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Child Support in Colorado

Child Support in Colorado

Colorado Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call Colorado Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-844-264-5437
  • Immediate legal help: Colorado Legal Services at 303-837-1313
  • Crisis assistance: 211 Colorado (dial 2-1-1)
  • Emergency food: Food Bank of the Rockies at 303-371-9250

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Find your local county child support office
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Colorado Family Law Software
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Colorado Legal Services
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Colorado Works

Main Points

✅ Colorado has no application fee – child support services are free¹

✅ $35 annual service fee – only if you receive $550+ in support yearly²

✅ Two payment options: smiONE Child Support Payment Card or direct deposit³

✅ Major changes coming March 1, 2026 – new calculation methods will affect support amounts⁴

✅ Support continues until age 19 – or age 21 if still in high school⁵

✅ Retroactive support available – courts can order support back to when the case was filed⁶

Understanding Colorado Child Support in 2025

What’s Changing in 2026 and Why It Matters

On May 31, 2025, Governor Polis signed House Bill 25-1159 into law, ushering in significant updates to Colorado’s child support guidelines under C.R.S. 14-10-115. These changes, effective March 1, 2026, represent a substantial shift in how child support is calculated, particularly for families with shared parenting time and low-income parents.

Current System (through February 2026): Uses complicated multipliers and offset calculations
New System (starting March 2026): Simplified method with direct allocation based on income percentages

Reality Check: If you’re considering filing for child support, timing matters. Cases filed before March 1, 2026 will use current guidelines, while new cases after that date will use the new system. Neither is necessarily better – it depends on your specific situation.

Who Can Apply for Colorado Child Support Services

You can apply for child support services if you are:

  • A parent with physical custody of a child under 19
  • A legal guardian with custody rights
  • Someone caring for a child whose parent is absent
  • A relative with legal responsibility for the child⁷

Important: You don’t need to be a Colorado resident to apply, but you may need to travel here for court hearings. Colorado can work with other states if the other parent lives elsewhere.

How Much Colorado Child Support Can You Get?

Colorado’s Current Calculation Method

Colorado uses an “income shares” model that considers both parents’ incomes. The Colorado Child Support Guidelines are designed to make sure that a fair share of each parent’s income and resources are given to their child. The guidelines use a formula based on what the parents would have spent on the child had they not separated.

2025 Colorado Child Support Worksheets

Colorado uses two different calculation methods depending on parenting time:

Worksheet Type When Used Key Feature
Worksheet A (Sole Physical Care) One parent has 92 or fewer overnights per year Standard support calculation
Worksheet B (Shared Physical Care) Both parents have 93+ overnights per year Reduced support due to shared time

Real-World Example: How Support Is Calculated

Example: Sarah and Mike have two children

  • Sarah’s monthly income: $3,000
  • Mike’s monthly income: $2,000
  • Combined income: $5,000
  • Mike has children 60 nights per year (uses Worksheet A)

According to Colorado’s support schedule for $5,000 combined income with 2 children, the basic support obligation is approximately $1,570 monthly. Since Mike earns 40% of the combined income, he would pay about $628 monthly to Sarah.

Reality Check: This is just the base amount. Additional costs like childcare, health insurance, and medical expenses can significantly increase the final amount.

Use the Official Colorado Calculator

The most accurate way to estimate your support is using the Colorado Family Law Software provided by the Colorado Judicial Department. After you’ve set up an account and filled in the form, this calculator will allow you to create the child support worksheets that you’ll submit to the court.

What You’ll Need:

  • Both parents’ gross monthly income (before taxes)
  • Number of children needing support
  • Monthly childcare costs paid by either parent
  • Monthly health insurance costs for the children
  • Number of overnights each parent has with the children

Warning: Watch out for other websites with so-called child support calculators for Colorado. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that these calculators are accurate and up-to-date.

How to Apply for Colorado Child Support Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents⁸:

  • Child’s certified birth certificate
  • Your photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Proof of income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
  • Information about the other parent:
    • Full legal name and any aliases
    • Date of birth and Social Security number
    • Current and previous addresses
    • Employer information
    • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders, protection orders)
  • Medical insurance information for you and your children

Expert Tip: The more complete information you provide about the other parent, the faster your local office can locate them and establish support. Even old information can be valuable.

