How do Colorado Courts Calculate Child Support?

In Colorado, child support is calculated based on the Income Shares Model. This model takes into account the income of both parents and the number of children they have. Here are the basic steps that Colorado uses to calculate child support:

1. Determine each parent’s gross income: This includes all income from all sources, including salaries, wages, tips, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, and investment income.
2. Determine each parent’s adjusted gross income: This is the gross income minus certain allowable deductions, such as taxes, retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums.
3. Calculate the combined adjusted gross income: Add together the adjusted gross incomes of both parents.
4. Determine the percentage of income each parent contributes: Divide each parent’s adjusted gross income by the combined adjusted gross income.
5. Determine the basic child support obligation: This is the amount of money that the state believes should be spent on the child based on the combined adjusted gross income and the number of children.
6. Allocate the basic child support obligation between the parents: This is done based on each parent’s percentage of income.
7. Adjust the basic child support obligation: The basic child support obligation can be adjusted based on a variety of factors, such as the child’s special needs, child care expenses, health insurance costs, and parenting time.
8. Determine the final child support amount: The final child support amount is the adjusted basic child support obligation plus any additional expenses or adjustments.

It’s important to note that this is just a general overview of how child support is calculated in Colorado, and the exact formula can be more complex depending on the circumstances of each case. Parents can also negotiate their own child support agreement outside of court as long as it meets certain requirements and is approved by a judge.