How Child Support Ends in Colorado: Emancipation, Termination Orders and What to File
Colorado child support ends automatically, without a motion, when the last or only child turns 19 for orders entered on or after July 1, 1997. Marriage or active military duty emancipates earlier, a parent’s death does not end it, and past-due support stays owed.
Does child support end automatically in Colorado?
Yes at 19 for the last or only child, without either party filing a motion, for orders entered on or after July 1, 1997, unless the parties agreed otherwise in writing, the child is disabled, or the child is still in high school (C.R.S. 14-10-115(13)(a)). A court can also find the child otherwise emancipated.
What events emancipate a child in Colorado?
A child who marries is considered emancipated as of the date of marriage, and if the marriage is annulled, dissolved or declared invalid, child support may be reinstated. A child who enters active military duty is considered emancipated (13)(a)(IV)-(V). Unless otherwise agreed or provided in the decree, support for a child is terminated by emancipation but not by the death of the parent obligated to pay; when that parent dies, the amount may be modified, revoked or commuted to a lump sum, as just and appropriate (14-10-122(3)).
What do you file to end child support in Colorado?
If support for a child who is emancipated needs to be ended, the court’s instructions point to the Motion to Terminate Child Support (JDF 1408) (Colorado Judicial Branch forms). To reduce the amount while other children remain, file a motion to modify with a sworn financial statement and the 10% rule in mind (how to modify child support in Colorado).
What does the timeline look like?
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Last or only child reaches 19 | Support terminates without a motion; pay or arrange any arrears |
| Child still in high school | Until the end of the month following graduation |
| Child marries | Emancipated on the date of marriage; support may be reinstated if the marriage is annulled, dissolved or declared invalid |
| Child enters active military duty | Emancipated |
| Parent dies | Child support is not terminated by the death of the obligor; it may be modified, revoked or commuted to a lump sum |
| Disabled child | The court or the enforcement unit may order support to continue |
| Past-due support | Stays owed after any of these events |
Do arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes. Each payment that became a final money judgment stays owed. Check the balance in the Colorado arrears calculator and the date in the Colorado child support end date calculator.
What changed about concurrent enrollment?
The signed guideline bill added that a concurrent enrollment program does not qualify as an equivalent program for the high school extension, and that a child in such a program is emancipated once the child completes the local education provider’s minimum high school graduation requirements (HB25-1159). If your child is in concurrent enrollment, check whether that rule affects your order.
What if the court finds the child emancipated for another reason?
The 19th-birthday rule applies unless a court finds that the child is otherwise emancipated, so a court can end support earlier on other facts. If you think that applies, file the motion to terminate and bring the facts.
What mistakes cause problems when support ends?
- Stopping payments because an older child turned 19 while younger children are still supported.
- Assuming a marriage or military enlistment ended support without checking the order.
- Not filing to terminate or modify when the order does not end by itself.
- Forgetting that past-due support and interest are still collectible.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end automatically in Colorado?
Yes at 19 for the last or only child, without a motion, unless an exception applies or the parties agreed otherwise in writing.
What emancipates a child in Colorado?
Marriage, active military duty, or a court finding that the child is otherwise emancipated, in addition to turning 19.
Does a parent’s death end Colorado child support?
No. It does not terminate child support, but the amount may be modified, revoked or commuted to a lump sum.
What form ends child support for an emancipated Colorado child?
The Motion to Terminate Child Support, JDF 1408.
Do Colorado arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes. Payments that became final money judgments remain owed.
Official sources
- C.R.S. 14-10-115: emancipation, postsecondary education and the guidelines
- C.R.S. 14-10-122: termination on emancipation
- HB25-1159: concurrent enrollment and emancipation (signed)
- C.R.S. 14-10-115 (Colorado Public Law)
- Colorado Judicial Branch: child support forms
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Colorado statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Colorado attorney.