JDF 1404 Stipulation to Modify Child Support: Instructions

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JDF 1404 is Colorado’s Stipulation Regarding Child Support Modification. In it, both parents set out a new child support amount. They ask the court to enter it as an order. This guide describes each numbered section of the current form, the signatures, what is filed with it, and how the court reviews it. For how the stipulation fits into the wider steps, see the child support modification process guide.

What JDF 1404 is and when it is used

A stipulation is “a written agreement prepared and signed by both parties,” in the words of the Judicial Branch’s instructions (JDF 1403i). The official Change Child Support page lists JDF 1404 as “filed when both parents agree with the change.” For parents who do not agree, the page lists JDF 1403, the Motion to Modify Child Support. Stipulation vs. motion compares the two paths in more detail.

The stipulation path in short:

• One agreed document — both parents sign the same terms.
• The court reviews the agreement and may enter an order or set a hearing.

The legal standard for changing support is the same on both paths. The instructions describe it as a “substantial and continuing” change of at least 10% in the current order. The eligibility guide covers that standard.

What to gather

• The case number, division and courtroom of the existing case.
• The county and address of the court that entered the current order.
• The current monthly support amount and who pays it.
• The agreed new amount, its due date, and the date it starts.
• Each child’s full name, address, sex and date of birth.
• Both parents’ current city, state, zip and phone numbers.
• Each parent’s completed JDF 1111, Sworn Financial Statement.
• A completed Support Worksheet, JDF 1821 (R: March 2026).

Section-by-section walk-through

The headings below follow the current official form, JDF 1404 (R2/18).

Caption

The caption names the district court and county, and whether the case is a marriage, civil union or parental responsibilities case. It lists the Petitioner and Co-Petitioner/Respondent and the case number, division and courtroom. These stay the same as in the existing case. The form opens with the statement that the parties stipulate and agree to its terms.

1. Current support

You check which parent currently pays and enter the monthly amount. The form notes that the amount comes from an agreement between the parties or a prior court order.

2. New support amount

You check which parent will pay. The form states the payment is under the Colorado Child Support Guidelines, C.R.S. § 14-10-115. You fill in the new monthly amount, the date it is due each period, and the date it starts.

3. How long and where payments go

The amount continues until further order of the court. You check whether payments go to the parent receiving support (the obligee) or to the Family Support Registry. The registry’s address is printed on the form. A note says that if a payment is missed, a wage assignment will be established.

4. Worksheet and financial statements

This item states that the Child Support Worksheet and both parties’ Sworn Financial Statements are filed with the stipulation.

5. Children

The number of minor children, with each child’s full name, address, sex and date of birth.

6. Other Information

Blank lines for any other agreed terms the parents want to state.

7. Child Support Enforcement

If applicable, the parents confirm they gave a copy to the Office of Child Support Enforcement because it is involved in the case.

Request and signatures

The parties ask that the stipulation be entered as an order of the court. Two boxes confirm whether you only filled in blanks or changed the form’s wording. Each parent then prints their name, signs and dates. Each adds city, state, zip, and home and cell phone. There are lines for each parent’s attorney, if any. The current form has no notary block.

What is filed with it

The instructions list these forms for the stipulation path:

• JDF 1111, Sworn Financial Statement, completed separately by each parent, with JDF 1111-SS only if needed.
• The Support Worksheet, JDF 1821, completed with the Judicial Branch’s support calculator, with a Certificate of Service (JDF 1313).
• JDF 1405, Order re: Modification of Child Support, and JDF 1117, Support Order, where the county requires proposed orders. Only the caption is completed. Both are on the official Change Child Support page.

The instructions list JDF 1104, the Certificate of Compliance, under the motion path. The stipulation steps do not list it. The local self-help center can say whether a court expects one.

Before March 1, 2026, Colorado used Worksheet A and Worksheet B. Under HB 25-1159, one unified worksheet replaced them on that date. How HB 25-1159 changed child support explains the change.

Filing notes

• Which court. The stipulation goes to the court that entered the original order, in the same case.
• E-filing or paper. Self-represented parties can file through Colorado Courts E-Filing in domestic relations cases, or file at the clerk’s office.
• Fees. The instructions say to pay the filing fee if applicable. The official fee list shows $105 for a motion to modify a decree or final order. E-filing adds a separate per-filing fee. The clerk can confirm which fees apply.
• Fee waiver. JDF 205, Motion to Waive Fees, asks the court to waive its fees. The Judicial Branch says fee waivers in family cases are filed in person or by mail.
• Copies. The instructions say any filed document also goes to every party and to the County Office of Child Support Services when it is involved.
• Address. The instructions ask you to give the court your current address in writing.

Court review

After filing, you wait for the court to review the stipulation. The instructions say the court uses the Child Support Guidelines to review the agreed amount, along with the financial statements. 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. If support is modified, the instructions say you receive a signed order and an updated Support Order.

A court can decline to enter a stipulation, for example when:

• A party’s Sworn Financial Statement is missing. The instructions say the court may then refuse to enter an order.
• The court finds the agreed amount inadequate after its review under the guidelines.
• A signature, a date or a required section is missing.

Common mistakes

• Different numbers on different forms. The amount in item 2 does not match the worksheet.
• Blank dates in item 2. Leaving out the due date or the start date.
• One signature. Filing before both parents have signed and dated the form.
• One financial statement. Item 4 states that both parties’ statements are filed.
• A superseded worksheet. Attaching Worksheet A or B, which were replaced on March 1, 2026.
• Forgetting the income assignment. The instructions note that a changed amount also means updating any income assignment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between JDF 1403 and JDF 1404?

JDF 1404 is a joint agreement signed by both parents. JDF 1403 is one parent’s request, which the other parent can answer. Stipulation vs. motion walks through both.

Does JDF 1404 need to be notarized?

The current form (R2/18) has signature, date and contact lines for each parent and any attorney. It has no notary block. The clerk can confirm any local requirement.

Can the parents agree to any amount?

Item 2 states that support is set under the Colorado Child Support Guidelines. The instructions say the court reviews the agreed amount against the guidelines. The court decides whether to enter it.

Who signs JDF 1404?

Both parents sign and date the form, and each adds contact details. Lines for each parent’s attorney are used only if a parent has one. The stipulation asks the court to enter the agreed terms as an order.

For related guides, see the Colorado child support hub and the full list of Colorado form guides.

Prepare JDF 1404 with GoFile

GoFile fills in JDF 1404 and the other forms in a Colorado child support modification from your answers, at your direction. One document set is $199, or $39 a month on the Monthly plan. Court fees are separate. See pricing.