Alimony might seem like a dated term, but most people understand the meaning. It is a word used to describe the husband’s or wife’s support after a divorce or separation. It’s considered a maintenance payment to ensure the spouse is taken care of after the divorce. Today, more people refer to this as spousal support, which is a gender-neutral term that relates to the payment of support to an ex-spouse. The court typically orders it.
Is There A Difference Between Alimony and Spousal Support?
The short answer is no; these two terms mean the same thing. Alimony is a dated legal term but still refers to the support received by a spouse after a divorce or separation. Today, more people refer to this provision with the term “spousal support” instead. This terminology is gender-neutral and includes the payments made to an ex-spouse.
Alimony vs. Spousal Support Calculator
While the only way to get an accurate figure of what you will pay in spousal support is to go through the court system, you can get a general idea of what you face by using an alimony calculator.
Alimony vs. Military Spouse Benefits
Alimony and military spouse benefits differ in several ways, while both are designed to care for the ex-spouse.
Alimony/Spousal Support:
With spousal support, the ex-husband or wife is entitled to payments over a certain period of time-based on what the court orders.
Military Spouse Benefits:
Military spouse benefits offer a lot more standard aids to every ex-spouse. These benefits might include medical benefits, moving expenses, legal counsel, and more.
Do I Have to Pay Alimony / Spousal Support?
If a judge orders spousal support, you have no option but to pay it. However, you won’t have your wages garnished or face legal complications if you don’t pay it, as you would with child support. Instead, the ex-spouse must file contempt of court to enforce the order.
How Much Will I Pay in Alimony / Spousal Support?
Most alimony payments equal forty percent of the higher-earning spouse’s adjusted gross income while subtracting fifty percent of the lower-earning spouse’s adjusted gross income.
Is The Amount I Pay For Spousal Support Different If We Have Children?
Alimony and child support are related to one another. When the court calculates child support, they consider the gross income of both parties, which includes spousal support.
Does Alimony / Spousal Support Affect Child Support in Colorado?
Yes, the support payments are taken into consideration when the child support figures are estimated.
Is Spousal Support Tax Deductible?
Spousal support is tax-deductible to the receiver, not the payee.
Spousal Support Requirements
While there are several spousal support laws, one of the most important is the term. The cap for spousal support is set at fifty percent of the marriage term. So, if you have been married for ten years, alimony will only be payable for five years.
I Need An Expert
With all of the changes regarding spousal support in Denver recently, it’s best to have an expert by your side. Don’t attempt to navigate this on your own.
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Divorce Lawyer in Denver
If you require assistance with your Denver spousal support, it’s time to call Thomas Ramunda at South Denver Law. With two office locations, including 19590 E. Mainstreet, Suite 103, Parker, CO 80138 (Parker/Main Office), and 4610 Ulster Street, Suite 150, Denver, Colorado 80237 (Denver Tech Center), you have access to the support you need.
Divorce Lawyer in Parker
Thomas Ramunda knows divorce and spousal support laws in Denver, Colorado. Visit him at 19590 E. Mainstreet, Suite 103, Parker, CO 80138 (Parker/Main Office) or 4610 Ulster Street, Suite 150, Denver, Colorado 80237 (Denver Tech Center).
Divorce Lawyer in Colorado Springs
When the time comes to find the best divorce and spousal support lawyer in Colorado Springs, you want to hire Thomas Ramunda. He has the years of experience you can rely on and knows how to create amicable solutions for both parties.
