Colorado Child Support Payments

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed December 03, 2024

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Child support services in Colorado aim to ensure that children get the financial support they deserve from both parents. Systems and procedures have been set up through the Colorado Division of Child Support Services (CSS) to make and receive child support payments. The Colorado Child Support Services program can:

  • Establish orders for both payments and medical support
  • Establish paternity
  • Modify support orders
  • Process payments
  • Collect past-due payments

Once a Child Support Order is Issued

Child support payments go through the Family Support Registry (FSR). You must register for an FSR number, which you can do online or at the local county offices. Once you have this number, you can make payments using one of the payment options listed below through an online account.

Colorado Child Support Payments: Chart

Below is a quick and easy reference guide to paying and receiving child support in the state of Colorado. We provide the relevant statutes summarized in easy-to-understand language.

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:
Coverage of child support payments

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

  • Childcare
  • Medical insurance
  • Medical expenses
Paying child support

Starting a Case

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

  • Contacting Child Support Enforcement to start a child support case ($20 application fee)
  • Establishing paternity
  • Getting a child support order
  • Showing 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 of child support will depend on the children's needs and both parents' finances.

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
  2. They have received at least $500 in support payments in the current year.

Making Payments

To make a payment, you will need:

  • FSR account number
  • Your name
  • 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 paycheck
  • Smart E-Pay: Online payments using your bank account or debit card for one-time or recurring payments (automatic withdrawal)
  • 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

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

You need an FSR account number to receive payments. Keep your address and phone number current.

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

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.

Colorado Child Support Payments: Related Resources

Need Help Paying or Collecting Child Support? Seek Legal Advice

Many issues can complicate the payment or receipt of child support. For instance, the paying parent may have moved out of state, or there may have been a change in income that affects the support amount calculated under child support guidelines. Whatever the issue, you may need help from a lawyer to secure child support or to modify an existing order. You can also reach out to your county child support office for support with enforcement or modifications. For legal help, consult a Colorado lawyer with experience in family law issues.

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