Step 1 - Can you File?

You must wait at least two years before the next change in custody orders, unless:

1. The child's health or emotional development in danger, or
2. The child's main residence is changing.

Step 2 - Paperwork.

Other parent doesn't agree to change:

1. JDF 1406 - Motion to Modify Parenting Time.

Both parents agree to change:

1. JDF 1423 - Stipulation re Parenting Time Modification

All Requests:

1. JDF 1424 - Order (just to the case caption).
2. JDF 1113 - Parenting Plan.

Step 3 - File the Paperwork

1. File with the same court that gave you the original order.
2. You can file online at www.jbits.courts.state.co.us/efiling/web/login.htm
3. Pay or waive the filing fee.

Step 4 - Send a Copy

Note - Skip this step if both parents signed the Stipulation.

1. Mail a copy of the paperwork you filed to the other parent.

Step 5 - Court's Response

1. Watch your in/mail box for what to do next. 
2. The Court may require a hearing or mediation.

Step 1 - Can you File?

You must wait at least two years before the next change in custody orders, unless:

1. The child's health or emotional development in danger, or
2. The child's main residence is changing.

Step 2 - Paperwork.

Fill out these forms:

1. JDF 1415 - Motion to Change Decision Making.
2. JDF 1417 - Order (just to the case caption).
3. JDF 1113 - Parenting Plan (if needed).

Step 3 - File the Paperwork

1. File with the same court that gave you the original order.
2. You can file online at www.jbits.courts.state.co.us/efiling/web/login.htm
3. Pay or waive the filing fee.

Step 4 - Send a Copy

Note - Skip this step if both parents signed the Motion.

1. Mail a copy of the paperwork you filed to the other parent.

Step 5 - Court's Response

1. Watch your in/mail box for what to do next. 
2. The Court may require a hearing or mediation.

STEP 1- Determine whether you can change the child support order.

* You can change an existing child support order if a substantial and continuing change in your or the other parent's circumstances has occurred since the court signed the original order. For example, you or the other parent might be making a lot more, or a lot less, money now than you were in the past.

* A substantial change is a change that will cause the amount of child support, calculated based on your or the other parent's new circumstances, to go up or down by at least 10%. Refer to the child support calculator to help you estimate whether your change is substantial.

* A continuing change is a change in circumstances that is more than just temporary.

* You can also change a child support order if the original order does not address medical or dental support for the child or children.

STEP 2- Determine whether you and the other parent agree on the changes you want the court to make to the order.

* If you and the other parent agree on the changes, you should ask the court for the change using a Stipulation (agreement). Follow the steps below in Step 2A to fill out JDF 1404 Stipulation Regarding Child Support Modification.

STEP 2A- Fill out JDF 1404 Stipulation Regarding Child Support Modification and JDF 1405 Order re: Modification of Child Support.

* Note: Make sure you and the other parent agree about all of the changes to the existing order. If the two of you disagree about even one word in the request, you should file a Motion rather than a Stipulation.

* Download and complete Form JDF 1404 Stipulation Regarding Child Support Modification. For detailed instructions on how to complete this form, reviewthe instructions (JDF 1403I) and process map (JDF 1403M).

Here are some tips that should help you complete the form:

(a) You will use the case number from your original case where child support was ordered.

(b) You and the other parent will have the same identities to the court as you did in the original case. For example, if you were the Petitioner in the original case, you will be the Petitioner for the Stipulation.

(c) Both you and the other parent must sign and fill out the "verification" section on the the completed JDF 1404 Stipulation Regarding Child Support Modification. 

* Download JDF 1405 Order re: Modification of Child Support and complete the top ("caption") portion of the form.

* If you and the other parent do not agree on the changes, you should ask the court to change the order by using a Motion. Follow the steps below in Step 2B to fill out the Motion form, JDF 1403 Motion to Modify Child Support.

STEP 2B- Fill out your Motion form, JDF 1403 Motion to Modify Child Support and create a new Order using JDF 1405 Order re: Modification of Child Support.

* Download and complete Form JDF 1403 Motion to Modify Child Support. For detailed instructions on how to complete this form, review the instructions (JDF 1403I) and process map (JDF 1403M).

Here are some tips that should help you complete the form:

(a) Use the case number from your original case where child support was ordered.

(b) You and the other parent will have the same identities to the court as you did in the original case. For example, if you were the Petitioner in the original case, you will be the Petitioner for the Motion.

(c) You must sign and date the completed JDF 1403. The other parent does not need to sign this form.

* Download JDF 1405 Order re: Modification of Child Support and complete the top (caption) of the form to create a new Order for the court to sign.

* Mail or hand-deliver a copy of your completed JDF 1403 Motion to Modify Child Support, to the other parent. You do not need to mail or hand-deliver a copy of JDF 1405 Order re: Modification of Child Support.

* Fill out the Certificate of Service part of the form before filing the form with the court.

