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
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
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?
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?
Under HB 25-1159 (effective March 1, 2026), Colorado eliminated the previous 93-overnight threshold. Parenting time credit now begins from the first overnight and scales proportionally across the full range of parenting time, replacing the old dual-track system.
What is the maximum child support in Colorado?
The Colorado guidelines schedule (effective March 1, 2026) covers combined adjusted gross incomes up to $40,000 per month (expanded from $30,000). For incomes above $40,000, the court applies the guideline amount at $40,000 and may order additional support based on the child's reasonable needs.
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.
What percentage of income is child support in Colorado?
Colorado does not use a flat percentage of income for child support. Instead, both parents' incomes are combined, a basic support amount is found on the state schedule, and each parent is responsible for a share equal to their share of the combined income. The only fixed percentage rule applies to very low earners, where flat monthly amounts are capped at 10% of the paying parent's income.
How much is child support in Colorado?
Under the 2026 schedule, the basic monthly obligation for one child ranges from $223 at $1,050 in combined monthly income to $3,398 at $40,000. For example, at $6,000 in combined monthly income, the basic obligation is $1,060 for one child and $1,599 for two children. This amount is split between the parents in proportion to their incomes, so the actual payment depends on each parent's share.
What is the average child support in Colorado?
There is no official average because Colorado support depends on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and parenting time. As a mid-schedule example, at $10,000 in combined monthly income the basic obligation is $1,350 for one child and $2,001 for two children. Your actual amount is your proportional share of that basic obligation, adjusted for health insurance, child care, and overnights.
What is the minimum child support payment in Colorado?
If the paying parent earns $650 per month or less, Colorado sets a flat minimum of $10 per month. For income above $650 but below the self-support reserve of $1,831.83 per month, flat amounts apply instead of the schedule: $50 for one child, $70 for two, $90 for three, $110 for four, $130 for five, and $150 for six or more children, capped at 10% of income.
Is there an official Colorado child support calculator?
Yes. The Colorado Judicial Branch publishes the official child support worksheets and forms that the courts use. Our free calculator applies the same 2026 guideline schedule from C.R.S. § 14-10-115, so you can get a quick estimate before completing the official worksheet.
Does health insurance or child care affect child support in Colorado?
Yes. The cost of the children's health insurance and work-related child care is added to the basic support obligation. Each parent then covers a share of those costs in proportion to their income, and the parent who actually pays the premium or the child care bill receives credit for it on the worksheet.
What changed in Colorado child support in 2026?
HB 25-1159 took effect on March 1, 2026 and made major updates to Colorado's guidelines. The schedule now covers combined incomes up to $40,000 per month, up from $30,000, based on newer economic data. The law also removed the 93-overnight threshold, so parenting time credit now starts from the first overnight.
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.