What Happens at a Child Support Modification Hearing in Colorado

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Last Updated: May 2026

You filed the motion. You filled out JDF 1111. You served the other parent. Now you have a hearing date.

Before You Walk In: Finding Your Courtroom

At the Arapahoe County Justice Center (7325 S. Potomac St., Centennial, CO 80112), the posted docket often lists your case by case number only. In Denver County (2nd Judicial District), you’d report to the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse at 520 W. Colfax Ave.

What to Bring to Your Hearing

Bring three copies of everything. Your completed and notarized JDF 1111 (Sworn Financial Statement). Three months of current pay stubs. Your two most recent tax returns. Documentation of the changed circumstance — a termination letter (as in a job loss situation), a restructuring notice from your employer (as in an income change). The Child Support Worksheet (JDF 1821). Your filed Motion (JDF 1403). Health insurance documentation.

Motion Hearing vs. Prove-Up Hearing: Two Different Animals

If you filed a Motion (JDF 1403) you’re going to a contested hearing. Both parents present their financial information. These hearings typically take 15 to 45 minutes.

If you filed a Stipulation (JDF 1404) the hearing is called a prove-up. Some courts handle stipulations without any hearing at all.

What Happens Inside the Courtroom

Address the judge as “Your Honor.” In the 18th Judicial District, family law matters are heard by both district court judges and magistrates.

What the Judge Actually Looks At

Both parents’ gross income. The number of overnights. Health insurance costs. Whether the change is both substantial and continuing under C.R.S. § 14-10-122(1)(a). A change resulting in less than a 10% change in the support amount is presumed not substantial. The court can also impute income under C.R.S. § 14-10-115(5)(b).

After the Hearing: The Order and What Comes Next

Under C.R.S. § 14-10-122(1)(d), a modification is generally effective as of the date the motion was filed. If issued by a magistrate, either party has 14 days to petition for review under C.R.C.P. 401(a).

The complete step-by-step filing process covers forms, fees, and service. JDF 1111 Sworn Financial Statement guide is covered separately. Forms at coloradojudicial.gov.