What factors does Colorado consider for child support during divorce?

Full question:

I am getting a divorce from my husband. We have two children together. What factors will the court take into consideration to fix the child support amount in Colorado?

• Category: Divorce
• Subcategory: Child Support
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Colorado

Answer:

In Colorado, the court can order either or both parents to pay child support. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-115, the court considers several factors to determine the child support amount:

(1) The purpose of the child support guidelines is to ensure an adequate standard of support for children, promote equitable treatment of parents, and improve court efficiency.

(2) The guidelines calculate child support based on the parents' combined adjusted gross income, taking into account:

• The needs of the children, including extraordinary medical expenses and work-related childcare costs.
• The physical care arrangements for the children.

(3) In determining support, the court considers:

• The financial resources of the child.
• The financial resources of the custodial parent.
• The standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the marriage had not ended.
• The child's physical and emotional condition and educational needs.
• The financial resources and needs of the noncustodial parent.

This process applies to all child support obligations established or modified during divorce proceedings.