Alimony is a complicated matter, and some people might be ordered to pay alimony for years or even for a spouse’s lifetime. Seek help from an Aurora alimony attorney right away if you have a divorce case.
Many divorce cases focus on whether or not one spouse needs alimony to support themselves once they lose their spouse’s financial support. However, what about the spouse who is ordered to pay alimony? Their financial situation and future will be impacted significantly due to an alimony order and, if you are that spouse, you might wonder how long you will need to continue making payments to your ex.
At CNL Law Firm, PLLC, our Aurora alimony attorney represents clients who might be on either side of an alimony order. We can protect your rights and ensure that your alimony order is fair and in line with your income. Contact us right away if you are facing a divorce that involves an alimony request.
Colorado Alimony Laws
Colorado law governs alimony orders to help ensure that such orders are fair for both parties. Referred to as spousal maintenance under state statute, alimony is not considered to be a lifetime of support in most situations. However, in the past, alimony awards were all over the map when it came to the amount and duration of alimony ordered by family courts.
In 2018, Colorado enacted alimony reform and set out guidelines for alimony orders across all state courts, including the length of alimony. As part of these guidelines, the length of alimony payments should largely depend on the length of the marriage.
The guidelines recommend that alimony lasts about one-third of a three-year marriage. If you were married for 36 months, you might likely pay alimony for about 11 months. This duration increases as the length of your marriage increases. For example, if you were married for 12.5 years, you might pay alimony for close to half of that, or about six years.
The guidelines apply to cases that involve a combined spousal income of $240,000 or less. Alimony determinations can become more complicated if your household earned over $240,000. In either situation, you want a lawyer protecting your rights.
Will You Pay Permanent Alimony?
Many states have largely eliminated permanent alimony except in very rare cases involving a recipient who is a senior or has a disability. However, Colorado courts continue to award permanent alimony for particularly long marriages. This means that following your divorce, if your spouse does not get remarried, you could be ordered to pay alimony for the rest of their lifetime.
If you have a long marriage, such as 20 years or longer, you need a lawyer defending your rights and helping you avoid lifetime alimony whenever possible. If you already have an alimony order that you believe has lasted too long, you should discuss a possible modification with our firm.
Speak with an Aurora Alimony Attorney Today
At CNL Law Firm, PLLC, we handle all types of divorce issues, including alimony. If you are ending your marriage, you need the right legal help to protect your financial future. Call (720) 370-2171 or contact us online to learn how an Aurora alimony attorney can assist you.
