When child support ends in Colorado

The end age, the exceptions, and what to do as support ends.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

19. If the child is still in high school or an equivalent program, support continues until the end of the month after graduation, but usually not past 21.

Usual end age
19
Latest age in the rule
21
Law
C.R.S. 14-10-115(13)

The end age in Colorado

19. If the child is still in high school or an equivalent program, support continues until the end of the month after graduation, but usually not past 21.

Law: C.R.S. 14-10-115(13)

Support can continue past 19 for a child with a mental or physical disability, or if the parents agree in writing. Support ends earlier if the child marries, enters a civil union, joins active military duty or is found emancipated.

When does support end? Check your situation

Colorado's rule: 19. If the child is still in high school or an equivalent program, support continues until the end of the month after graduation, but usually not past 21.

Law: C.R.S. 14-10-115(13)

Your own order may set a different end date, for example when the parents agreed to one. Read it.

Moved to another state?

How long support lasts follows the law of the state that made the order, even if you move.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1738B(h)(2)

A state must enforce another state's child support order. The state that made the order keeps the power to change it while a parent or the child still lives there.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1738B(a), (d)

Past-due support doesn't end

Support that was due before it ended is still owed. Each unpaid payment became a judgment on the day it was due, and the agency can keep collecting it.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

In nearby states

Steps as support ends in Colorado

  1. Read your order

    Check what your order says about when support ends.

  2. Know the age

    Colorado's rule: 19. If the child is still in high school or an equivalent program, support continues until the end of the month after graduation, but usually not past 21.

  3. Tell the agency

    Tell the agency about graduation or a change, and ask how withholding stops: Colorado Department of Human Services, Child Support Services (CSS) program ((303) 866-4300) · Apply online

  4. Clear what is owed

    Arrears can still be collected after support ends.

  5. Get help

    Legal aid can help for free: Colorado Legal Services.

Free help in Colorado

Questions about when support ends in Colorado

How long does child support last in Colorado?

19. If the child is still in high school or an equivalent program, support continues until the end of the month after graduation, but usually not past 21.

Is there support during the last year of high school in Colorado?

If the child is still in high school or an equivalent program, support continues until the end of the month after graduation, but usually not past 21.

Are there exceptions to the end age in Colorado?

Support can continue past 19 for a child with a mental or physical disability, or if the parents agree in writing. Support ends earlier if the child marries, enters a civil union, joins active military duty or is found emancipated.

Related Colorado pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources