A Colorado child support modification changes the amount in an existing support order. Only a new court order changes it, and the law sets conditions first. This page summarizes how Colorado child support modification works. It covers when an order can change, the two filing paths and their forms, and financial disclosure. It also covers when a new amount takes effect, court costs, the 2026 law change and collecting unpaid support. Each section links to the guide that covers the topic in depth.
When a child support order can change
Colorado's modification statute is C.R.S. § 14-10-122. It allows a child support order to be modified on a showing of changed circumstances that are substantial and continuing. A modification can also be requested when the current order has no provision for medical support.
The statute sets a 10% floor. It applies the guidelines to the parties' circumstances on the date the motion is filed. If monthly support changes by less than 10%, the change is deemed not substantial and continuing. The Judicial Branch's instructions put it this way: the change must amount to a 10% increase or decrease in the current order.
Those instructions give two examples of changes that may be substantial and continuing. One is a permanent, significant increase or decrease in either parent's income. The other is the emancipation of one child when support is ordered for two or more children. The instructions also say added expenses, such as a new car or house, are not a basis for modification. The guide to Colorado's 10% child support rule explains the test in full.
Common changes the guides cover
Most requests start with a change in income or in the parenting schedule. GoFile's guides look at the most common ones.
- Losing a job. A support order does not pause on its own when income stops. The guide explains how income is counted and how imputed income works: child support modification after a job loss.
- A raise or promotion. Higher income for either parent can change the calculation. See how a raise or promotion affects child support.
- A new parenting schedule. Overnights are part of the support calculation. See how parenting time changes affect child support.
- Two changes at once. Some parents ask to change support and parenting time together. See filing two modifications at once.
Two paths and the forms each uses
A child support modification follows one of two paths. If both parents agree on the new amount, the stipulation path uses JDF 1404, signed by both. If they do not agree, one parent files a motion on JDF 1403, and the other parent can respond on JDF 1315. Both paths use the same supporting forms. The table below describes each form; it does not match forms to situations.
| Form | Name | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| JDF 1403 | Motion to Modify Child Support | One party's request to change the support amount, filed under C.R.S. § 14-10-122. It asks for each parent's overnights and the change in circumstances. JDF 1403 guide. |
| JDF 1404 | Stipulation Regarding Child Support Modification | A written agreement on a new amount, signed by both parties. It states that the worksheet and financial statements are filed with it. JDF 1404 guide. |
| JDF 1111 | Sworn Financial Statement | Each party's statement of income, expenses, assets and debts, made under oath. JDF 1111 guide. |
| JDF 1104 | Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Financial Disclosures | Each party's certificate listing the financial documents sent to the other party. JDF 1104 guide. |
| JDF 1821 | Support Worksheet | The child support calculation under the guidelines in effect since March 1, 2026 (R: March 2026). |
| JDF 1405 | Order re: Modification of Child Support | A proposed order some counties require. The filer completes only the caption, and the judge fills in the rest. |
The step-by-step order of filing, service and review is in how to modify child support in Colorado. The differences between the two paths are in Stipulation vs. motion.
Mandatory financial disclosure
Both parents exchange financial information in a modification. The motion form, JDF 1403, tells both parties to provide a Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111) and a Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104). Both are due within 42 days of the motion's service date.
JDF 1104 lists the documents each party sends to the other party. They include the last three years of income tax returns, income records such as pay stubs, and records of bank accounts and retirement plans. The form says these documents go to the other party and are not filed with the court. The financial statement itself is sent and filed. The Judicial Branch's instructions say the court may refuse to enter a modification order if a party does not file a financial statement. The court may also impose sanctions.
When the other parent does not provide disclosure, see what happens if your ex won't provide financial disclosure.
When a new amount takes effect, and hearings
Under C.R.S. § 14-10-122, child support can be modified only as to installments that accrue after the motion is filed. The statute says a modification should be effective as of the filing date, unless the court finds undue hardship or substantial injustice. The details are in whether child support can be modified retroactively.
After a motion is filed, the court may enter an order based on the documents, or it may set a hearing. It can also ask the parties to attend mediation or a status conference first. A stipulation's court review often takes about 2–4 weeks, but timing depends on the district and its docket, and the court may set a hearing. For what a hearing involves, read what happens at a child support modification hearing.
If the amount changes, the court issues an updated support order. The Judicial Branch's instructions note that any income assignment must also be modified to match the new amount.
Court costs
The Judicial Branch fee list shows a $105 filing fee for a motion to modify a decree or final order. That fee applies to motions filed more than 60 days after the order. Filing through Colorado Courts E-Filing adds a separate per-filing e-filing fee, posted on coloradojudicial.gov. JDF 205, the Motion to Waive Fees, asks the court to waive court fees for a person who cannot afford them. Each court cost is explained in how much it costs to modify child support in Colorado.
The 2026 law: HB 25-1159
House Bill 25-1159 changed how Colorado calculates child support, starting March 1, 2026. One Support Worksheet, JDF 1821 (R: March 2026), replaced Worksheets A and B. A parenting time table now gives credit for each overnight. Before March 1, 2026, the calculation changed at 93 overnights a year; that threshold no longer applies. The law also updated the support schedule and the low-income adjustment.
The new law did not change existing orders by itself. An order entered before March 1, 2026 stays in effect until a court modifies it. The full summary is in Colorado's new child support law (HB 25-1159). For orders calculated under the old worksheets, see Worksheet A vs. Worksheet B.
Collecting unpaid support
Collecting support that is owed is a separate process from changing the amount. Under C.R.S. § 14-10-122, each support payment becomes a final money judgment when it is due and unpaid. Colorado has several enforcement tools, and GoFile's guides explain them:
- How to enforce unpaid child support in Colorado
- Contempt for unpaid child support
- Collecting arrears through a support judgment
GoFile does not prepare enforcement filings. Those guides explain the process only.
Parenting time has its own hub. See Colorado parenting time, or go back to all Colorado family court guides.
Frequently asked questions
What does "substantial and continuing change" mean in Colorado?
C.R.S. § 14-10-122 allows child support to be modified when changed circumstances are substantial and continuing. If applying the guidelines to current circumstances changes monthly support by less than 10%, the statute deems the change not substantial and continuing. Read: Colorado's 10% child support rule.
Does a new amount apply to months before the filing?
C.R.S. § 14-10-122 allows modification only as to installments that accrue after the motion is filed. The statute says a modification should be effective as of the filing date, unless the court finds undue hardship or substantial injustice. Read: Can child support be modified retroactively?
What is the court filing fee?
The Judicial Branch fee list shows a $105 filing fee for a motion to modify filed more than 60 days after the order. E-filing adds a separate fee, and JDF 205, the Motion to Waive Fees, asks the court to waive court fees. Read: How much it costs to modify child support.
What is the difference between a stipulation and a motion?
A stipulation (JDF 1404) is a written agreement on a new amount signed by both parents, and the court still reviews it. A motion (JDF 1403) is one parent's request when they do not agree, and the other parent has 21 days from service to respond. Read: Stipulation vs. motion.
Did HB 25-1159 change existing orders?
No. An order entered before March 1, 2026 stays in effect until a court modifies it. Read: Colorado's new child support law (HB 25-1159).
Can a parenting time change change support?
Overnights are part of the child support calculation, so a new schedule can change the calculated amount. The support order does not change by itself, and the parenting time motion (JDF 1406) asks whether you also need to change child support. Read: How parenting time changes affect child support.