Steps to File for Child Support
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Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed January 2, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
I want to know how to file for child support.
When can I speak to a lawyer?
Attorney Answer
You can request to speak with a local family law attorney directly through this service right now — submitting a consultation request connects you with an attorney who can review your specific situation, including whether you're starting a new child support case or dealing with an order that already exists.
Colorado's child support guidelines (Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-115) are what courts and the county child support enforcement agency use to calculate a parent's support obligation. The forms and process differ depending on your situation: if there is no existing custody or support order, you would file an original child support action; if an order or agreement already exists, the process instead involves modifying or enforcing it. If the parents were never married, establishing paternity may also be a required first step before support can be ordered.
Generally, the process involves filing with the county child support enforcement office or the court in the county where the child lives, disclosing both parents' income, health insurance, and childcare costs, and letting the guideline formula calculate the support amount. This is not a quick process — it typically involves serving the other parent, financial disclosures, and often a hearing before a judge.
What you can do:
1. Request a consultation with a local family law attorney through this service to clarify whether you're filing new or modifying an existing order.
2. Gather income, custody, and any existing order documentation before filing.
3. Contact the county child support enforcement office to begin the guideline calculation.
4. Confirm whether paternity needs to be established first.
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Courts & Legal Aid in Colorado
- File or look up a case through the Colorado Judicial Branch, which serves the state.
- Get free civil legal help from Colorado Legal Services.
- Use the LSC — Find Legal Aid to find a local legal-aid office by ZIP code.
- Use the LawHelp.org to browse free legal information and self-help resources.
- Use the ABA Lawyer Referral Directory to get matched with a local attorney through your state bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated?
Many states use statutory guidelines that factor in both parents' income, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses to calculate a support obligation.
Do I need to establish paternity before filing for child support?
Generally yes, if the parents were never married, paternity typically must be established before a court can order child support.
Where do I file for child support?
Generally, you can file with the county child support enforcement office or the family court in the county where the child lives.
