How to Modify Child Support in Colorado: Filing Steps and Effective Date
To modify child support in Colorado, file a Motion to Modify Child Support (JDF 1403) with a Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111). The change takes effect on the filing date at the earliest, so every month before filing is lost.
How do you modify child support in Colorado?
- Run the guideline amount in the Colorado child support calculator and check the 10% floor in the modification calculator.
- Complete the Motion to Modify Child Support (JDF 1403), which asks you to say whether the change is at least 10% and whether you attached a proposed child support worksheet (Colorado Judicial Branch).
- Attach a Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111) and provide a Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104) to the court and the other party.
- File and serve. The other party who disagrees files a written response (JDF 1315).
- Keep paying the existing order until the court changes it.
From what date does a Colorado modification take effect?
The modification should be effective as of the date of the filing of the motion, unless the court finds that it would cause undue hardship or substantial injustice (C.R.S. 14-10-122(1)(d)). It can never be retroactive to before the filing date, except after a mutually agreed change of physical custody. The court may modify installments due between the filing and the order even if the circumstances no longer exist when the order is entered. Every month before filing is lost:
| Monthly difference | Lost after 6 months | Lost after 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| $100 a month | $600 | $1,200 |
| $200 a month | $1,200 | $2,400 |
| $400 a month | $2,400 | $4,800 |
Federal law also bars retroactive modification of support already due (42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)).
Is there a way to update support without a hearing?
Yes. When a support order is entered or modified, the parties exchange information on changes since the previous order, and other appropriate information, once a year or less often, using the approved standardized forms, to update and modify the order without a court hearing. If they agree, they include the forms with the agreed modification, and the court reviews it; if they cannot agree, a modification is not entered that way and either party may move for a hearing, or the court may schedule one (14-10-115(14)).
Can the state agency help?
If a party receives child support enforcement services, check the box on the motion and send a copy to the Child Support Enforcement Unit; the form asks about that.
What if the child is emancipated and support should end?
Use the Motion to Terminate Child Support (JDF 1408) if support for a child who is emancipated needs to be ended. See how child support ends in Colorado.
What does the JDF 1403 form ask?
It asks who pays child support and how much under the current order, whether you attached a current Sworn Financial Statement, which changes you rely on (including child emancipation and medical insurance coverage) and whether you believe they would change the support by at least 10%, whether you attached a proposed child support worksheet and what payment it shows, and whether either party receives child support enforcement services.
What happens to unpaid support while a motion is pending?
It stays owed. Each payment is a final money judgment when it is due and not paid, and interest runs (see the Colorado interest rate).
Frequently asked questions
How do I modify child support in Colorado?
File a Motion to Modify Child Support (JDF 1403) with a Sworn Financial Statement (JDF 1111), provide a Certificate of Compliance (JDF 1104) and serve the other party.
From what date can Colorado child support be modified?
From the filing date of the motion, unless that would cause undue hardship or substantial injustice; never earlier except after an agreed change of physical custody.
What form do I use to respond to a Colorado motion to modify child support?
A written response, form JDF 1315.
Can Colorado parents update child support without going to court?
Yes, by exchanging information annually and agreeing on a modification that the court reviews.
Can Colorado change support that accrued before the motion?
No. A payment is a final money judgment when due and unpaid and is not retroactively modified.
Official sources
- C.R.S. 14-10-122: modification and termination of support
- C.R.S. 14-10-115: child support guidelines
- C.R.S. 14-10-122 (Colorado Public Law)
- Colorado Judicial Branch: Motion to Modify Child Support (JDF 1403)
- HB25-1159: Child Support Commission recommendations (signed)
- 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9): no retroactive modification of support already due
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.