Child Support Colorado Calculator

Select Model Year:
Adjustments are made based on selected year’s guidelines and inflation rates

✓ Parent Information

Typically 182 for equal time, 255+ for primary custody
Special needs, education, extracurricular activities

📊 Calculation Results

Monthly Child Support Payment
$0.00
Parent 1 pays Parent 2
Combined Monthly Income: $0.00
Each Parent’s Share: 0% / 0%
Basic Support Obligation: $0.00
Adjustment for Parenting Time: $0.00
Additional Expenses: $0.00
Final Monthly Payment: $0.00

📋 Factors Affecting Child Support Calculation

1
Parental Income

All sources of gross income are considered: wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, dividends, retirement benefits, and more. The combined income determines the basic support obligation.

2
Parenting Time

The number of overnights each parent has with the children affects support. More time with the children typically reduces the support obligation due to direct expenses incurred.

3
Number of Children

Support amounts increase with more children, but not proportionally. Guidelines provide specific percentages for additional children based on combined income levels.

4
Additional Expenses

Health insurance premiums, childcare costs, educational expenses, and special needs costs are added to the basic support obligation and divided between parents.

🌍 International Child Support Approaches

Child support systems vary globally. Here’s how different countries approach calculations:

Country Calculation Method Key Features
United States (Colorado) Income Shares Model Based on both parents’ incomes, number of children, and parenting time
Canada Federal/Provincial Guidelines Tables based on payer’s income and number of children; varies by province
United Kingdom Formula-based (CMS) Considers gross income, number of children, and overnight stays
Australia Income, Cost & Percentage Based on parents’ incomes, children’s costs, and care percentage
Germany Düsseldorf Table Standard table based on payer’s income and children’s ages
Sweden Standard Amount + Adjustments Fixed base amount adjusted for income and living situation

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this child support Colorado calculator? +
This calculator uses Colorado’s official income shares model and guidelines to provide accurate estimates. However, actual court-ordered amounts may vary based on specific circumstances, deviations, and judge’s discretion. Always consult with a family law attorney for precise calculations.
What counts as income for child support calculations? +
In Colorado, gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, dividends, severance pay, pensions, interest, trust income, annuities, capital gains, Social Security benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, gifts, prizes, and spousal maintenance received from a previous marriage.
How does parenting time affect child support payments? +
Colorado uses an “offset method” for shared parenting time. When each parent has 92 or more overnights per year, the basic support obligation is adjusted. More overnights with the paying parent reduces the support amount because they’re directly covering more of the child’s expenses during their time.
What if a parent is unemployed or underemployed? +
Colorado courts may impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. Imputed income is based on employment potential, recent work history, qualifications, and prevailing job opportunities and wages in the community.
How often can child support be modified? +
Either parent can request a modification if there’s been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances (typically a 10% or greater change in the support amount) or if it’s been three years since the last order. Changes in income, parenting time, or the child’s needs may warrant modification.
How does this compare to child support in other countries? +
The Colorado income shares model is similar to approaches used in most U.S. states. Other countries use different methods: Canada uses fixed tables, Australia uses an income-percentage model, and many European countries use standardized amounts. All systems aim to ensure children’s financial needs are met proportionally to parents’ means.

Disclaimer: This child support Colorado calculator provides estimates based on standard guidelines and should not be considered legal advice. Actual child support orders may vary based on specific circumstances, deviations allowed by law, and judicial discretion. Always consult with a qualified family law attorney for guidance on your particular situation. Calculations are based on Colorado statutes and guidelines as of the selected model year.

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