Does a Raise or Promotion Affect Your Child Support in Colorado?

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. GoFile is not a law firm. Using our platform or reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice for your specific situation, consult a licensed Colorado attorney.

Last Updated: May 2026

You got promoted. Or your ex did. Either way, someone’s income went up, and now you’re wondering what that means for the child support order sitting in a court file in Colorado.

Does a Raise Automatically Change Your Child Support?

No. Under C.R.S. § 14-10-122(1)(a), the existing order stays in effect until a court modifies it. That means the $1,350/month your order says today is the number that matters — unless someone files a motion or both parents agree to a stipulation.

The 10% Threshold: How Colorado Measures “Substantial”

Under C.R.S. § 14-10-122(1)(b), a change resulting in at least a 10% difference in the child support amount is considered substantial. We break down how the 10% math works in detail.

How the Math Actually Works

Say Parent A earns $8,333/month ($100K/year) and Parent B earns $5,833/month ($70K/year). One child. Parent A has 90 overnights. Current support: $1,050/month. Parent A gets promoted: new salary $10,417/month ($125K/year). A 25% raise.

What Counts as Income (and What Catches People Off Guard)

Under C.R.S. § 14-10-115(5)(a)(I), gross income includes “income from any source.” Commissions, bonuses, and required overtime all count. The JDF 1111 asks for gross monthly income “from all sources,” and you sign it under oath.

Either Parent Can File

Under C.R.S. § 14-10-122(1)(a), modifications apply to “installments accruing subsequent to the filing of the motion.” Whether you file in El Paso County at the 4th Judicial District courthouse or in Denver County, the effective date is the filing date.

Documentation You’ll Need

Both parents complete JDF 1111, the Sworn Financial Statement. JDF 1403 gives you three blank lines under “describe the substantial and continuing change in circumstances.”

Key Takeaways

A raise doesn’t automatically change child support. The 10% threshold measures the change in the support amount, not income. Either parent can initiate a modification. Both parents complete JDF 1111 and Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104).

The full step-by-step modification process covers filing, service, and timelines. Forms available on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.