Child Support in Colorado
Every caring parent wants to provide the best for their child, making issues of child support especially challenging during divorce or single parenting. Whether you’re a single parent or separating from your partner, it’s important to think about how child support will impact your family’s future.
How is Child Support Calculated?
The amount of child support in Colorado is based on several factors:
Number of Children: This includes any adjustments for children from other relationships.
Parents' Incomes: The calculation considers all income sources, not just taxable income.
Overnights with Each Parent: The number of nights the child spends with each parent also affects the amount. Even with 50/50 custody, one parent might still need to pay child support in Colorado. The amount is determined by how many overnight visits each parent has and their respective incomes.
Once these factors are considered, the base amount of child support is adjusted for expenses like health insurance, out-of-pocket medical costs, and any extraordinary expenses. This results in what is known as the “guideline” amount for child support. However, a court can adjust this amount if necessary.
In general, child support in Colorado is about 20% of the combined income of both parents. If there’s another child, that usually adds another 10%. Payments typically continue until the child turns 18, but if the child is still in high school when they turn 18, support must continue until they graduate. If the child has a mental or physical disability, support may last indefinitely.
If you have questions or need guidance about child support or modifying child support, I’m here to help. Let’s start a conversation about how we can ensure your child’s needs are met during this difficult time.