Determining Spousal Support
Spousal maintenance (alimony) is court-ordered payment from one ex-spouse to the other to provide for their "reasonable needs." The court weighs the lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage against the other party's ability to pay spousal support.
Maintenance is common in divorces among older couples, especially when the education level and earning capacity of one spouse far exceeds the other's.
Typically, maintenance is granted when one spouse does not have sufficient income or assets to meet their own reasonable needs, and the other spouse has the ability to pay maintenance after meeting his or her own reasonable needs.
It can be granted for a short, fixed period, or as indefinite support (until the recipient remarries or dies). Spousal maintenance can also be modified when circumstances change (a new job, a business failure, when one party retires or becomes disabled, etc.).
Spousal Maintenance
COLORADO ALIMONY ATTORNEY
Ensuring Fair Treatment In Spousal Maintenance
Spousal support is a gray area of domestic relations law. Although the court has criteria for determining whether spousal maintenance (alimony) should be awarded, individual judges have wide latitude in deciding the amount and duration.
The key to fair determination of spousal maintenance is ensuring that the court has accurate information. In anticipation of divorce, spouses often try to hid assets and income through business holdings, family members, or acquaintances.
Protecting Your Rights In Determining Spousal Support
Your spousal support lawyer must have an understanding of financial matters as well as the law. When it comes time to calculate a spouse's ability to pay maintenance, it is astounding how often money disappears. I have an M.B.A. and I am adept at doing the investigation necessary to find hidden income and assets. I know where to look for hidden wealth when a spouse is trying to argue a limited ability to pay maintenance.
I also represent clients in legal actions against a party who does not comply with an order to pay maintenance (garnishments, contempt actions, bank account levies).
If you have pre or post-decree issues involving maintenance in the Metro Denver or Vail Valley areas, call my Denver or Avon office for a free consultation.
Law Offices of Fred Andrew Dunsing
Colorado Family Law Attorney
Metro Denver Avon/Vail Valley
1776 S. Jackson St., Ste. 1107 70 Benchmark Rd., Ste. 207
Denver, CO 80210 Avon, CO 81620
Phone: (303) 758-8981 Phone: (970) 949-1777
Fax: (303) 758-1639 Fax: (303) 295-8999
My family law practice serves clients in Metro Denver, the Vail Valley, and the Front Range of Colorado, including Avon, Littleton, Englewood, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Broomfield, Westminster, Arvada,
and Golden, and throughout Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, and Jefferson Counties.
Any information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.
You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
Copyright © 2009 by the Law Offices of Fred Andrew Dunsing. All rights reserved.
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Law Offices of
Fred Andrew Dunsing
Offices in Denver
and the Vail Valley
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