Number of Minor Children (count) Enter the number of children under 19 (e.g., 2)

Gross Monthly Income of Parent A (USD) Enter total monthly income before taxes (e.g., 4500.00)

Gross Monthly Income of Parent B (USD) Enter total monthly income before taxes (e.g., 3500.00)

Monthly Health Insurance Premium for Children (USD) Enter the portion for children only (e.g., 200.00)

Monthly Work-Related Childcare Cost (USD) Enter daycare or after-school care costs (e.g., 500.00)

Monthly Extraordinary Medical Expenses (USD) Enter unreimbursed medical costs above ordinary expenses (optional)

Annual Overnights with Parent A (nights per year) Enter nights child stays with Parent A (0-365, e.g., 93 for shared custody)

Quick Examples:

Sole Custody Example Shared Custody Example

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This calculator provides general information only. It is not intended to provide legal advice. Consult an attorney for legal matters.

What Is Monthly Child Support Obligation

The monthly child support obligation is the amount of money one parent pays to the other to help cover the costs of raising their children. In Colorado, this amount is based on the Income Shares Model. This model looks at how much both parents earn together and divides the responsibility based on each parent's share of the total income. The goal is to give children the same financial support they would have if both parents lived together.

How Monthly Child Support Obligation Is Calculated

Formula

The calculation starts by adding both parents' monthly incomes to find the combined total. Each parent's share percentage is then calculated by dividing their income by the combined amount. Next, the calculator looks up the basic support amount from the Colorado schedule based on combined income and number of children. Extra costs like health insurance and childcare are added to this base amount. The total is multiplied by each parent's share percentage. If the parents share custody, a special adjustment may reduce the final amount.

Why Monthly Child Support Obligation Matters

Knowing the estimated child support amount helps parents plan their finances after separation or divorce. This number affects monthly budgets, housing choices, and the ability to provide for children's needs. Understanding the calculation may help parents prepare for court proceedings or mediation discussions.

Why Accurate Support Calculation Is Important for Children

Children rely on financial support for basic needs like food, clothing, and housing. When support amounts are too low, children may not have access to necessary resources. When support is calculated fairly, both parents contribute based on their ability to pay. This may help children maintain a similar standard of living after their parents separate.

For Parents Preparing for Court

Parents who understand the guideline calculation may be better prepared for legal proceedings. Colorado courts use these guidelines as a starting point, though judges may adjust amounts based on specific circumstances. Knowing the estimated range may help parents set realistic expectations before mediation or trial. An attorney may provide guidance on factors that could affect the final court order.

For Parents with Shared Custody

When both parents spend significant time with their children, the support calculation changes. Colorado applies a parenting time adjustment when one parent has between 93 and 272 overnights per year. This adjustment accounts for the direct costs each parent pays while the children are in their care. Parents with equal time and equal income may have little or no support exchange. Parents with shared custody may want to discuss how the adjustment affects their specific situation with a family law professional.

Example Calculation

Consider a family with 2 children. Parent A earns $4,000 per month and has the children for 300 overnights per year. Parent B earns $3,000 per month and has the children for 65 overnights. The parents pay $200 per month for children's health insurance and $500 for work-related childcare. There are no extraordinary medical expenses.

The combined monthly income is $7,000. Parent A's income share is 57% ($4,000 divided by $7,000). Parent B's income share is 43%. For 2 children and $7,000 combined income, the basic support obligation from the schedule is approximately $1,484. Adding $200 health insurance and $500 childcare brings the total support to $2,184. Parent B's share is 43% of $2,184, which equals approximately $939 per month.

Monthly Child Support Obligation: $939 per month (paid by Parent B to Parent A)

In this example, Parent B would pay approximately $939 per month to Parent A because Parent A has primary physical custody. This amount covers Parent B's share of the children's basic needs, health insurance, and childcare costs. Parent A pays their share directly through daily expenses since the children live with them most of the time. Actual court orders may differ based on individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should use this Colorado child support calculator?

This calculator is designed for parents going through divorce, separation, or custody modifications in Colorado. It may help estimate guideline support amounts before meeting with an attorney or mediator. The calculator works for families with 1 to 10 children and various custody arrangements.

How accurate is this child support estimate?

This calculator provides an estimate based on Colorado's Income Shares guidelines. The actual court-ordered amount may differ due to factors like imputed income, low-income adjustments, high-income cases, or deviations for special circumstances. For the most accurate calculation, consult a family law attorney or use the official Colorado child support worksheet.

What is the parenting time adjustment in Colorado?

Colorado applies a parenting time adjustment when the non-primary parent has between 93 and 272 overnights per year. This adjustment reduces the support obligation because that parent directly pays for more of the children's expenses during their parenting time. The formula uses a 1.5 multiplier applied to the overnight percentage.

Can I use this calculator if one parent is unemployed?

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income based on earning capacity. This calculator uses actual income entered, so it may not reflect the court's calculation if imputation applies. An attorney may help determine whether imputed income is appropriate in your situation.

Does this calculator account for alimony or maintenance?

This calculator does not account for spousal maintenance (alimony) payments. In Colorado, maintenance payments may affect child support calculations by adjusting each parent's available income. If maintenance is involved, consult an attorney or use the official Colorado worksheets for a more complete calculation.