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

You have several ways to apply for Colorado child support services:

Option 1: Online Application

  • The CSS Program has launched a streamlined application that’s available 24/7 – apply online anywhere, any time and at no cost
  • Visit your county child support office website
  • Upload required documents directly
  • Receive automatic confirmation

Option 2: In-Person Application

  • Visit your local county child support office during business hours
  • Get help from staff with completing the application
  • Submit documents on the spot
  • Ask questions about your specific situation

Option 3: Phone Application

  • Call your local county office
  • Complete application over the phone
  • Mail or fax required documents
  • Schedule follow-up appointments as needed

Step 3: Understanding Application Costs

Good News: Colorado child support services are provided at no cost to applicants. Unlike many other states, Colorado does not charge an application fee.

Annual Service Fee: A parent who receives at least $550 of child support each year has to pay a $35 annual service fee. It is deducted from the child support payment.

Fee Waiver: You don’t pay the service fee if you receive:

  • Colorado Works (TANF)
  • SNAP benefits
  • Medicaid
  • Other public assistance

Step 4: Work with Your County Child Support Office

Individual child support orders are managed by Colorado’s county child support offices. These offices handle all services connected to the orders set up in their counties and can answer questions about your specific situation.

Your caseworker will:

  1. Review your case and contact you for any additional information
  2. Locate the other parent using state and federal databases if needed
  3. Establish paternity if necessary through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing
  4. Work to establish a court order for child and medical support
  5. Begin enforcement once an order is in place

What to Expect Timeline:

  • Cooperative cases: 60-90 days
  • Location needed: 3-6 months
  • Paternity disputed: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months

How You’ll Receive Your Colorado Child Support Payments

All child support and maintenance payments are processed through Colorado’s Family Support Registry (FSR). Colorado offers two electronic payment methods:

Option 1: smiONE Child Support Payment Card

The smiONE card is a prepaid Visa debit card designed specifically for child support payments.

How it works:

  • No bank account or credit check required
  • Your payments are loaded directly onto the card
  • Obligee payments are then generally issued within two business days
  • You can use the Child Support Payment Card to withdraw cash at any in-network ATMs for a $0 fee

Services with NO fees:

  • Making purchases anywhere Visa is accepted
  • In-network ATM withdrawals
  • Customer service calls
  • Balance inquiries

Check your balance: Check your card balance by calling 855-279-2523 or 719-619-3704 or visiting the website at smionecard.com

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Requirements:

  • Open checking or savings account at any U.S. bank or credit union
  • Complete authorization form through FSR

Setup process:

  • Contact FSR Customer Service at 1-800-374-6558
  • Allow 5 business days for processing
  • Funds issued electronically are typically available in two business days

Important: What will happen if I close my bank account or fail to update invalid direct deposit information? A child support payment card will automatically be issued.

When Colorado Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools

What Colorado Can Do to Collect Support

Colorado child support offices have extensive enforcement tools available:

Enforcement Method How It Works Effectiveness
Income Withholding Money taken directly from paychecks Most effective – starts immediately
State Tax Intercept Colorado tax refunds seized Seasonal – occurs during tax season
Federal Tax Intercept Federal tax refunds seized Annual – can collect large amounts
License Suspension Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses suspended High compliance rate
Credit Bureau Reporting Reports to all three major credit bureaus monthly Long-term credit impact
Asset Seizure Bank accounts frozen and funds taken Very effective for employed parents
Property Liens Liens placed on real estate and vehicles Prevents sales/refinancing

Income Withholding Details

Your employer is only allowed to take up to 60% of your income for child support. This includes both current support and past-due amounts. Your employer sets up the child support order to first pay for current monthly support and then the past due child support.

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed records of all missed or partial payments with dates and amounts
  2. Report changes immediately – new employment, address changes, or asset information about the other parent
  3. Stay in regular contact with your caseworker
  4. Use online account access to monitor your case status
  5. Document any lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth

Warning: Don’t take matters into your own hands. Let your county office handle enforcement – they have tools you don’t have access to.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Colorado

Colorado child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Key considerations:

Same-sex couples who were married: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers, both may have support obligations under Colorado law.

