Criteria for Changing Child Support

You can change an existing child support order if a substantial and continuing change in your or the other parent's circumstances has occurred since the court signed the original order. For example, you or the other parent might be making a lot more, or a lot less, money now than you were in the past.

• A substantial change is a change that will cause the amount of child support, calculated based on your or the other parent's new circumstances, to go up or down by at least 10%. Refer to the child support calculator to help you estimate whether your change is substantial.
• A continuing change is a change in circumstances that is more than just temporary.

You can also change a child support order if the original order does not address medical or dental support for the child or children.

Instructions

• JDF 1403 i - Instructions

Forms

• JDF 1403 - Motion to Modify Child Support
  • Filed when a parent disagrees with the change.
• JDF 1404 - Stipulation Regarding Child Support Modification
  • Filed when both parents agree with the change.
• JDF 1405 - Order Re: Modification of Child Support.
  • Only fill out the case caption.

Submit Paperwork

1. File online at Colorado Courts E-Filing.
   • Or, file with the same court that gave you the original order. Use the courts locator to find the correct court location.
2. Pay the filing fee.  
   • Visit the Fee Page for a list of fees and information on fee waivers.
3. Mail a copy of the paperwork you filed to the other parent.  Skip this stipe if both parents signed a stipulation.

What Happens Next?

Wait for the court's response to your Motion or Stipulation. You may be required to attend mediation and/or a hearing may be held.