MAINTENANCE

(SPOUSAL SUPPORT/ALIMONY)

You may be familiar with the term alimony, or maybe even spousal support. In Colorado, it is called spousal maintenance, or simply “maintenance.” Maintenance is a monthly payment from one spouse to other during or after a divorce. Maintenance is intended to help a spouse maintain the lifestyle that they enjoyed during the marriage. It is especially likely for maintenance to be awarded if there is a significant disparity in income between the parties. Colorado utilizes “maintenance guidelines” to help determine how much should be paid and for how long after the divorce is finalized, but Judges are not required to follow guidelines. Because Judges have discretion in if and how to award maintenance, you should be prepared with a solid litigation strategy. There are strategies that can be employed to change these items and having quality, experienced counsel such as Palmer Family Law is vital to that end.

FAQs:

  • This depends on many things, but the biggest factor will be both parties’ incomes and how long the marriage is. Colorado has guidelines in place that start at about 30% of the length of the marriage and up to indefinite after 20 years of marriage. Many maintenance awards are for half of the length of the marriage. The amount is based upon a math formula which combines the income of the parties and subtracts out a certain percentage of it. This amount has been adjusted in the past few years due to tax changes at the federal level. It is roughly 30-30% of the total income after subtracting the lower earner’s income.

  • Unless you agree to make maintenance non-modifiable, it can potentially be changed later if there is a change in circumstances sufficient to show that the original amount is now unfair. For example, if one party was not working at the time of divorce and a few years later is earning a significant income and does not need maintenance, you may be able to reduce or terminate it entirely.

Hear from past clients

  • “Mr. Palmer assisted me with my divorce. At the time I reached out to him things were messy and I didn’t have representation. i was frustrated and emotional. Mr. Palmer was very empathetic and compassionate. He provided me with sound, non-bias, empathetic legal advice. He was a kind voice of logic when I was emotionally driven by all of the things surrounding my divorce. At the end of the day, things worked out as best as they could have, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Mr. Palmer. I highly recommend him. For anyone, but as a female, I definitely felt heard and respected.”

  • “Outstanding representation. Rachel Palmer did a great job staying on top of my case, and remembering all of the details. I truly felt I was her only client although she had other cases. I was always impressed by her preparation, her eloquence representing me before the judge, and vs. opposing counsel. Thoroughly answered all of my questions, and laid out all of the options along the way. Great knowledge of the law, process and possible delays and pitfalls. I highly recommend Rachel Palmer.”

  • “Calm but very nice. Mrs. Palmer is a wonderful attorney! Calm but does not back down! I went through a difficult divorce, but whenever I called her she would reassure and she was always honest with me even if that meant not looking good for us. I would recommend her to anyone who needs not only a great attorney but also a support system during the unknown which comes with divorce.”

  • “Accurate, painless and efficient - 5 stars. Michael was a beacon of hope at a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed almost impossible. His calm, empathetic demeanor offered buoyancy and confidence. I am eternally grateful for his professionalism and happily recommend him without reservation.”

  • “5+ years of representation. Michael has represented me for over five years through multiple family matters. I have followed him as he has moved firms and advanced his career. Michael has always given me the best advice and guidance and has helped me through the toughest of situations. I feel guilt for all of the issues he has had to deal with on my behalf. I would recommend Michael to anyone facing difficult family matters. i don’t know what I would do without Michael.”