Child Support in Colorado

3 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Colorado

Colorado uses 'allocation of parental responsibilities' instead of 'custody' and handles cases in district courts. The Child Support Services division runs enforcement statewide. Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins anchor the major metros. Colorado Legal Services (the statewide LSC program), Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, and numerous county self-help centers support fathers statewide.

3 Resources

1. Colorado Division of Child Support Services — Free

State agency administering Colorado's child support program, including establishing paternity, setting and enforcing orders, collecting payments, and processing modifications statewide. Services are available to custodial and noncustodial parents through county child support offices. Apply through Colorado PEAK or your county office; bring a photo ID, the child's birth certificate, any existing orders, and recent pay stubs to appointments.

303-297-2849 · 1575 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Office of Child Support Enforcement (Federal) — Free

Federal agency within HHS overseeing state child support programs, providing policy guidance, interstate case coordination, and general consumer information for parents across all states including Colorado. Does not handle individual cases directly but supports the state program. Parents with case-specific issues should contact the Colorado Division of Child Support Services or their county child support office for help.

202-401-9373 · National resource · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Colorado PEAK - Child Support Resources — Free

Colorado's online benefits portal where families can apply for child support services, SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs in a single application statewide. Serves both custodial and noncustodial parents at any time online. Create an account at colorado.gov/PEAK; have ready a photo ID, Social Security number, the child's birth certificate, recent pay stubs, and any existing court orders to complete the application.

1-800-536-5298 · Online resource · Online 24/7

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?
Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?
Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?
Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.