Colorado Springs Spousal Maintenance Lawyer
Legal Counsel for Colorado Springs Alimony Determinations
Divorce can be a complex, multifaceted, and emotionally stressful ordeal. If you plan to end your marriage in Colorado Springs, knowing what your divorce case entails is vital beyond ending your marriage contract. One of the most cited points of contention in modern divorce cases is spousal maintenance, also known as alimony. An experienced Colorado Springs spousal maintenance attorney can provide clarity and valuable guidance in handling this and the other economic factors your divorce case will likely entail.
Johnson Law Group offers years of experience with family law to our clients in the Colorado Springs area. We understand that you probably have many questions concerning the financial aspects of your divorce case. It is natural to want to preserve your best interests and financial future when you are bracing for divorce, and our team can provide the legal counsel you need to reach a fair and reasonable spousal maintenance agreement.
Call (720) 744-3513 to schedule a free consultation with a Colorado Springs spousal maintenance lawyer.
Divorce doesn't have to be dramatic. For the litigants, losing your spouse is significant enough. But you can choose the way it affects your daily life. The only guarantee I can give is that the feeling that you have right now will not be the feeling you end with. This is a season in your life, and it must be approached that way.
This acclaimed book positions Johnson Law Group as a thought leader in Colorado family law, providing clients with the same proven strategies that have guided hundreds of families through successful outcomes.
Why Should I Hire a Colorado Springs Spousal Maintenance Lawyer?
Technically, hiring an attorney is not a strict requirement for a divorce in Colorado Springs. It is possible to navigate your case alone and secure a divorce order without the help of a lawyer. However, if you choose this route, you are more likely to end up with an imbalanced divorce order that does not suitably meet your financial needs or expectations.
When there is a significant difference in income between two divorcing spouses, spousal maintenance or alimony is likely to come into play in the couple's divorce proceedings. Your Colorado Springs spousal maintenance lawyer can provide reassurance and ongoing support as your divorce case unfolds. Regarding the spousal maintenance determination aspect of your case, your legal team will be invaluable in confirming all the financial details that demand consideration for this matter. Ultimately, you are not only more likely to secure a more favorable spousal maintenance agreement with an attorney's help, but you are also more likely to obtain a better divorce order with their assistance.
If you are considering whether to work with a lawyer for spousal maintenance in Colorado Springs, review these key reasons for hiring legal counsel:
- Understanding local procedures: Attorneys familiar with El Paso County courts know how to navigate local rules and advocate for you effectively.
- Ensuring accurate financial disclosure: Legal professionals make sure that all relevant income, assets, and liabilities are properly documented for the court.
- Developing customized strategies: An alimony attorney can tailor arguments and negotiation tactics to support your specific needs and goals.
- Reducing stress during proceedings: Having a dedicated legal team on your side relieves much of the pressure and uncertainty common in divorce cases.
How Is Spousal Support Determined in Colorado?
There is a very specific formula for calculating spousal maintenance in a Colorado divorce. First, the court will multiply the combined monthly incomes of the divorcing spouses by 40% and then subtract the lower-earning spouse's income. All divorce judgments entered after January 1, 2019, include tax-free spousal maintenance; the result must then be reduced further by another 20%. The final result is the amount of spousal support the higher-earning spouse must pay each month.
When determining spousal support in Colorado, the court considers several important factors:
- Length of the marriage: Longer marriages may lead to increased maintenance duration or amount.
- Income and earning potential: The court evaluates both spouses' incomes and their potential to earn in the future.
- Health and age of both spouses: Medical conditions or advanced age may affect the amount or duration of spousal support.
- Standard of living during marriage: The intent is to ensure the recipient can maintain a lifestyle as close as possible to what was experienced while married.
- Child custody and support: The presence of minor children and any child support awards are factored into the calculation.
Understanding Modifications to Spousal Support Orders in Colorado Springs
After a divorce, circumstances for either party can change over time, sometimes making the original spousal support terms no longer fair or manageable. Situations such as job loss, significant changes in income, disability, or changes in the recipient’s living arrangements may prompt one party to request a modification of the court’s maintenance order. Modifications are common and are handled through a legal process governed by Colorado law, ensuring any changes to support obligations are considered carefully and based on clear evidence.
