What Is Alimony?
Alimony, or spousal maintenance, is a court-ordered payment that is made from one former spouse to another. The purpose of alimony is to provide financial support to a former spouse who is unable to support themselves after a divorce. Alimony is typically awarded in cases where one spouse earns significantly more than the other.Who Is Eligible for Alimony?
To be eligible for alimony, a spouse must demonstrate that they are unable to support themselves financially after the divorce. This can be done by providing evidence of their income, assets, and expenses. Additionally, the spouse must show that they are unable to become self-sufficient without the help of alimony.How Is Alimony Determined?
In the state of Colorado, the court will consider a variety of factors when determining whether alimony should be awarded and how much should be paid. These factors include:- The length of the marriage
- The age and health of both spouses
- The income and earning capacity of both spouses
- The ability of the paying spouse to support themselves and the receiving spouse
- The lifestyle of the couple during the marriage
- The contributions of each spouse to the marriage
- Any other factors the court finds relevant
How Long Does Alimony Last?
The length of alimony payments depends on the circumstances of the marriage. Generally, alimony will last for a set period of time or until the receiving spouse is able to become self-sufficient. In some cases, alimony may be permanent.Can Alimony Be Modified?
Yes, alimony can be modified. If either spouse experiences a significant change in their financial circumstances, they can petition the court to modify the alimony agreement. In Colorado, the court will consider the same factors as when the alimony was originally determined when deciding whether to modify the agreement.When Does Alimony End?
Alimony will end when the court-ordered period of time has expired or when the receiving spouse is able to become self-sufficient. Additionally, alimony will end if either spouse passes away or if the receiving spouse remarries.Get Professional Help with Alimony in Denver
Navigating the process of alimony can be complicated and it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney to guide you through. At Denver Family Lawyers, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and obligations regarding alimony. We will work with you to ensure that your alimony agreement is fair and reasonable.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your alimony case.