Colorado’s New Child Support Law Explained: What Parents Need to Know About HB 25-1159 Starting March 1, 2026

Colorado is set to implement one of the most significant updates to child support law in years. House Bill 25-1159 (HB 25-1159), effective March 1, 2026, will change how child support is calculated across the state. These changes will impact income evaluation, parenting time credits, sharing of medical and childcare expenses, and protections for low-income parents.

If you live in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Castle Rock, Douglas County, Falcon, Parker, or other Front Range communities, these updates could directly affect what you pay or receive for child support. A key change is the removal of the old “93-overnight rule,” with Colorado now giving credit for every overnight a parent has with their child. Additionally, the income schedule has been updated to reflect the current costs of raising children in Colorado.

To help families understand the law, here are the 21 most important questions and answers about HB 25-1159.

Colorado Child Support Under HB 25-1159: 21 Questions & Answers Every Parent Should Know

1. What is HB 25-1159?
   HB 25-1159 updates how child support is calculated in Colorado, including parenting time credits, income rules, and how medical and childcare expenses are shared.

2. When do the new rules start?
   The law applies to all new and modified child support orders starting March 1, 2026.

3. Will my current child support order change automatically?
   No. Existing orders remain in effect until a parent formally requests a modification.

4. What is the biggest change?
   Colorado eliminated the old 93-overnight rule. Now, every overnight a child spends with a parent counts toward calculating support.

5. How will parenting time affect support under the new law?
   Child support will be reduced based on the number of overnights each parent has. More parenting time generally lowers support obligations.

6. Does equal parenting time eliminate child support?
   No. Even with 50/50 custody, support may still be owed depending on differences in parental income.

7. Will parents with a small number of overnights benefit?
   Yes. Parents with limited overnight time now receive a parenting time credit, unlike under the old law.

8. How high does the new income schedule go?
   The updated schedule now covers combined monthly incomes up to $40,000.

9. Will high-income parents pay more under the new law?
   Potentially. The schedule uses current economic data and may result in higher support for some families.

10. How does the law help low-income parents?
    A self-support reserve ensures low-income parents retain enough money for basic living expenses before child support is calculated.

11. What is the minimum possible child support amount?
    In some cases, support may be as low as $10 per month, particularly for qualifying low-income parents.

12. Does the new law change how income is calculated?
    Yes. It clarifies rules for self-employed parents, gig workers, freelancers, and those with fluctuating income.

13. Can courts still impute income?
    Yes. Courts can assign income when a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

14. What changed about medical expenses?
    Parents now share medical expenses from the first dollar, eliminating the previous $250 threshold.

15. Are mental health and therapy expenses included?
    Yes. Behavioral health, therapy, and counseling costs are now considered medical support.

16. What about childcare expenses?
    Work-related or school-related childcare expenses continue to be factored into support calculations.

17. Does the law change how tax dependency exemptions are assigned?
    Yes. Courts now have more flexibility in determining which parent may claim the child for tax purposes.

18. Will parenting plans need to be more specific?
    Yes. Because every overnight counts, parenting plans should be detailed and accurate.

19. Is the law change alone enough to modify support?
    No. Parents must still show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances.

20. Should some parents wait until March 1, 2026 to file a modification?
    Possibly. Parents who may benefit from new overnight credits or low-income rules may choose to wait before filing.

21. What should parents do now?
    Review your income, parenting time, childcare, and medical expenses to understand how HB 25-1159 may affect your child support calculations.

Schedule a Confidential Free Initial Consultation

Matthew C. Clawson, The Divorce Guy™, is a Colorado family law attorney serving clients throughout Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Falcon, Pueblo, Castle Rock, Teller County, Parker, and surrounding Front Range communities.

Matthew has been recognized by:

• Forbes is one of the best attorneys in Colorado

• U.S. News & World Report and Best Law Firms in America

• Colorado Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America

With decades of experience, Matthew handles everything from complex high-net-worth divorce and custody cases to straightforward child support modifications. His team is dedicated to providing clear guidance and helping families navigate the Colorado legal system with confidence.

Contact Information:

• Website: www.clawsonattorney.com

• Email: Matthew@clawson.law

• Phone: 719-634-1848 or 303-805-9353

Complete our online form or call to schedule your free initial consultation today.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content or contacting the author does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case, and Colorado laws may change over time. Always consult an attorney for advice tailored to your circumstances. No guarantee is made regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information.