Dealing with the complexities of divorce is never easy, especially when it comes to financial matters like spousal maintenance (support). At Brown Carrington, PLLC, we understand the emotional and financial stakes involved. Whether you’re seeking spousal maintenance or being asked to provide it, our lawyer for complex divorces in Denver is here to ensure your rights are safeguarded and your financial future is secure.
What Is Spousal Maintenance and Why Does It Exist?
Spousal maintenance, also known as spousal support or alimony, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another after separation or divorce. Its primary purpose is to ensure that both spouses can maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to what they experienced during the marriage.
Spousal support isn’t punitive; rather, it’s rehabilitative and, in some cases, compensatory. In Denver, spousal support recognizes the economic disparities that may arise after divorce.
Spousal MaintenanceLaws in Denver, CO
Colorado law provides clear but flexible guidelines on how spousal support is determined. The state uses a formula in cases where the parties’ combined annual gross income is $240,000 or less.
For marriages longer than three years, the formula calculates monthly maintenance as 40% of the higher-earning spouse’s gross monthly income minus 50% of the lower-earning spouse’s gross monthly income. However, the final award may be adjusted based on various statutory factors, making the involvement of a knowledgeable Denver spousal maintenance attorney essential.
Importantly, spousal maintenance isn’t automatic. It must be requested, and the requesting spouse must demonstrate a need, while the other must have the ability to pay.
Factors Influencing Spousal MaintenanceDecisions in Denver
Denver courts consider several factors when deciding whether spousal maintenance is appropriate and in what amount. These include:
- The length of the marriage
- The financial resources of each spouse
- The lifestyle established during the marriage
- The age and health of both parties
- The distribution of marital property
- The earning potential of each spouse
- Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and child-rearing
Judges also evaluate whether one party sacrificed education or career opportunities for the marriage and whether the receiving spouse can become self-sufficient within a reasonable timeframe.
How Our Experienced Spousal MaintenanceLawyers in Denver Will Approach Your Case
At Brown Carrington, PLLC, our Denver spousal support attorneys take a comprehensive, hands-on approach to every alimony case because we know that no two families are the same. Our strategy is built around three core components:
Detailed Case Assessments
Our process begins with an in-depth consultation, where we gather all necessary details to understand your circumstances. We review financial statements, career histories, and lifestyle factors to build a complete picture of your needs and goals. Whether you’re requesting or contesting spousal maintenance, our team crafts a legal strategy that aligns with your long-term interests.
Negotiation Tactics to Resolve Disputes
Whenever possible, we pursue negotiated settlements to reduce conflict and legal expenses. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators, utilizing every piece of evidence and legal precedent to advocate for fair outcomes. We engage in settlement conferences, mediation, and informal negotiations to resolve disputes outside the courtroom while protecting your financial rights.
Strong Representation in Court
If negotiations fail to yield a fair outcome, we’re fully prepared to represent you in court. Our spousal support lawyers in Denver present compelling arguments backed by detailed evidence and expert testimony when necessary. From filing motions to presenting closing statements, we fight relentlessly to ensure the court understands your position.
Legal Processes and Considerations for Spousal Maintenance in Denver, CO
You should be aware of the legal mechanics behind spousal support in Denver. At Brown Carrington, PLLC, we guide you through each stage of the process and aggressively represent your interests throughout.
Calculation of Spousal Support Payments
When incomes fall below the $240,000 threshold, courts may begin with the statutory formula. However, judges retain discretion to deviate from the formula based on the specifics of the case.
For example, if one spouse receives significant non-salary compensation (like bonuses or equity), the calculation may require adjustments. We provide precise calculations and financial modeling to support or challenge proposed maintenance amounts.
Modifications and Terminations of Spousal Maintenance
Life changes, and so can spousal support. Under Colorado law, spousal maintenance can be modified or terminated if there’s a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. This could include job loss, remarriage, disability, or a significant increase or decrease in income. We assist clients with both seeking and defending against modifications to ensure fairness in light of evolving circumstances.
The Role of Custody and Financial Disclosures
Custody arrangements can influence spousal support, particularly when one parent becomes the primary caregiver. Financial disclosures are equally vital. Each party must provide complete and honest financial information. Our attorneys thoroughly review all disclosures to identify hidden assets, unreported income, or inaccurate valuations, protecting your interests at every turn.
Why Choose Our Spousal Maintenance Lawyers in Denver, CO
We understand that selecting a lawyer is about trust, skill, and results. At Brown Carrington, PLLC, we bring all three attributes to the table.
Experienced Team with a Proven Track Record
Our Denver spousal maintenance attorneys have decades of combined experience in Colorado family courts. We’ve successfully handled complex spousal support disputes involving entrepreneurs, professionals, homemakers, and high-net-worth individuals. Whether your case involves contentious litigation or amicable negotiation, we bring a formidable record and strong legal skills to the table.
Creative Legal Solutions in Contentious Cases
Some cases are straightforward. Others involve hidden income, disputed earning potential, or claims of cohabitation that could terminate support. We build each case from the ground up, working with forensic accountants, vocational experts, and private investigators when needed. We’re aggressive when the case demands it, but always focused on achieving practical, cost-effective outcomes.
Awards and Recognition
Brown Carrington, PLLC has been recognized by leading legal organizations for our commitment to excellence in divorce and family law practice.
Commitment to Client Satisfaction
Our clients aren’t just case numbers. We take the time to listen, answer questions promptly, and ensure you’re never left in the dark. Every decision and every strategic move we make in a case has our client’s interests at the center of it. Our Denver spousal support lawyers maintain open communication and deliver straightforward guidance through every step of the legal process.
Our Denver Spousal Maintenance Attorneys Are Here to Help
If you’re facing spousal support challenges in Denver, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Brown Carrington, PLLC, we combine skill, dedication, and compassion to guide you toward financial fairness. Whether you need to secure fair support, contest unreasonable demands, or modify an existing order, we’re here to help. To schedule your confidential consultation, call us at 720-927-7006 or contact us online.
