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 In Colorado, spousal support, also known as alimony, is a payment made by one spouse to the other after a divorce. It is intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain their standard of living after the divorce.

Spousal support is not automatically awarded in Colorado. The court will consider a number of factors when deciding whether or not to award spousal support, including:

• The length of the marriage
• The age and health of the spouses
• The earning capacity of the spouses
• The education and training of the spouses
• The needs of the spouses
• The ability of the spouses to pay support

The court will also consider a suggested spousal maintenance table when calculating the amount of support to be awarded. The table is based on the length of the marriage and the combined incomes of the spouses.

For example, if a couple has been married for 10 years and their combined incomes are $100,000 per year, the court will use the following table to calculate the amount of spousal support:

• Length of marriage: 10 years
• Combined income: $100,000
• Suggested spousal maintenance: $2,000 per month

The court is not bound by the suggested spousal maintenance table, and may award more or less support based on the specific facts of the case.

Spousal support can be temporary or permanent. Temporary spousal support is awarded for a specified period of time, such as one year or two years. Permanent spousal support is awarded for an indefinite period of time, and can continue until the death of one of the spouses or until the lower-earning spouse remarries.

The court may modify or terminate spousal support if there is a significant change in the circumstances of either spouse. For example, if the higher-earning spouse loses their job, the court may modify the support order to reduce the amount of support that is paid.

If you are considering filing for divorce in Colorado Springs, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney about spousal support.  Contact the Law Office of Bridget Rachel Grace, an attorney who can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in court if necessary.