New child support guidelines adjust obligations based on parenting arrangements

The Colorado State Legislature introduced House Bill 1159 on April 17, 2025, aiming to reform child support calculations for parents with shared physical care. The bill seeks to address the complexities of child support obligations, particularly for obligors—those required to pay child support—whose income exceeds the self-support reserve.

One of the key provisions of the bill stipulates that for obligors with an adjusted gross income above the self-support reserve, their basic child support obligation will be adjusted by deducting the self-support reserve amount from their income. The resulting difference will determine the percentage of income that contributes to child support, varying based on the number of children involved. For instance, the bill proposes that 80% of the difference will be applicable for one child, increasing incrementally for additional children, reaching 95% for six or more children.

The bill also includes provisions for cases where the calculated difference falls below a reduced low-income adjustment, ensuring that obligors are not burdened with unmanageable support obligations. This aspect of the bill aims to provide a safety net for lower-income parents while still ensuring that children receive adequate financial support.

Debate surrounding House Bill 1159 has highlighted concerns from various stakeholders, including family law advocates and financial experts. Some argue that the adjustments could lead to inequities in support payments, particularly for families with varying income levels. Others support the bill as a necessary update to reflect modern family dynamics and economic realities.

The implications of this legislation could be significant, potentially affecting thousands of families across Colorado. By recalibrating child support obligations, the bill aims to create a more equitable system that considers both the needs of children and the financial capabilities of parents. As the bill moves through the legislative process, its outcomes will be closely monitored by advocates and families alike, with potential long-term effects on child welfare and family financial stability in the state.