STEP 3- File your completed forms with the court.

* You will file your completed forms with the same court that gave you the original child support order.

* The court will ask you to pay a filing fee. If you do not think you can afford the filing fee, go to the instructions and fill out form JDF 205 Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit and JDF 206 Finding and Order Concerning Payment of Fees to request a waiver of the filing fee.

* Note: You must file the original paper versions of your completed forms by giving them to the court in person or by mailing them to the court.

STEP 4- Wait for the court's response to your Motion or Stipulation.  You may be required to attend mediation and/or a hearing may be held.

STEP 1- Determine if you can end the child support order.

* Child support may end when your last or only child becomes emancipated.  Emancipation happens if:

1. A child turns 19 years old and he/she is not still in high school or an equivalent program; or

2. The court decides that a child is emancipated; or

3. A child gets married or enters into a civil union; or

4. A child enters into active military duty.

* If you and the other parent have a written agreement saying that child support keeps going after the child turns 19 years old, then you will follow that agreement as to when child support will end.

* If your child is mentally or physically disabled, child support may be ordered to be continued even after you child turns 19 years old.

* If your child is still in high school or an equivalent program when he/she turns 19 years old, child support will keep going until the end of the month after graduation.

* If your child stops going to high school, but later goes back, he/she keeps getting child support until the end of the month after graduation.  However, child support will usually not go beyond the age of 21 unless there are special circumstances.

STEP 2- Decide whether you and the other parent will file the paperwork together or whether you will file the paperwork on your own.

* If you and the other parent decide to file your paperwork together, follow the steps below in Step 2A to file a Motion.

STEP 2A- Fill out JDF 1408 Motion to Terminate Child Support and JDF 1409 Order to Terminate Child Support.

* Download and complete JDF 1408 Motion to Terminate Child Support. For detailed instructions on how to complete this form, review JDF 1426 Instructions to File a Motion to Terminate Child Support.

Here are some tips that should help you complete the form:

(a) Use the case number from your original case where child support was ordered.

(b) You and the other parent will have the same identities to the court as you did in the original case. For example, if you were the Petitioner in the original case, you will be the Petitioner for this Motion.

(c) You and the other parent will both sign JDF 1408 Motion to Terminate Child Support

(d) If the Department of Human Services is involved in your case, you must mail or hand-deliver a copy of your Motion to them.  Fill out the Certificate of Service part of the JDF 1408 Motion to Terminate Child Support before filing your Motion with the court, indicating that you sent the Department of Human Services a copy.

* Download JDF 1409 Order to Terminate Child Support and complete only the top (caption) part of the form to create a new Order for the court to sign.

* If you decide to file the paperwork on your own, follow the steps below in Step 2B to file a Motion.

STEP 2B- Fill out JDF 1408 Motion to Terminate Child Support and JDF 1409 Order to Terminate Child Support.

* Download and complete Form JDF 1408 Motion to Terminate Child Support. For detailed instructions on how to complete this form, review JDF 1426 Instructions to File a Motion to Terminate Child Support.

Here are some tips that should help you complete the form:

(a) Use the case number from your original case where child support was ordered.

(b) You and the other parent will have the same identities to the court as you did in the original case. For example, if you were the Petitioner in the original case, you will be the Petitioner for this Motion.

(c) You will sign JDF 1408 Motion to Terminate Child Support.  The other parent does not need to sign.

(d) Mail or hand-deliver a copy of JDF 1408 Motion to Terminate Child Support to the other parent, and to the Department of Human Services if they are involved in your case.

(e) After you mail or hand-deliver a copy of JDF 1408 Motion to Terminate Child Support to the other parent (and to the Department of Human Services if they are involved in your case), fill out the Certificate of Service part of the Motion before filing it with the court.

* Download JDF 1409 Order to Terminate Child Support and complete only the top (caption) part of the form to create a new Order for the court to sign.

You may have to complete other paperwork if you have more than one child and you are ending child support on only one of your children.  Additional paperwork may include JDF 1403 Motion to Modify Child Support.  You may also need to determine what the new child support amount is for your other child using the child support calculator.

STEP 3- File your completed forms with the court.

* You will file your completed forms with the same court that gave you the original child support order.

* Pay the filing fee. If you do not think you can afford the filing fee, go to the instructions and fill out form JDF 205 Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit and JDF 206 Finding and Order Concerning Payment of Fees to request a waiver of the filing fee.

* Note: You must file the original paper versions of your completed forms by giving them to the court in person or by mailing them to the court.

STEP 4- Wait for the court's response to your Motion.  You may be required to attend mediation and/or a hearing may be held.

STEP 1- Determine whether you can change or end the maintenance order.

* The court may change maintenance if circumstances have changed so that the current maintenance arrangement no longer makes sense and is unfair. The court will make this decision based on the information you provide.  If you need to calculate maintenance, you can use the Colorado Child Support Calculator by deleting all children and, in the "Deductions Including Maintenance" section, checking the box to calculate maintenance based on the statute. 

