Executive Summary
Understanding alimony, also known as spousal maintenance or spousal support, is essential for anyone going through a divorce in Colorado. This guide explains the different types of alimony, the requirements courts use to determine eligibility, and the steps for modifying or negotiating support. It also highlights the risks of handling alimony without legal representation and why working with an experienced Denver or Colorado Springs divorce attorney can help you achieve fair results without unnecessary stress. At Colorado Legal Group, we help clients statewide experience divorce without the drama by providing clear guidance, strong advocacy, and practical legal solutions.
Understanding Alimony in Colorado
When couples decide to divorce in Colorado, one key issue is alimony, also known as spousal maintenance or spousal support. Either spouse may receive alimony depending on several factors. This guide explains the types of alimony available in Colorado, the requirements for spousal maintenance, and how to modify or negotiate alimony with the help of experienced attorneys in Denver and Colorado Springs.
If you want to better understand how alimony works in Colorado and what your options are, this overview will help you make informed decisions about your future.
Types of Alimony in Colorado
Colorado’s alimony laws are governed by the Colorado Revised Statutes, which define the different types of alimony and the rules for each. The two primary forms of alimony include:
- Temporary Alimony:
Provides short-term financial support during divorce proceedings so both spouses can maintain stability while the case is pending. - Permanent Alimony:
Awarded in cases where one spouse cannot become financially independent, often due to age, health, or limited earning capacity. Despite the name, permanent alimony in Colorado can be modified and usually has a defined term.
If you live in Denver or Colorado Springs, it’s important to understand how judges in your area interpret these statutes and how local courts calculate maintenance payments.
Requirements for Spousal Support in Colorado
Alimony is not automatically granted in every divorce. Colorado courts consider multiple factors before making a decision, including:
- Financial Disparity:
A clear difference in income, earning potential, or financial resources between spouses must exist. - Duration of the Marriage:
Longer marriages increase the likelihood of alimony being awarded due to greater financial interdependence. - Contributions to the Marriage:
Both financial and non-financial contributions are considered, including childcare, homemaking, and career support. - Ability to Self-Support:
Courts review whether the requesting spouse can become self-sufficient through work, education, or training. - Age and Health:
Health challenges or advanced age that limit employability can justify longer or higher alimony payments. - Marital Misconduct:
Colorado law excludes fault-based factors such as infidelity. Decisions are based on financial need and ability to pay. - Agreements Between Spouses:
Couples may negotiate their own alimony terms through a settlement agreement, which courts generally uphold.
If your spouse earns significantly more than you, consult a high-asset divorce lawyer in Denver or Colorado Springs who can help protect your financial interests and prevent surprises during negotiations.
How to Modify Alimony in Colorado
Life is unpredictable, and changes can happen even after divorce. Navigating alimony modifications requires understanding the process, starting with understanding whether or not your maintenance is modifiable or contractual. In Colorado, to modify alimony you need to show a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, health issues, or substantial changes in income. Consulting with a legal professional can help you navigate this process smoothly.
How to Modify Alimony in Colorado
Life circumstances can change after a divorce. If your spousal maintenance order is modifiable, you may request a change when there’s a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
- Job loss or change in employment
- Serious health issues
- Significant increase or decrease in income
You’ll need to show proof of these changes to modify your alimony payments. Working with a Colorado Legal Group attorney can help ensure your modification request is properly handled and that your financial rights are protected.
Duration of Alimony Payments
The length of alimony payments in Colorado depends on several factors, including:
- Length of the marriage
- Financial dependence between spouses
- Age, health, and earning potential of both parties
- Retirement or other life changes
In general, longer marriages may result in longer alimony durations, while shorter marriages often lead to temporary support only.
If you’re curious about what your maintenance payments might look like, you can use Colorado’s official maintenance calculator to estimate potential payments.
Risks of Negotiating Alimony Without an Attorney
While hiring a lawyer is an investment, going without one can cost you far more in the long run. Negotiating alimony on your own during a contested divorce can lead to costly mistakes such as:
- Receiving too little support or losing eligibility entirely.
- Being ordered to pay excessive alimony over an extended period.
- Missing court deadlines or filing paperwork incorrectly.
When you’re already balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities, managing your own case can feel overwhelming. That’s why Colorado Legal Group’s attorneys handle these details for clients across Denver, Colorado Springs, and throughout the state — helping families achieve divorce without the drama.
Hiring an Alimony Attorney in Colorado
At Colorado Legal Group, we believe that every client deserves clarity and control during the divorce process. Our attorneys focus on educating clients, explaining every step of their alimony case, and taking stress off their shoulders.
Whether you’re seeking alimony, defending against unreasonable demands, or requesting a modification, we can help you understand your rights under Colorado law.
If you have questions about your specific case, submit a free case evaluation or call 720.594.7360 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys in Denver or Colorado Springs.