Understanding the Latest Child Support Statute Updates | Episode 239

Colorado has implemented the most significant child support statute updates in over a decade. In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, co-host Amy Goscha is joined by associate attorney Kate Mulh for a clear, practical breakdown of House Bill 25-1159 and upcoming guideline changes that will impact parents across the state.

From medical expense reimbursement rules to IRS-driven tax credit requirements, retroactive child support factors, and revised parenting-time calculations, this episode explains what has changed, what’s coming next, and how these updates affect real families navigating divorce, child support orders, and post-decree modifications in Colorado.

Guest Information: Kate Mulh

Kate Mulh is a family law attorney at Kalamaya | Goscha, where she focuses on divorce, child support, parenting time, and post-decree matters. She regularly works with clients on complex child support calculations and statutory updates, helping families navigate changing legal and financial circumstances with clarity.

Episode Outline

Major Overhaul of Colorado’s Child Support Statute

• An overview of House Bill 25-1159, the largest update to Colorado’s child support framework in more than ten years, and why changes were needed to reflect modern families and economic realities.

Medical Expense Updates (Effective May 31, 2025)

• How the statute eliminated the $250 reimbursement threshold, clarified ordinary versus extraordinary medical expenses, and established clearer reimbursement timelines.

Child Support and Tax Credits Under IRS Rules

• What parents need to know about dependency claims, the IRS definition of “custodial parent,” equal parenting time scenarios, and the required use of IRS Form 8332.

Retroactive Child Support Changes (Effective February 1, 2026)

• An explanation of retroactive child support, newly revised statutory factors, and how courts may now evaluate parental conduct, communication, and financial agreements.

New Child Support Guidelines and Overnight Credits (Effective March 1, 2026)

• How updated child support schedules, expanded income ranges, self-support reserve adjustments, and a graduated overnight credit system address the “cliff effect” and better reflect real parenting costs.

What is Divorce at Altitude?

Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado.

To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here. If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [e-mail].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.