* Maintenance can end in one of the following ways:

1. If the other person dies.

2. The time period that you both agreed maintenance would be paid ends.

3. If the person receiving maintenance gets re-married.

4. If the court orders that maintenance ends.

STEP 2- Determine whether you and your former spouse/partner agree on the changes you want the court to make to the order.

* If you and your former spouse/partner agree on the changes, you should ask the court for the change using a Stipulation (agreement). Follow the steps below in Step 2A to fill out and file a JDF 1401 Motion/Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance form as a Stipulation.

STEP 2A- Fill out JDF 1401 Motion/Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance and JDF 1402 Order to Modify or Terminate Maintenance.

* Note: Make sure you and your former spouse/partner agree about all of the changes to the existing order. If the two of you disagree about even one word in the request, complete the form as a Motion instead of a Stipulation.

* Download and complete Form JDF 1401 Motion/Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance.  For detailed instructions on how to complete this form, review JDF 1399 Instructions to File a Motion or Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance.

Here are some tips that should help you complete the form:

(a) Use the case number from your original divorce, legal separation or dissolution of civil union case as the case number for your Stipulation.

(b) You and your former spouse/partner will have the same identities to the court as you did in the original case. For example, if you were the Petitioner in the original case, you will be the Petitioner for the Stipulation.

(c) Check the box next to the word Stipulation on the top part of the form.

(d) Both you and your former spouse/partner must sign and date the completed JDF 1401 Motion/Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance.

(e) Do not complete the Certificate of Service part of the JDF 1401 Motion/Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance.

* Download JDF 1402 and complete the top (caption") portion of the form to create a new Order for the court to sign.

* If you and your former spouse/partner do not agree on the changes, you should ask the court to change the order by using a Motion. Follow the steps below in Step 2B to fill out and file JDF 1401 Motion/Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance form as a Motion.

STEP 2B- Fill out JDF 1401 Motion/Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance and JDF 1402 Order to Modify or Terminate Maintenance.

* Download and complete Form JDF 1401 Motion/Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance.  For detailed instructions on how to complete this form, review JDF 1399 Instructions to File a Motion or Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance.

Here are some tips that should help you complete the form:

(a) Use the case number from your original divorce, legal separation or dissolution of civil union case as the case number for your Motion.

(b) You and your former spouse/partner will have the same identities to the court as you did in the original case. For example, if you were the Petitioner in the original case, you will be the Petitione" for the Motion.

(c) Check the box next to the word Motion on the top part of the form.

(d) Sign and date the completed JDF 1401 Motion/Stipulation to Modify or Terminate Maintenance. Your former spouse/partner does not need to sign this form.

* Download JDF 1402 Order to Modify or Terminate Maintenance and complete the top (caption) of the form to create a new Order for the court to sign.

* Mail or hand-deliver a copy of your completed Motion to your former spouse/partner.

* After you mail or hand-deliver the form to your former spouse/partner, fill out the Certificate of Service part of JDF 1401 Motion to Modify or Terminate Maintenance before filing the form with the court.

STEP 3- File your completed forms with the court.

* You will file your completed forms with the same court that gave you the original maintenance order.

* Pay the filing fee. If you do not think you can afford the filing fee, go to the instructions and fill out form JDF 205 Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit and JDF 206 Finding and Order Concerning Payment of Fees to request a waiver of the filing fee.

* Note: You must file the original paper versions of your completed forms by giving them to the court in person or by mailing them to the court.

STEP 4- Wait for the court's response to your Motion or Stipulation.  You may be required to attend mediation and/or a hearing may be held.

STEP 1 - Read the paperwork.

* Decide whether or not you agree with the information in the paperwork.

STEP 2 - Identify where you should file your paperwork to answer.

* The location and contact information of the court where the original case was filed is on the top of the paperwork you received.

* Give your paperwork to the same court that is listed on the paperwork you received.

STEP 3 - Fill out the Response form

* Download and complete Form JDF 1315 Response.

* You and your former spouse/partner or the other parent will have the same identities as you did in the original case. For example, if you were the Petitioner in the original case, you will be the Petitioner when you file your response form.

* The case number is on the top of the paperwork you received. Use that same number on your response form.

* You will need to mail or hand-deliver a copy of JDF 1315 Response to your former spouse/partner or the other parent. After you mail or hand-deliver the Response to your former spouse/partner or the other parent, complete the Certificate of Service part of the form before filing the form with the court.

STEP 4 - File your Response form with the court

* Take your completed JDF 1315 Response to the clerk at the courthouse.

* The court will ask you to pay a filing fee. If you do not think you can afford the filing fee, go to the instructions and fill out form JDF 205 Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit and JDF 206 Finding and Order Concerning Payment of Fees to request a waiver of the filing fee.