Colorado Child Support Calculator (2026)
In Colorado, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.
Source: C.R.S. § 14-10-115
Calculate Your Colorado Child Support
Free estimate — official Colorado guidelines
Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income
How Much Is Child Support in Colorado?
If you make $60,000 a year in Colorado, child support for 1 child is estimated at $756 per month ($9,072 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).
$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $707/month for 1 child.
Colorado Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)
| Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $612/mo | $923/mo | $1,107/mo |
| $50,000/yr | $696/mo | $1,048/mo | $1,252/mo |
| $60,000/yr | $756/mo | $1,130/mo | $1,342/mo |
| $70,000/yr | $812/mo | $1,209/mo | $1,427/mo |
| $80,000/yr | $889/mo | $1,314/mo | $1,541/mo |
| $100,000/yr | $1,021/mo | $1,512/mo | $1,777/mo |
| $120,000/yr | $1,151/mo | $1,688/mo | $1,963/mo |
Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →
How Child Support Is Calculated in Colorado
Factors That Affect Child Support in Colorado
Technical details and legal basis
Colorado uses the Income Shares model (C.R.S. § 14-10-115) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.
Important Notes for Colorado
- • Colorado uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' adjusted gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
- • HB 25-1159 (effective March 1, 2026) substantially revised the child support guidelines: the schedule was updated using the Betson-Rothbarth Study and 2023 CPI data, with income coverage expanded to $40,000/month.
- • The self-support reserve is $1,831.83/month (CO minimum wage $15.16/hr × 29 hours/week × 50 weeks / 12). If the obligor's income is $650/month or less, the obligation is a flat $10/month.
- • For obligor income above $650 but below the SSR, flat monthly amounts apply: $50 (1 child), $70 (2), $90 (3), $110 (4), $130 (5), $150 (6+ children), capped at 10% of income.
- • HB 25-1159 eliminated the 93-overnight threshold. Parenting time credit now begins from the first overnight and scales proportionally.
- • 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 Calculation
Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.
Step 1: Combined income: $8,000
Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%
Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.
Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).
Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.
Key Facts: Child Support in Colorado
- Colorado uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income. For 1 child, the basic obligation ranges from $223/month at $1,050 combined income to $3,398/month at $40,000.
- HB 25-1159 (effective March 1, 2026) updated the schedule based on the Betson-Rothbarth Study and 2023 CPI data, expanded coverage to $40,000/month combined income, and eliminated the 93-overnight threshold.
- The self-support reserve is $1,831.83/month. If the obligor earns $650/month or less, a flat $10/month minimum applies.
- Parenting time credit now begins from the first overnight and scales proportionally (no more cliff at 93 overnights).
- Colorado child support generally continues until age 19, or until graduation from high school if the child is still enrolled at age 19.
Colorado Child Support FAQ
How is child support calculated in Colorado?
What is adjusted gross income for Colorado child support?
How does parenting time affect child support in Colorado?
What is the maximum child support in Colorado?
How long does child support last in Colorado?
About This Calculator
Uses the official C.R.S. § 14-10-115 (2026 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-30.
Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Colorado courts. Full disclaimer.
Methodology: Income Shares model per C.R.S. § 14-10-115.