Understanding Spousal Maintenance in Colorado Divorce | Divorce at Altitude
In this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha take a closer look at one of the most emotional and financially significant issues in Colorado divorce: spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance. While different terms are often used interchangeably, Colorado law formally refers to it as spousal maintenance. Ryan and Amy explain that spousal maintenance is meant to address the financial imbalance that can arise when one spouse earns significantly more than the other or when one spouse has stepped back from work during the marriage.
Episode Highlights
What Is Spousal Maintenance?
Ryan and Amy explain that alimony, spousal support, and spousal maintenance are often used interchangeably, but in Colorado the legal term is spousal maintenance.
Temporary vs. Post-Divorce Maintenance
The episode distinguishes between support paid during the divorce process and support that continues after the divorce is finalized.
Key Statutory Factors Courts Consider
They discuss the major factors under Colorado law, including financial resources, income, lifestyle during the marriage, marital property, employability, health, and the length of the marriage.
How Lawyers Argue Against Maintenance
When representing the paying spouse, attorneys often focus on the recipient’s employability, the cost of maintaining two households, and whether property division can reduce the need for support.
How Lawyers Argue for Maintenance
When representing the spouse seeking support, attorneys typically emphasize the marital lifestyle, a gap in income or career development, and the need for financial stability while rebuilding independence.
What is Divorce at Altitude?
Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado.
To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here. If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at info@kalamaya.law.
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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.
