Child support, explained plainly
Colorado child support follows statutory guidelines based on both parents' incomes, the number of overnights with each parent, and certain child-related costs. The math is only as good as the income numbers behind it.
Former Deputy District Attorney · Colorado court-appointed Child & Family Investigator · Former government fraud investigator, 700+ investigations
Estimate it with the official worksheet
The Colorado Judicial Branch publishes electronic child support and maintenance worksheets. They are the same worksheets courts use, so they are the most reliable way to estimate support. Open the official Colorado support worksheets
Your numbers are only as good as the income figures you enter. If income is disputed, self-employed or irregular, talk with Attorney Liken before relying on an estimate.
What goes into the calculation
The guideline worksheet combines both parents' gross incomes, adjusts for overnights, and adds costs such as work-related child care and the children's health insurance. Disputes usually turn on income: self-employment, bonuses, commissions, and whether a parent is earning what they could.
Where the investigator background matters
Attorney Liken spent years as a government fraud investigator. When a parent's reported income does not match their lifestyle, he knows how to follow the money through tax returns, bank statements and business records.
Changing support
When income or parenting time changes substantially, support can be modified. Changes generally apply from the date a motion is filed, so waiting can cost you. See modifications.
Common questions
Can parents agree to a different amount?
Parents can propose an agreement, but the court must approve it and will look at whether it serves the children compared with the guideline amount.
Does child support end at 18?
In Colorado the age and conditions for ending support depend on the specific facts and orders in your case. Ask about your order on a free call.
Talk it through with Attorney Liken first.
Twenty minutes, no charge, no obligation. Pick a time and he calls you.