When families in Colorado face separation or divorce, one of the most important financial issues they must resolve is child support. It’s not simply a percentage of income tacked on after a divorce; child support in Colorado is governed by a detailed statutory framework that aims to ensure children continue to receive the financial care they need after their parents’ relationship ends.

Effective March 1, 2026, Colorado has implemented significant updates to these laws to better reflect the modern cost of living and simplify how support is shared between parents. This guide explains how the new system works, the formulas used, and why professional guidance is more important than ever.

Colorado’s Legal Framework: The Income Shares Model

Colorado uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. Codified in Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-115, this framework is based on the principle that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have enjoyed if the family had remained intact.

Under this model:

  • Both parents’ financial abilities are measured.
  • Contributions are assessed based on combined resources.
  • Support obligations are allocated proportionally.

Step-by-Step: How Colorado Calculates Child Support (2026 Rules)

1. Determine Each Parent’s Gross Income

The calculation begins with each parent’s gross monthly income, including salaries, bonuses, investment income, and self-employment earnings.

2. Use the Modernized Basic Obligation Schedule

Once combined income is established, Colorado applies a standard schedule to determine the “basic obligation”—the total amount the state estimates should be spent on the children each month.

  • Increased Caps: The standard formula now applies to combined monthly adjusted gross incomes up to $40,000, an increase from the previous $30,000 limit.
  • Updated Values: The support amounts have been modernized to reflect 2023 cost-of-living data.

3. Apply the New Parenting-Time Credit

The most substantial change in 2026 is the elimination of the 92-overnight threshold.

  • Credit from Day One: There is no longer a “cliff” where you must hit 93 overnights to see a reduction in support. Every overnight now triggers a specific parenting-time credit.
  • Single Worksheet: Colorado has moved to a single integrated worksheet, removing the confusing distinction between Worksheet A and Worksheet B.
  • No More 1.5 Multiplier: The law has removed the “1.5 multiplier” previously used in shared custody cases, replacing it with a more equitable credit table.

4. Add Direct Child-Related Expenses

The formula then adjusts for specific out-of-pocket costs:

  • Health Insurance & Childcare: These costs are divided proportionally based on income.
  • Dollar-One Medical Sharing: Previously, parents only shared medical expenses that exceeded $250 per child per year. Starting March 2026, all uninsured medical expenses are shared proportionally from the very first dollar.

5. Low-Income Protections (Self-Support Reserve)

To ensure the paying parent can afford their own basic needs, Colorado uses a Self-Support Reserve based on the state minimum wage. For low-income earners, the total child support obligation is generally capped at 10% of their monthly income.

Transitioning to the New Rules: What Happens to Current Orders?

If you already have a child support order in place, it is important to understand how the March 2026 changes affect you.

Note: Existing orders do not automatically change. To benefit from the 2026 rules, you must file for a modification with the court.

Colorado allows for modifications when a substantial change in circumstances occurs. Under the new law, the update to the guidelines themselves can constitute a reason to review your order, provided the change results in a 10% or greater difference in the monthly support amount.

Because the 2026 rules change how overnights are credited and how income is capped, many families may find that their existing orders are no longer aligned with the new state standards.

Why You Need a Skilled Denver Child Support Attorney

While the guidelines provide a formula, applying them to real lives is rarely straightforward. A seasoned attorney is essential for:

  • Navigating the New 2026 Credits: Correcting errors in overnight calculations is now more critical than ever, as every single night affects the final number.
  • Uncovering Hidden Income: Bonuses, self-employment, and rental earnings can still complicate the “gross income” figure.
  • Proving Expenses: Properly documenting childcare and medical costs requires strategy to ensure they are fully included in the order.

If you’re facing a separation, divorce, or want to see if you qualify for a modification under the 2026 rules, contact Philip Goldberg PC today. We are here to ensure your children’s financial security is protected with clarity and experience.