Colorado Parenting Time Calculator

Colorado parenting time is calculated by counting the number of overnight stays each parent has with the child per year and dividing by 365 to get a percentage. Under C.R.S. § 14-10-115, this percentage directly impacts child support calculations. For example, 182 overnights equals approximately 50% parenting time, while 73 overnights equals 20%. The official Colorado Courts parenting time guide provides detailed scheduling worksheets.

As of March 1, 2026, Colorado eliminated the previous 93-overnight threshold for shared custody child support credit under House Bill 25-1159. Now, every single overnight counts toward reducing child support obligations from the first overnight forward. Previously, parents needed more than 92 overnights annually (approximately 25%) to qualify for any shared custody credit—this cliff no longer exists in Colorado's child support formula.

A 2-2-3 schedule in Colorado means one parent has the child Monday and Tuesday nights, the other parent has Wednesday and Thursday nights, and parents alternate the Friday-Saturday-Sunday weekend block. This creates a true 50/50 parenting time split with 182.5 overnights per parent annually. The schedule works well for young children who benefit from frequent contact with both parents but requires parents to live in close proximity due to multiple weekly exchanges.

Under Colorado's 2026 child support guidelines (C.R.S. § 14-10-115), parenting time directly reduces child support obligations through a non-linear credit system. A parent with 25% of overnights receives approximately a 13% credit, while 50% overnights yields a full 50% credit. The combined monthly gross income cap increased to $40,000, and the self-support reserve is $1,831.83 for 2026. Parents with income below $650 monthly pay a flat $10 child support.

Yes, under C.R.S. § 14-10-129, Colorado courts can modify parenting time when it serves the child's best interests. For substantial modifications that change the majority residence, you must prove a change in circumstances based on facts arising after the original order. Relocation cases receive priority on the court docket. The parent intending to relocate must provide written notice including the new location, reason for moving, and proposed revised parenting schedule.

Colorado courts typically order frequent, shorter visits for infants and toddlers rather than extended overnights, often starting with a 90/10 time division. For children 0-12 months, visits should be short and frequent to maintain attachment while avoiding long separations. Step-up parenting plans gradually increase overnights as children age—by preschool age (3-5 years), overnight and weekend stays become appropriate. Courts may require parenting classes for non-primary parents unfamiliar with infant care.

Colorado law under C.R.S. § 14-10-124 requires parenting plans to include a practical holiday and vacation schedule, but does not mandate specific divisions. Common approaches include alternating major holidays annually, splitting the day between parents, or assigning specific holidays to each parent based on family traditions. If parents violate holiday parenting time, C.R.S. § 14-10-129.5 requires make-up time within six months, and holiday time must be replaced with equivalent holiday time.

First right of refusal in Colorado, established by Senate Bill 13-073, requires a parent to offer childcare to the other parent before using a third-party babysitter during their scheduled parenting time. Parenting plans should specify notice requirements (phone, text, email), response timeframes, transportation responsibilities, and exceptions such as emergencies or grandparent visits. Note that Colorado courts have limited these clauses following the DePalma case, which upheld a parent's right to choose care arrangements during their parenting time.