Child support is calculated according to the Colorado Child Support Guidelines. The amount of child support is a mathematical calculation based on many factors – the major factors being:
the gross income of each parent
the number of children
the number of overnights the children spend with each parent.
The basic child support amount is adjusted by various factors such as the cost of health insurance for the children.
The following two examples are illustrative:
Father's gross income per month
Health insurance paid by father per month
Mother's gross income per month
Overnights (%) children spend with father
Child support paid by father to mother per month
$4,000
$250
$2,500
50%
$121
$4,000
$250
$2,500
22%
$666
A court can deviate from the guideline amount of child support, but must have good reasons for doing so.
Child support is an obligation of the parent(s) to support the child(ren). Parents cannot contract to not pay child support. A Court will not approve such a contract absent very unusual circumstances.
Child support terminates when a child reaches age 19 or is emancipated. There are exceptions to the age 19 limit if a child is still in high school.
For more on divorce in Colorado, visit Chris's blog, It's the Law!
The material presented on this site is included with
the understanding and agreement that the Law Offices of Christopher C.
Meyer, P. C. is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional
services by posting the material. The services of a competent
professional should be sought if legal or other specific expert
assistance is required.
