The worksheet produces a presumptive amount, but a judge can order more or less, a "deviation", when the guideline number would be unfair or not in the child's best interest, and the court must explain why in writing. Common reasons include very high combined income (above the top of the schedule, now $40,000/month), extraordinary medical or educational needs, high costs of exercising parenting time when parents live far apart, or other special circumstances. A low-income parent is also protected by a "self-support reserve" so support can't push them below a basic subsistence level. If your family has unusual circumstances, deviations are where they get addressed, but you have to raise and document them.

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Location

Colorado

Colorado, USA