Colorado Child Support Law Changes

The following changes to C.R.S. § 14-10-115 went into effect in July 2019:

Imputation of income.  Pursuant the child support statute, a court can impute (assign) income to a parent based on their earning potential when a parent is underemployed or voluntarily unemployed. Previously, the statute provided that the court could not impute income to a parent caring for a child under the age of 30 months if the parent owed a joint legal responsibility. The 2019 changes now limit the age to 24 months.

Statutory factors for determining underemployment or unemployment.  Subsection (b.5)(II)now sets forth a specific list of factors the court must look to determine if a parent is underemployed.  Such factors the court will look at include the parent’s:

  • assets
  • residence
  • employment and earning history
  • job skills
  • educational attainment
  • literacy
  • age
  • health
  • criminal record
  • other employment barriers
  • record of seeking work
  • the local job market
  • the availability of employers hiring in the community

See the fully signed bill dated May 23, 2019 HB 19-1215 SIGNED.

Kalamaya | Goscha is a Colorado law firm founded by Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha. We guide and support clients through determining and modifying child support. Our boutique mountain law practice specializes in divorce, child custody, and family law. Kalamaya | Goscha has law offices in Edwards, Aspen, and Glenwood Springs. To speak to one of our capable attorneys call (970) 315-2365.