Colorado Child Support Payments

Statutes

Colorado Revised Statutes:

• Section 14-10-115 (Establishing basic child support obligations)
• Section 14-10-117 (Payment of child support)
• Section 14-14-111.5 (Enforcement and withholding income for support)

Federal Statutes:

• 42 USC section 654(6)(B) (Cost recovery fee)
• 42 USC section 666 (Income withholding for child support)

Coverage of Child Support Payments

Both parents have a duty to support their child by making reasonable or necessary payments for the child's support, which may include payments for:

• Childcare;
• Medical insurance; and
• Medical expenses.

Paying Child Support

Starting a Case

Before one parent may receive child support from the other parent, there are certain preliminary steps they must take. These steps include:

• Contacting Child Support Enforcement to start a child support case ($20 application fee)
• Establishing paternity
• Obtaining a child support order
• Providing proper legal notice to the parent who will be paying support

The court will assess the non-custodial parent's finances to establish the amount of support. The amount ordered for support will depend on the needs of the children and the finances of both parents.

Annual Fee Required for Child Support Payments

State and federal law require the person receiving child support payments to pay an annual $25 fee in cases where:

1. They have never received public assistance; and
2. They have received at least $500 in support payment in the current year.

Making Payments

In order to make a payment, you will need:

• FSR account number;
• Your name; and
• The amount to remit for each FSR account.

Payment Methods

The following are ways you can pay child support in Colorado:

• Income withholding directly from your employment check
• Smart E-Pay: Online payments using your bank account for one-time or recurring payments
• Pay-by-Phone: Call 1-303-299-9123 or 1-800-374-6558
• Credit Card Payments: Pay Colorado child support online using your credit card
• Mail a Payment: Send checks or money orders. Make checks out to 'Family Support Registry' and include your FSR number. Mail the checks to Family Support Registry, P.O. Box 2171, Denver, CO 80201-2171
• PayNearMe: Cash payments at 7-Elevens ($1.99 service fee)
• Money Gram: Cash payments at Money Gram locations

The child support payments are processed the same business day they are received. Generally, the funds become available to the other party within two business days.

Payment Records

The FSR can provide a legal record of all payments made or received. You need to have an FSR account to use this service.

Collecting Child Support Payments

In order to receive payments, you need an FSR account number. Keep your address and phone number current.

• Default payment method: You'll receive a check at the address on file
• Direct deposit: No fee for disbursement deposited directly into your bank account