Denver Alimony Lawyer
Navigating Alimony Post-Divorce
Alimony, also known as spousal maintenance or spousal support, is money that one spouse may have to pay for the support of the other after a divorce. Each state has its own laws regarding spousal support, and alimony disputes can become extremely complicated. It is important to have a skilled Denver spousal support attorney who can represent your best interests on your behalf. At VanLandingham Law, we help family law clients understand the legal process they face while negotiating alimony.
Denver Spousal Support Attorney
The state of Colorado has set guidelines for determining the amount of alimony that may be awarded. Both the combined gross income and the individual income of each spouse are considered when calculating support. One common approach is to take 40% of the monthly income of the higher-earning spouse and subtract 50% of the lower earner’s monthly income to estimate a guideline award, although courts have discretion and may deviate when appropriate.
Because support awards are based on so many different factors, it is a good idea to consult with a Denver attorney to see how Colorado’s laws regarding alimony affect your situation. We have your best interests in mind while working tirelessly to protect your rights.
When you meet with us, we can explain how judges in the Denver District Court and surrounding Front Range counties typically apply Colorado’s maintenance guidelines in real cases. We can walk you through how your income, your spouse’s income, and your overall financial picture might influence a potential support range, so you understand what is realistic before you go to court or mediation. Our goal is to give you clear, practical information so you can make informed choices about whether to negotiate, compromise, or ask the court to decide.
If you are seeking a divorce and have questions about spousal support, please call (720) 727-6563 to set up a consultation.
When Does a Spouse Get Alimony in Denver, Colorado?
Spousal support is not awarded based on the fault of one party in the divorce. The court may award spousal support when one spouse requires financial support and the other has the ability to pay. Typically, one party will request support and the court will consider several factors when determining if the request is appropriate.
When awarding spousal support, courts consider several key factors:
- Gross income of each spouse so the court can see how much money is available to meet both parties’ needs
- Financial resources of each spouse including separate assets, marital property received, and other income sources
- Marital property distribution and how the division of assets and debts affects each person’s financial stability
- Reasonable financial needs based on each spouse’s standard of living during the marriage and current expenses
- Length of the marriage because longer marriages often support a longer or larger maintenance award
Courts in Colorado also look at how each spouse contributed to the marriage, such as whether one spouse stayed home with children or supported the other’s career or education. The judge may weigh each person’s age, health, and ability to become self-supporting, including whether additional education or training is needed to re-enter the workforce. By reviewing the full picture, the court aims to reach a support arrangement that is fair under Colorado law rather than simply dividing income in half.
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How Long Do You Have to Be Married to Get Spousal Support?
In Colorado, you generally need to have been married for at least 3 years to be eligible for guideline alimony. This is because Colorado’s spousal maintenance guidelines only outline spousal support for marriages lasting between 3 and 20 years. If you had a short-term marriage, then be sure to ask a Denver spousal support lawyer if you may still be able to get alimony.
Duration of Support
The length of the marriage influences the duration of spousal support. For example, if the marriage lasts between three and 20 years, support is awarded based on the number of months the parties were married. For marriages that lasted more than 20 years, the court may award support at the equivalent of 20 years – or life-long support may be awarded.
In addition to the length of the marriage, the court can adjust how long support lasts based on changes in circumstances, such as when a recipient becomes self-supporting sooner than expected or when the paying spouse’s income significantly changes. Some orders are rehabilitative, lasting only long enough for a spouse to complete school or job training, while others may continue until a specific future event, like retirement. When you work with an alimony lawyer Denver families trust, you can discuss different duration scenarios so you understand how long support might reasonably be in place in your situation.
WHY HIRE VANLANDINGHAM LAW?
Your Family Deserves it
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Attentive, Personalized Legal SolutionsWe work one-on-one with our clients to ensure that we understand their unique needs.
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Extensive Experience in the CourtroomWe bring years of trial experience to the courtroom on behalf of your family's case.
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Compassionate, Family-Oriented AdvocacyOur sole focus is on protecting you and your family though effective legal representation.