Boulder Alimony Attorney

Helping Clients Understand Colorado Alimony & Maintenance Requirements

When two spouses divorce, one of the most sensitive and contentious issues to arise is the matter of maintenance or alimony. Also known as spousal support, alimony is when one spouse provides financial support for the other. There are many factors involved in determining who will pay alimony and how much will be required.

In the state of Colorado, the amount and duration of spousal support are calculated by a statutory formula. This formula serves as a guideline and can be altered based on your given circumstances. The Court may deviate from the statutory formula if it determines that a different approach is required.

When determining who will pay alimony, and for how long, the Court may consider the following and more:

• The financial needs and/or resources of each spouse
• The ability of a spouse to pay the other spouse seeking alimony
• The total length of the marriage
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The projected future earning capacity of the spouse seeking alimony
• The ability of a spouse to meet both his/her needs and the needs of the other spouse
• The age and/or physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking alimony

Colorado’s statutory formula for determining spousal maintenance is relatively new and, as such, its interpretation is not yet well-defined. It’s important that you seek the assistance of a skilled alimony attorney in Boulder who can help you understand your legal options and make necessary adjustments to a maintenance agreement should they be required in the future.

Whether you're seeking fair spousal support or need to modify an existing order, our experienced Boulder alimony attorney is here to help. Schedule your consultation now by calling (720) 999-9506 or contacting us online!

Types of Spousal Support in Colorado

Colorado law recognizes several types of alimony, each serving a distinct purpose. 

• Temporary spousal maintenance is awarded while a divorce is pending, ensuring that a lower-earning spouse has financial support until a final determination is made. This type of support is calculated based on statutory guidelines that take both spouses’ incomes into account.
• Rehabilitative maintenance is the most common form of alimony, designed to help a spouse gain financial independence. This support is often granted for a specific period, allowing time for education, job training, or career development. In contrast, reimbursement maintenance is awarded when one spouse supported the other’s education or career advancement, providing compensation for those financial sacrifices.
• Permanent maintenance may be granted in rare cases, typically in long-term marriages where one spouse has little to no earning potential due to age, disability, or other significant factors. A Boulder alimony attorney evaluates each case to determine which type of maintenance may apply and advocates accordingly.

Calculating Spousal Maintenance in Colorado

Colorado uses a formulaic approach to determine temporary spousal support, but for long-term maintenance, courts exercise discretion. The statutory formula suggests that a lower-earning spouse may receive 40% of the higher-earning spouse’s income, minus 50% of the recipient’s income. However, courts may deviate from this calculation based on individual circumstances.

Several financial factors influence the final amount, including both parties' incomes, debts, and assets. If there is a significant discrepancy in earning power or one spouse has health concerns that limit their ability to work, the court may adjust the alimony award accordingly. A Boulder alimony lawyer helps clients present strong financial evidence to ensure a fair calculation of maintenance.

Modification and Termination of Alimony

Spousal support is not always permanent and can be modified or terminated under certain conditions. If either party experiences a substantial change in financial circumstances, such as job loss, significant medical expenses, or remarriage, they may petition the court for a modification. The burden of proof falls on the party requesting the change, requiring clear evidence of altered financial conditions.

Alimony automatically terminates upon the death of either spouse or if the recipient remarries. Cohabitation with a new partner may also lead to termination, depending on the financial interdependence of the relationship. A Boulder alimony attorney assists clients in seeking modifications when justified and defending against unwarranted changes.

Benefits of Hiring a Local Alimony Attorney in Boulder

Choosing a local attorney such as Barre M. Sakol, P.C. can make a significant difference in the outcome of your alimony negotiations. Our firm operates with an in-depth understanding of the local legal landscape, knowledge acquired from years of practical experience in Boulder County. This provides our clients with a strategic advantage, ensuring that our legal strategies are effectively tailored to local precedents and judicial expectations.

Local representation guarantees a level of accessibility and familiarity that out-of-town attorneys may not be able to provide. Our presence in Boulder means we can handle your needs promptly, offering face-to-face meetings and support that is just a call away. Moreover, our reputation for ethical practice and our commitment to client communication assure clients that they have a devoted advocate in their corner, navigating them through the complexities of spousal support negotiations with compassion and diligence.

Contact Our Maintenance & Alimony Lawyer in Boulder Today

When you need a skilled maintenance and alimony attorney in Boulder, turn to Barre M. Sakol, P.C. With more than 40 years of legal experience, Barre understands the complex family laws that govern spousal support. He is able to look at both spouse’s income, work history, earning capacity, health, and other relevant factors such as child support payments in order to determine a fair and reasonable alimony arrangement. Our firm will work with you to understand all of the issues involved before determining whether maintenance should be a part of your divorce settlement.

In addition to understanding the specifics of Colorado alimony law, Barre M. Sakol, P.C. provides personalized service that addresses the nuances of each case. We strive to make the process as seamless as possible for our clients, emphasizing clear communication every step of the way. By taking a comprehensive approach to each unique situation, we ensure that our clients are well informed and equipped to make sound decisions regarding their financial futures post-divorce.

Contact our office today at (720) 999-9506 to learn more about how Barre M. Sakol, P.C. can help you pursue spousal maintenance. We proudly offer free initial consultations!