Commerce City Spousal Maintenance Lawyer
Commerce City Spousal Maintenance Attorney
Spousal maintenance, or “alimony” as it is commonly referred to, is a mechanism that may play a part in a divorce or legal separation case based on a number of factors. To put it simply, spousal maintenance is a way for a spouse with far higher income and earning potential to maintain the quality of life that their ex is accustomed to. In short, if a divorce would cause one spouse to lose access to things and privileges that they enjoyed as a result of their marriage or relationship, then they may have recourse to have that lifestyle maintained after the marriage or long-term relationship dissolves.
If you are either considering divorce or are in the middle of a divorce and wish to learn more about spousal maintenance, reach out to the team at Johnson Law Group. We proudly serve clients throughout Commerce City, CO, and the surrounding areas, offering professional, empathetic, and strategic counsel that helps protect each client’s rights and best interests through this difficult process. Our goal is to help you navigate your case and achieve a positive outcome, and we work hard to offer first-class service that reaches this high standard.
Overboard: How to Avoid Sinking in Your Colorado Family Law Case
Written by Denver Family Law Attorney Myles S. Johnson
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.
Modifying Spousal Maintenance Orders
Under Section §14-10-122 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, spousal maintenance orders can be modified if there is a significant and continuing change in circumstances that makes the original agreement unfair or impractical. Either party may petition the court and provide sufficient evidence that such a change has become necessary, provided that the initial maintenance order was not a non-modifiable one.
This process typically involves filing a formal request with the court, along with documentation demonstrating the substantial change such as altered financial conditions, health concerns, or employment status. The court will then review the evidence and determine whether a modification is appropriate based on the best interests and fairness for both parties.
Here are a few common reasons to need to modify an alimony award:
- A substantial decrease in the paying spouse’s income due to job loss, demotion, or other financial hardships.
- The receiving spouse remarrying and forming a new financial relationship with another person.
- The receiving spouse’s improved financial independence, such as securing higher-paying employment or receiving a significant inheritance.
- Significant changes in health conditions that impact either party’s ability to earn income or financially support themselves.
- Changes in family responsibilities, such as the paying spouse having to support children from a new relationship or marriage.
Individualized Attention
Just as each family is unique, so is each family legal matter. We always take the time to completely understand your situation so that we can tailor our advice and strategy accordingly.
Highly Recommended
Our 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.
Supportive Counsel
We 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.
Individualized Attention
Highly Recommended
Supportive Counsel
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.
Myles S. Johnson
MEMBER
Genet T. Johnson
MEMBER
Shannon M. O'Keefe
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER, MEMBER
Taylor K. Brice
MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER
Jessica Lasky
DOAD, MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER
Anne E. Hinds
MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER
Myron L. Latney Jr.
MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Maintenance Enforcement
When a paying spouse fails to meet their alimony requirements, the receiving spouse may be able to take legal action to compel compliance. Courts may intervene by implementing measures such as wage garnishment, seizing tax refunds, placing liens on property, or even holding the non-compliant party in contempt of court, which could result in fines or jail time. These enforcement actions are designed to encourage the paying spouse to fulfill their obligations as ordered. However, petitioning the court for enforcement typically requires valid reasons supported by evidence.
Legally acceptable reasons to petition the court for an enforcement action include:
- Persistent non-payment or late payment of court-ordered alimony
- A clear refusal by the obligated spouse to pay without justifiable cause
- Patterns of partial payments that do not meet the agreed-upon amount
- An intentional attempt to hide income or assets to avoid payments
If you suspect that your ex may be withholding payments, their payments are frequently late, or they are creating undue hardship through erratic or inconsistent payments, speak to an attorney about your options as soon as possible. You should take care to document all payments you receive as well as any communication with your ex that you may have, whether it is about the matter or not. Courts often will not take action without clear, substantial, and irrefutable evidence of payment misconduct, as doing so will often lead to significant consequences for the paying spouse.
To learn more about your rights pertaining to an alimony matter, be it enforcement, eligibility, or anything else, contact Johnson Law Group today with our online form to review your case with our team.