Child support is the cost a non-custodial parent pays for the care and maintenance of their child. The amount of child support paid by one parent to another is determined by a number of factors, including each parent’s earnings, the cost of raising a child, and time spent with the child. To ensure that parents pay an appropriate amount for their child’s needs, courts use specific guidelines when determining how much one party will pay to another.
The Colorado child support statutes (COL. REV. STAT. §14-10-115) specify how courts deal with Colorado child support cases. The formula uses the gross incomes of both parents to establish a basic child support obligation, then divides the obligation between the parents according to their shared total parental income.
A parent who does not work at all or only part-time can have their earning potential imputed upon them by the court. This means the court can estimate what a parent could earn if he or she worked full-time. Parents who are full-time students working toward a degree or certificate, or parents caring for a young child less than 30 months old, may not be imputed with earnings.
According to Colorado child support law, COL. REV. STAT. §14-10-115, the amount of child support owed is calculated by applying a percentage (roughly 20% for one child and an additional 10% for each additional child) of the parents’ combined gross income to their child’s needs. It is then split between both parents, if financially feasible, according to their financial resources and needs.
The below child support calculator can provide you with a good idea of what your support payments might look like. These are only an estimate and are intended to be used as a starting point for considering what child support payments in your unique case might look like. To receive a more accurate idea of these payments, schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Colorado child custody attorneys to discuss the details of your case.
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