped at 10% of income, and for parents earning up to full-time minimum wage the total is capped at 20%.
Who pays for the child's health insurance in Colorado?
Colorado law requires every new child support order to name the parent who must provide health insurance; premiums and ongoing medical costs are part of the worksheet (CSS, Health Insurance).
Related Colorado pages
Sources
- C.R.S. 14-10-115 (as amended by HB 25-1159, guideline changes effective March 1, 2026)
- CSS Apply for Services
- CSS Calculating Payments
- CSS Changing an Order
- CSS Enforcing Orders
- CSS Parentage
- CSS Health Insurance
- CSS Contact Us
- Colorado Judicial Branch: Change Child Support
- Colorado Judicial Branch: End Child Support
- JDF 1800 Instructions/Options to Enforce Orders (R9/25)
- JDF 1807 Affidavit of Arrears (interest rates)
Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.