Colorado Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Colorado using our free calculator based on the official C.R.S. § 14-10-115. Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Colorado Child Support Calculator

Based on Colorado's 2024 C.R.S. § 14-10-115

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in Colorado

  • Colorado uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $102/month at $1,050 combined income to $1,622/month at $30,000 combined monthly income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
  • Colorado applies a parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent has more than 93 overnights per year (approximately 25%).
  • Colorado child support generally continues until age 19, or until graduation from high school if the child is still enrolled at age 19.

Source: C.R.S. § 14-10-115 • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in Colorado?

If you make $60,000 a year in Colorado, child support for 1 child is estimated at $518 per month ($6,216 per year) based on the C.R.S. § 14-10-115. This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Colorado, child support for 1 child is approximately $474/month.

Colorado Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $403/mo $559/mo $659/mo
$50,000/yr $463/mo $644/mo $761/mo
$60,000/yr $518/mo $720/mo $853/mo
$70,000/yr $566/mo $788/mo $934/mo
$80,000/yr $608/mo $849/mo $1,007/mo
$100,000/yr $685/mo $959/mo $1,139/mo
$120,000/yr $751/mo $1,053/mo $1,252/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Colorado

Colorado uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

Factors That Affect Child Support in Colorado

Both parents' adjusted gross monthly incomes
Number of children
Health insurance costs for the children
Work-related child care costs
Overnights with each parent
Extraordinary medical expenses
Other child support or maintenance obligations
Travel costs for parenting time

Important Notes for Colorado

  • Colorado uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' adjusted gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Adjusted gross income is calculated by subtracting certain items from gross income, including preexisting child support orders, alimony paid, and other adjustments specified by statute.
  • Colorado provides an overnights-based parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 93 overnights per year (approximately 25%).
  • The court may deviate from guidelines based on factors such as extraordinary medical expenses, the child's special needs, or the financial resources of each parent.

Example Child Support Calculation in Colorado

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's income share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Child Support

How is child support calculated in Colorado?
Colorado uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is determined from the guidelines schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care costs, and extraordinary expenses.
What is adjusted gross income for Colorado child support?
Adjusted gross income in Colorado is gross income from all sources minus preexisting child support obligations, maintenance (alimony) payments, and certain other deductions. Gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, pensions, Social Security, and other income. The court may impute income to a voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent.
How does parenting time affect child support in Colorado?
Colorado applies a parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent has the child for more than 93 overnights per year (approximately 25%). The adjustment reduces the basic obligation to reflect the increased direct costs the non-custodial parent incurs during their parenting time. The adjustment is calculated using a formula based on the actual number of overnights.
What is the maximum child support in Colorado?
The Colorado guidelines schedule covers combined adjusted gross incomes up to $30,000 per month. For incomes above this threshold, the court applies the guideline amount at $30,000 and may order additional support in its discretion based on the child's reasonable needs and the parents' ability to pay.
How long does child support last in Colorado?
In Colorado, child support generally continues until the child turns 19. However, if the child is still in high school at age 19, support may continue until the month following graduation or age 21, whichever comes first. Child support for a child with a mental or physical disability may continue beyond the standard age.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official C.R.S. § 14-10-115 (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Colorado. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Colorado courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Colorado family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the C.R.S. § 14-10-115. Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

Alabama Income Shares model Alaska Percentage of Income model Arizona Income Shares model Arkansas Income Shares model California Algebraic Formula (§ 4055) model Connecticut Income Shares model

View all 50 state calculators →