If you're facing a child support question in Denver, CO, you're probably wondering how a number gets decided — and whether it will feel fair to you and your children. The short answer is that Colorado uses a specific formula set by state law, and most Denver families end up with a figure that comes directly from that calculation.
Understanding the basics can help you feel less in the dark. This article walks through how the process generally works, what factors courts look at, and what you can do to make sure your situation is handled carefully.
Every family's circumstances are different, and a local family-law attorney can show you exactly how Colorado's guidelines apply to your numbers. FamilyPath Legal is not a law firm and does not give legal advice — we connect people with independent, licensed family-law attorneys who can help.
What Is the Basic Formula Colorado Uses?
Colorado calculates child support using an "income shares" model, which means both parents' incomes are added together and then compared to a state schedule showing what families at that income level typically spend on children. Each parent's share of the total is based on their share of the combined income.
The idea behind this model is that a child should receive roughly the same level of financial support they would have had if the family were still together. Courts in Denver apply the same state schedule as the rest of Colorado, though local judges do have some discretion in certain situations.
A family-law attorney can walk you through the actual numbers and explain how the formula would apply to your specific income and parenting arrangement.
What Income Is Counted When Calculating Support?
Colorado courts generally count all sources of gross income when running the child support calculation — not just a salary from a single job.
Income that is typically included covers a wide range. Here are six common examples:
- Wages, salaries, and tips
- Self-employment income
- Rental income
- Investment returns and dividends
- Unemployment or disability benefits
- Bonuses and commissions
In many cases, if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or earning less than they could be, a Denver court may consider what that parent is capable of earning — sometimes called "imputed income." An attorney can explain how that works and when it applies.
How Does Parenting Time Affect the Amount?
The amount of time each parent spends with the children has a direct effect on the support calculation. In Colorado, the formula adjusts based on overnight parenting time — generally, the more overnights the paying parent has, the lower the support obligation may be.
This is one reason parenting time and child support are so closely connected in Denver family court proceedings. A change in your parenting schedule can shift the support number, sometimes meaningfully.
If your parenting arrangement is still being worked out, it's worth understanding how different schedules could affect both parents' financial obligations before anything is finalized.
Are There Additional Costs Added on Top of the Base Amount?
Yes — Colorado's guidelines typically add certain shared expenses on top of the base child support figure. These are costs that courts recognize as significant and ongoing for most families.
Three common add-ons in Denver child support orders include:
- Health insurance premiums for the child
- Work-related childcare costs
- Extraordinary medical expenses
These amounts are usually divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes, the same way the base support is split. A local attorney can help you identify which costs apply to your situation and how they're typically handled.
Can a Denver Court Deviate From the Guideline Amount?
In some cases, yes — a judge can order an amount that differs from what the formula produces, but this requires a finding that the guideline amount would be unfair or inappropriate given the family's specific circumstances.
Reasons a Denver court might consider a deviation include a child's unusual medical needs, a very high combined income, or a unique custody arrangement. Deviations are not automatic, and courts generally need a clear reason to move away from the standard calculation.
If you believe the formula result doesn't reflect your family's reality, a family-law attorney can help you understand whether there are grounds to ask for a different outcome.
Can Child Support Be Changed After It's Ordered?
Child support orders in Colorado can be modified if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. A significant shift in either parent's income, a change in the child's needs, or a new parenting-time arrangement may each be enough to support a request for modification.
In Denver, modifications don't happen automatically — one parent typically has to file a request with the court and show that the change is meaningful enough to warrant a new order. Minor or temporary income changes generally won't be enough on their own.
If your situation has changed since your original order was put in place, speaking with a local attorney early can help you understand whether you have a path to a modification.
What If Parents Agree on an Amount Themselves?
Parents can agree on a child support amount outside of court, but in Denver — as throughout Colorado — that agreement generally still needs to be approved by a judge. A court will review the agreed amount to make sure it meets the guideline or that there is a valid reason for any difference.
Reaching an agreement on your own, or through mediation, can save time and reduce stress for everyone, including your children. Many Denver families do resolve support matters without a contested hearing.
Even when parents are cooperating, having an attorney review any agreement before it's submitted to the court can help prevent problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Denver
Is child support taxable income in Colorado?
Generally, no. Under federal tax law, child support payments are not taxable income for the parent receiving them and are not tax-deductible for the parent paying. A tax professional can clarify your situation.
How long does child support last in Colorado?
In most cases, child support continues until a child turns 19 in Colorado, or longer if the child has special needs. A family-law attorney can explain how this applies to your order.
What happens if a parent doesn't pay court-ordered support in Denver?
Colorado has enforcement tools including wage garnishment, license suspension, and contempt of court proceedings. A local attorney can explain your options if support is going unpaid.
Does remarriage affect child support in Colorado?
Generally, a parent's remarriage does not automatically change a child support order. A new spouse's income is typically not counted directly, though the full picture can be more nuanced.
Can we handle child support without going to court at all?
Parents can negotiate an amount together, but a Denver court must still approve the final order. Mediation is one option many families use to reach agreement more smoothly.
If you have questions about how child support would be calculated in your specific situation, FamilyPath Legal can connect you with an independent, licensed family-law attorney in Denver at no cost to you. A free case review is a low-pressure way to understand your options and feel more prepared for what comes next.