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered. This may require:

  • Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage
  • Court determination of parental rights
  • Review of sperm/egg donor agreements

Additional Resources:

Native American and Tribal Connections

Colorado has two federally recognized tribes: the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Tribal connections can affect child support cases:

On-reservation cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land, your county office works with:

  • Tribal child support programs that have cooperative agreements with Colorado
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs for location services
  • Tribal courts that may have jurisdiction

Off-reservation tribal members: Standard Colorado procedures apply, but additional resources may be available through:

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges to county offices:

  • Phone consultations available: Most counties offer phone appointments
  • Video conferencing: Some counties provide virtual meetings
  • Documents by mail/fax: Most paperwork can be submitted remotely
  • Mobile services: Some counties visit rural communities periodically

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access for online services
  • County office phone support: Staff can help with online applications over the phone
  • Local community centers: Many rural communities have public computer access

Language accessibility:

  • Spanish interpretation: Available by request at all county offices
  • Other languages: Federal law requires interpretation services upon request
  • TDD/TTY services: Available for hearing-impaired customers

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Colorado child support law and follow the same application process. However, studies show custodial fathers face unique challenges:

Statistics for custodial fathers:

  • More likely to never receive support payments
  • Often receive non-cash support instead of regular payments
  • Less likely to pursue formal child support orders

Same services available: Application process, fees, and enforcement methods are identical for fathers

Specific resources for single fathers:

  • Colorado Fathers’ Rights: Support group information through local family courts
  • National Center for Fathering: Resources at fathers.com

Colorado Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Colorado Child Support Services Program

What they do: Colorado’s Child Support Services Program oversees the statewide child support system. Individual child support orders are managed by Colorado’s county child support offices, which provide comprehensive services including parent location, paternity establishment, court order creation, payment processing, and enforcement of support obligations.

Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents using state and federal databases, establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, create and modify child support orders, enforce payment through wage withholding and other tools, distribute collected support payments, and provide payment processing for existing orders.

How to contact: Find your local county child support office or call the FSR Customer Service Metro Denver: (303) 299-9123 Nationwide: (800) 374-6558

Application process: Apply online through your county office, by phone, or in person with required documents at no cost.

Colorado Legal Services

What they do: Colorado Legal Services provides free civil legal aid to low-income residents and seniors in Colorado, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases. They offer both direct representation and self-help resources.

Services provided: Legal representation in family court, advice and consultation for child support issues, assistance with modification requests, help with enforcement problems, domestic violence legal advocacy, and extensive online self-help resources.

Who qualifies: Low-income Colorado residents who meet federal poverty guidelines, with priority given to domestic violence survivors and cases involving children.

How to apply: Call 303-837-1313 for Denver metro area or visit coloradolegalservices.org to find your regional office.

Colorado Works (TANF)

What they do: Colorado Works is Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. When you join Colorado Works, you can get help with a monthly cash payment, schooling, training, jobs and much more. This program coordinates with child support services for families receiving cash assistance.

Services provided: Monthly cash assistance payments, job training and education programs, childcare assistance, transportation help, case management services, and connections to other support programs.

Who qualifies: Colorado Works is available to families with children in the home. In some cases, children not living with their parents can participate in Colorado Works. You can also apply for the program if: You are pregnant or taking care of a child under 18 years old.

Application process: Apply online at Colorado PEAK or contact your local county human services office.

Colorado Department of Human Services (DHS)

What they do: Colorado DHS administers multiple assistance programs for families, including SNAP food assistance, Medicaid health coverage, and childcare assistance programs. They coordinate closely with child support services for families receiving benefits.

Services provided: SNAP food assistance, Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), energy assistance, housing programs, and emergency assistance programs.

Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program based on income, family size, and specific circumstances, with most programs serving families at or below 130-185% of federal poverty level.

How to apply: Online applications at Colorado PEAK provide access to multiple programs, or visit local county offices.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Do I have to be a Colorado resident to get child support through Colorado? A: No, you don’t have to be a Colorado resident to apply for services. However, you might need to travel to Colorado for court hearings. Colorado can work with other states if the non-custodial parent lives elsewhere.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: Colorado child support offices have extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, social security records, motor vehicle registrations, and utility records. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old.

