Alimony, otherwise referred to as spousal support, is the court-ordered mandate that a husband or wife must pay to the ex-spouse after a divorce or separation. The purpose behind alimony is to offer financial support to the spouse that makes less income, or none at all.
What Qualifies Alimony?
Alimony is the legal mandate when one spouse pays the other spouse, either current or former. These alimony payments are also referred to as maintenance or spousal payments. In many cases, the agreement is made during the divorce or separation judgment.
How Long Does Alimony Last?
Since 2013, Colorado has been following a new alimony law, otherwise known as “Spousal Maintenance.” The new reform added a standardized guide that the courts use to make judgments. Each schedule determines how long the payments continue unless the spouse is ordered to pay permanent alimony. In such cases, the support continues to the lesser-earning ex-spouse until one of the parties dies or the recipient gets remarried.
Does A Cheating Spouse Get Alimony?
In Colorado, courts do not punish someone for being unfaithful. Alimony cannot be ordered as a punishment; however, the courts might consider a decreased need for support when infidelity comes into play.
Do You Lose Alimony If You Remarry?
Yes. All future alimony obligations are null and void once the supported spouse gets remarried. If the spouse making payments continues without knowing about the new marriage, it’s possible to ask the court for immediate termination plus reimbursement. If a person is responsible for two ex-spouses, the rules might be different. It’s best to speak with a lawyer about your circumstances.
Alimony in Colorado?
Most alimony cases are clear cut in Colorado. The court uses a system to determine what is owed and for how long.
How Much Will I Pay for Alimony?
With our alimony calculator, you can determine an estimate of what your payments will be. In most cases, it is forty-percent of the higher-earning spouse’s income minus fifty percent of the lower-earning spouse’s income.
Alimony Does Not Apply If…
A Couples Income Exceeds $240,000
If the income between you and your spouse exceeds $240,000, you will not follow the standard alimony guidelines.
The Marriage Was Less Than Three Years
When a marriage lasts for less than three years, it’s possible that no alimony will be ordered. On the other hand, if you have been married for over twenty years, you might have to pay permanent alimony. This spousal support continues until one of you dies or your spouse gets remarried.
What Alimony Does Not Include:
- Child Support
- Community Property Income
- Temporary Support Order Payments
Tip: if you have paid alimony, and your divorce was issued in 2018 or earlier, you can claim it as a deduction on your taxes. 2019 issued divorces do not qualify for this tax deduction.
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Divorce Lawyer
If you are facing a divorce in Colorado, you need a qualified lawyer on your side. Thomas Ramunda Jr. has the experience you require and knows how to get the job done. Whether you need help with a divorce, child support, or alimony, you can trust his expertise.
Parker, CO
Visit our South Denver Law Parker/Main Office location. You can have your consultation at 19590 E. Mainstreet, Suite 103, Parker, CO 80138. Call 303.840.2700 for your appointment.
Denver, CO
You can also visit us at the Denver, Colorado location. Find our offices at the Denver Tech Center, 4610 Ulster Street, Suite 150, Denver, Colorado 80237. Call 303.840.2700 for your appointment.
