Denver Spousal Support Attorneys

Finances are often one of the biggest concerns that arise during a divorce or separation. For many women, especially those who may have set aside their careers to support their family or spouse, finding financial stability while transitioning out of a marriage partnership is paramount. In Colorado, spousal support, or “maintenance,” is designed to address this concern, helping a lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living while they work toward self-sufficiency.

At the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, we believe that understanding your rights regarding spousal maintenance is a critical step in securing your financial future. Our firm is dedicated to empowering women through this process, providing clear guidance and strong advocacy to help you achieve a fair outcome.

What Is Spousal Maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is a form of support paid by one spouse to the other after divorce or legal separation. The primary goal is not to punish the higher-earning spouse, but to provide a safety net for the recipient. It acknowledges the economic realities of a marriage, including the non-financial contributions made by one partner, and aims to mitigate the financial disruption caused by divorce. Maintenance can be temporary (ordered until the final divorce judgment) or permanent (ordered as part of the divorce decree).

In Colorado, an award of maintenance is not automatic. A court will only grant it after finding that the spouse seeking support requires it to reasonably meet their needs.

Determining Spousal Maintenance in Colorado

While every case is unique, Colorado courts follow a structured process to determine if maintenance is appropriate and, if so, for how much and how long. The law provides advisory guidelines for marriages lasting three years or more. The duration of payments is usually based on a sliding scale tied to the length of the marriage.

It is crucial to understand that these are advisory guidelines, not mandatory rules. A judge retains full discretion and must consider numerous factors before making a final decision, including:

• The financial resources and needs of both spouses.
• The lifestyle established during the marriage.
• The distribution of marital property.
• The income, employment, and employability of each party.
• The duration of the marriage.
• Significant economic and non-economic contributions to the marriage and marital estate.
• The age and health of each spouse.

For marriages lasting over 20 years, the court has the authority to award maintenance for an indefinite term.

Our Denver Spousal Support Attorneys for Women Can Help Protect Your Financial Stability

The laws surrounding spousal maintenance can seem complicated, and the outcome of your case can have a lasting impact on your financial well-being. You may be worried about your lifestyle becoming unsustainable if you are not granted support, or what will happen if a support order is not followed. An experienced attorney can help you prepare the necessary financial documentation, present a compelling case based on the statutory factors, and ensure the calculations accurately reflect your circumstances. We are committed to protecting your interests and enabling you to move forward with greater security.

Contact us today to book a consultation and learn how the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group can be your advocate during and after your request for spousal support.