What is the First Step in the Calculation of Child Support?

The first step in any Colorado child support case is determining the presumptive support amount under Colorado’s statutory guidelines. This calculation begins with each parent’s gross monthly income, the number of overnights the child spends with each parent, and certain child-related expenses such as health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs.

The purpose of this formula is to approximate what would have been spent on the child if the household had remained intact, and then allocate that financial responsibility between the parents in proportion to their incomes.

While the calculation can be straightforward when both parents have consistent, salaried income, it becomes more complex when income includes bonuses, commissions, self-employment earnings, or fluctuates from year to year. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income, meaning it assigns an income amount based on that parent’s earning capacity to ensure the support order is fair and grounded in economic reality.

Child-Related Expenses

In addition to the basic support figure, parents may share other expenses not captured in the support calculation, such as extracurricular activities, uninsured medical costs, or mandatory school fees. These costs may be divided equally or in proportion to each parent’s income, depending on the circumstances

Modification of Child Support

Child support orders can also change over time. Because children’s needs and parents’ finances evolve, Colorado law allows either parent to request a modification if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances generally defined as a change of at least 10% in the support amount.

Whether you are establishing support for the first time, seeking a modification, or facing disputes over expenses, experienced legal guidance can help ensure that your support agreement is accurate, fair, and tailored to your family’s needs.