Factors the court may consider when reviewing modification requests include:
- Substantial change in income for either party, such as a job loss or a new promotion
- Significant medical issues that impact a party’s earning capacity or financial needs
- Remarriage or cohabitation by the support recipient, which may change eligibility for support
- Changes in expenses such as the cost of raising children or housing costs
Get Experienced Legal Guidance in Colorado Springs
Johnson Law Group has years of experience providing comprehensive legal counsel to our Colorado Springs-area clients in divorce. We understand that no two divorce cases are alike, and you probably have lots of questions specific to your unique situation. Our team regularly addresses common questions from prospective clients regarding spousal support in Colorado divorce to enhance understanding of the state laws pertaining to spousal maintenance.
Those considering divorce in Colorado often wonder how they can best protect their financial stability, especially where spousal support and alimony laws are concerned. By working with a seasoned spousal support attorney Colorado Springs residents trust, you gain a legal ally who can explain the nuances of state spousal maintenance formulas and advocate for your interests before the court. Our team is familiar with every step of the process, from preliminary negotiations to court hearings at the El Paso County courthouse.
Do not wait—schedule a free consultation with a Colorado Springs spousal maintenance lawyer by contacting us online or calling (720) 744-3513.
-
Atención Personalizada
Cada familia es única, y también lo es cada asunto de derecho de familia. Siempre nos tomamos el tiempo necesario para comprender completamente su situación y adaptar nuestro asesoramiento y estrategia como corresponde.
-
Supportive Counsel
-
Highly Recommended
-
Individualized Attention
-
Supportive CounselWe never lose sight of the fact that divorce and other household conflicts can feel overwhelming. Our family lawyers will answer all of your questions to ease your burden in this difficult time.
-
Highly RecommendedOur clients often take the time to write and thank us, not only for the results we have earned for them but also for the respect we’ve shown them.
Our Attorneys Meet Your Legal Team
At Johnson Law Group, our team of skilled and understanding legal professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient legal services for all clients.
-
From the initial phone call I spoke to Myles Johnson, he gave great direction on how to proceed. Then acquiring the firm as my legal representation I worked with Said and he helped me step by step to get what I was looking for. I have already recommended two different individuals I know to Johnson Law Group and will be using them for all future situations. From the legal team to Cory at the front desk, everyone at the firm is top-notch.- Brady M.
-
I appreciate all the help my attorney and paralegal has done for me in the best interest of my daughters future. They’re all most knowledgeable, caring law group! I couldn’t have done it without their genuine support on representing my case(s). I’m grateful for all they have done for my daughter and I.- Bonnita
-
Myles is very professional and well informed in his field. Cassidy their paralegal was also extremely helpful and client driven . 5 stars!- Stevie
-
Very professional, and caring. Everything was handled well, they listened to all my concerns, and responded in a timely manner. I would highly recommend using Johnson Law Group, they are amazing!- Sonja
-
He was responsive, efficient, and coordinated well with my wife’s attorney. Very happy with the final result.- Nick
frequently asked questions Spousal Maintenance in Colorado Springs
-
How Long Do I Have to Pay Spousal Support in Colorado?In Colorado, spousal maintenance is a factor in divorces, where the marriage lasts at least 36 months. Generally, the duration of maintenance is related to the length of the marriage. For marriages of 12.5 years or longer, the court may order maintenance for up to half the length of the marriage. Maintenance may be ordered indefinitely for very long-term marriages, typically 20 years or more.
-
What is "Reasonable" Spousal Maintenance?Spousal maintenance is intended to help the recipient maintain a standard of living similar to the one enjoyed during the marriage and provide support while they work towards self-sufficiency. "Reasonable" maintenance depends on several factors, including the income disparity between the parties, the property division, and the recipient's ability to become self-supporting.
-
How Can I Avoid Paying for Spousal Support?The most effective way to avoid paying spousal support is through a prenuptial agreement. However, this requires planning and agreement from both parties before the marriage. You may be subject to a court-ordered maintenance obligation if you do not have a prenuptial agreement. In some cases, negotiating a larger share of marital property instead of maintenance may be possible, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis.
-
Can Anything Terminate a Spousal Support Obligation?Many maintenance agreements include clauses specifying events that will terminate the obligation. These "terminating actions" might include the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation. It is crucial to carefully review your agreement to understand the specific terminating actions that apply to your situation.