Q: Can I apply for child support if I was never married to the father? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. Your county office can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed.

Q: What if the father claims he can’t afford to pay or is unemployed? A: Colorado courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. If someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be based on what they could earn with their education, training, and work history.

About Calculations and Amounts

Q: How will the 2026 changes affect my child support case? A: These changes, effective March 1, 2026, represent a substantial shift in how child support is calculated, particularly for low-income parents and those with shared parenting arrangements. Cases filed before March 1, 2026 will continue under current guidelines until modified.

Q: What counts as “income” for Colorado child support calculations? A: Colorado includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, overtime, tips, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, Social Security benefits, and most other income sources.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in Colorado? A: The maximum monthly support is $30,000 worth of combined income. For parents earning more than $360,000 annually combined, courts have discretion to order additional support.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: Yes. Colorado courts can order retroactive support back to when the case was filed, and in some circumstances, even earlier based on when support should have been paid.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What if my child now spends more time with the other parent than when we got the original order? A: Colorado has two guideline worksheets. Worksheet A, “Sole Physical Care” is used in cases when one parent has 92 or fewer overnights · Worksheet B, “Shared Physical Care” is used in cases when both parents have more than 92 overnights with the child. Significant changes may warrant a modification.

Q: How do I switch from the payment card to direct deposit or vice versa? A: Contact FSR Customer Service at 1-800-374-6558 or email cdhs_fsrcustomerservice@state.co.us. Allow 5-10 business days for the change to take effect.

Q: What should I do if I receive a child support payment that seems wrong? A: Contact the FSR Customer Service representatives available to assist you Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST immediately. Keep detailed records of all payments received.

Q: How long does it typically take to receive my first child support payment? A: Timeline varies significantly based on your situation. Cooperative cases with wage withholding may see payments within 4-8 weeks, while cases requiring parent location can take 3-6 months.

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent quits their job or moves to avoid paying child support? A: Colorado has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding. They can seize tax refunds, suspend licenses, report to credit bureaus, freeze bank accounts, and pursue federal charges for willful non-payment across state lines.

Q: Can county child support offices help with custody, visitation, or parenting time issues? A: CSS does not handle custody and visitation. Visit the Colorado Judicial Department website for more information. For custody issues, you’ll need to contact a private attorney, Colorado Legal Services, or file directly with family court.

Q: What happens to child support if the other parent moves to another state? A: Colorado can work with child support agencies in all 50 states under federal law. Your Colorado order remains enforceable, and the other state will assist with enforcement.

Q: Does child support automatically stop if the other parent goes to jail? A: No. Incarceration doesn’t automatically terminate child support obligations. The obligation continues to accrue, though the incarcerated parent may petition for a temporary modification based on inability to pay.

Complete Colorado Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Colorado Child Support Services Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Energy and Housing Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

Child Services:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Colorado Resources:

Benefits Screening:

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Colorado guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Colorado Department of Human Services, Colorado Child Support Services, Colorado Legal Services, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Colorado Department of Human Services, Colorado Child Support Services, Colorado Judicial Department, Colorado Legal Services, and federal sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Colorado child support law and procedures as of August 2025. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and program details can change, and individual situations vary significantly.

Always:

  • Verify current information with your local Colorado county child support office
  • Consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to your unique situation
  • Keep detailed records of all communications, payments, and missed payments
  • Report changes in your circumstances promptly
  • Review your case regularly through your county office or FSR account

The information in this guide:

  • Is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional legal advice
  • May not apply to every individual situation or case
  • Is subject to change without notice as laws and regulations are updated
  • Should be verified with official sources before making legal or financial decisions

Limitation of liability: While we strive for accuracy, this guide cannot cover every possible scenario or exception to Colorado child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact your local county child support office or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact your local county child support office or visit childsupport.state.co.us.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Colorado Child Support Services Program Overview
² Colorado Child Support Services Annual Service Fee Policy
³ Colorado Family Support Registry Payment Options
⁴ Colorado House Bill 25-1159 (May 31, 2025)
⁵ Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-115
⁶ Colorado Child Support Services Retroactive Support Guidelines
⁷ Colorado Child Support Services Eligibility Requirements
⁸ Colorado Child Support Services Application Documentation Requirements

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