Child support questions don’t always end when your divorce is finalized. Changes in income, employment, or family needs often lead parents to ask whether child support can be modified — and whether it’s worth pursuing.
To help answer these questions, Not Quite Done With Divorce interviewed Laura Landon, LLP, a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional with Cox Baker Page & Bailey, LLC, who works extensively with Colorado families navigating post-decree child support issues.
Below are clear, practical answers to the questions parents ask most often.
When Can Child Support Be Modified in Colorado?
In Colorado, child support may be modified when there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances.
According to Laura Landon, this usually means:
- A long-term change in income, such as a promotion, demotion, disability, or permanent career change
- A lasting shift in employment status
Temporary situations — like a short-term job loss with plans to return to work — typically do not qualify for a child support modification.
A key question Laura encourages parents to ask is:
Is this change ongoing enough to justify the time, cost, and emotional energy of pursuing a modification?
How Long Does a Child Support Modification Take?
The timeline for a child support modification in Colorado varies widely.
- If both parents agree: The process can move relatively quickly by exchanging updated income information, running the child support calculation, and filing a stipulation with the court.
- If one parent disagrees: The process can take significantly longer and depends on court schedules and litigation timelines.
- Other options: Some parents work with child support enforcement, which may be less expensive but is not always faster.
As Laura explains, cooperation between parents often matters more than the law itself when it comes to timing.
What If a Parent Is Voluntarily Underemployed or Unemployed?
This is a common concern in both divorce and post-decree cases.
If a parent intentionally earns less than they are capable of — by quitting a job, refusing to work, or choosing significantly lower-paying employment — the court may consider imputing income.
This means child support could be calculated based on what that parent could earn given their education, work history, and available job opportunities. In some cases, this requires a vocational evaluation by an expert, which can be costly.
Because of this, Laura notes that mediation or negotiated agreements are often explored before pursuing litigation.
Can Parents Agree to No Child Support?
Many parents ask: What if I don’t want child support?
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of child support. Child support is for the child, not the parents. One parent cannot simply waive child support on behalf of the child.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Colorado?
Colorado uses a statutory child support worksheet that takes into account:
- Each parent’s income
- Parenting time
- Certain child-related expenses
The calculation applies up to a defined combined income level and has been updated in recent years. While deviations are sometimes allowed, child support remains largely a formula-based calculation.
Key Takeaway for Parents
Child support decisions are about more than money — they directly affect your child’s stability across two homes.
Before pursuing a modification, Laura encourages parents to consider:
- Has something meaningful and ongoing changed?
- Is there a realistic path to agreement?
- Will the outcome outweigh the financial and emotional cost?
Having accurate information can help you make informed decisions without unnecessary conflict.
About Our Interview Expert
This article is based on an interview, and is for informational purposes with you can reach out to Laura Landon, LLP, CP at:
Cox Baker Page & Bailey, LLC
303-688-8588
