How Do I Change Child Support?

In Colorado, child support must be paid until your youngest child reaches the age of 19. Because income can increase or decrease over time, you may need to change the amount of child support several times until your children become adults. This article outlines when child support can change, and how to go about getting a modification of child support.

There are a number of reasons that the amount of child support can increase or decrease. New jobs, increased education, raises, bonuses, or loss of employment are some of the changes to income that can cause child support to be updated. Changes in the cost of childcare or medical expenses for the children can also affect child support.

The amount of child support can be changed any time there is a 10% change in what is paid. For example, if you are paying $500 per month in child support, you can request a change if child support goes down to $450 or less per month. In this example, if you are the party receiving child support, you can request a change if child support would go up to $550 or more.

The Colorado Judicial Branch has a calculator that allows you to estimate the amount of child support. You can access that calculator here: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/calculate-support-payments . You will need your monthly income, the other party’s monthly income, and any expenses for the children, such as childcare and medical expenses. If you do not know the other party’s income, you can exchange tax returns or W2s.

If there is a 10% change in child support, you have two options: (1) reach an agreement with the other party to change child support; or (2) file a Motion to Modify Child Support with the Court. You can find forms and instructions at: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help-forms.

If you have additional questions about modifying child support in Colorado, I’m here to help.