Colorado Child Support Estimator
Based on the Colorado Income Shares Model (CRS § 14-10-115).
*Parent 1 pays Parent 2 based on income share and overnights.
Income Share Visualization
Visual distribution of the combined parental income.
What is the Colorado Child Support Calculator?
The child support calculator Colorado is a tool designed to estimate financial obligations based on the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS § 14-10-115). Colorado utilizes the "Income Shares Model," which operates on the principle that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the parents lived together.
This model combines the gross income of both parents, determines a basic support obligation from a state-mandated schedule, and then divides that obligation proportionally between the parents based on their respective incomes and the amount of time the child spends with each parent.
The Formula and Legal Explanation
The calculation involves several distinct steps to ensure fairness and adequacy for the child's needs:
- Gross Income: Includes wages, commissions, bonuses, dividends, and even certain social security benefits.
- Basic Obligation: A dollar amount set by the state based on the combined adjusted gross income and number of children.
- Worksheet A vs. Worksheet B:
- Worksheet A: Used when one parent has the child for fewer than 93 overnights per year (Sole Physical Care).
- Worksheet B: Used when each parent has the child for 93 or more overnights per year (Shared Physical Care).
The formula for Worksheet B includes a "1.5 multiplier" to account for the duplicated costs of maintaining two households for the child.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Sole Physical Care (Worksheet A)
Parent A earns $6,000/month. Parent B earns $4,000/month. They have one child. Parent B has the child for 80 overnights. The basic obligation for $10,000 income is roughly $1,200. Since Parent A earns 60% of the income, Parent A's share is $720. Since Parent B has the child for less than 93 overnights, Parent A pays $720 to Parent B (minus any direct expenses Parent A pays like health insurance).
Example 2: Shared Physical Care (Worksheet B)
| Factor | Parent 1 ($5k) | Parent 2 ($5k) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Share | 50% | 50% | 100% |
| Overnights | 182 | 183 | 365 |
| Basic Obligation | - | - | $1,500 |
| Adjusted (1.5x) | - | - | $2,250 |
How to Use the Colorado Child Support Calculator
- Enter Gross Incomes: Input the monthly pre-tax income for both parents. Include all sources as defined by Colorado law.
- Select Number of Children: Choose the number of children subject to this specific support order.
- Input Overnights: Enter the number of nights the child spends with the secondary parent. This determines if the calculation uses Worksheet A or B.
- Add Expenses: Include monthly costs for health insurance (the child's portion only) and work-related childcare.
- Review Estimate: The calculator will provide a monthly figure representing the likely court-ordered support amount.
Key Factors Influencing Your Payment
Several variables can significantly alter the final amount of child support in Colorado:
- Imputed Income: If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may "impute" income based on their earning potential.
- Extraordinary Medical Expenses: Costs for braces, therapy, or chronic conditions are usually split proportionally.
- Spousal Maintenance: Alimony paid or received can adjust the gross income figures used in the calculation.
- Other Support Obligations: Payments for children from prior relationships are typically deducted from gross income.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When does child support end in Colorado?
Generally, child support ends when the child turns 19, unless the child is still in high school, is disabled, or otherwise emancipated.
2. Can child support be modified?
Yes, if there is a "substantial and continuing change in circumstances" that results in a 10% or more change in the monthly support amount.
3. How does the 93-overnight rule work?
Once a parent hits 93 overnights, the law assumes they are providing significant "shared" care, which usually reduces the amount of support they owe to the other parent.
4. Does remarriage affect child support?
In Colorado, the income of a new spouse is generally not included in the calculation of child support.
5. What if I am self-employed?
Self-employed parents use gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses. Courts scrutinize these expenses closely.
6. Who pays for the child's health insurance?
The cost is usually shared proportionally. The parent who pays the premium gets a credit in the calculation.
7. Is child support tax-deductible?
Under current federal law, child support payments are neither deductible for the payer nor taxable income for the recipient.
8. What if we have a split-custody arrangement?
Split custody (where each parent has at least one child full-time) requires a more complex calculation involving two separate Worksheet A forms that are offset against each other.