Spousal Support

Colorado provides advisory guidelines for calculating maintenance (alimony) when combined gross income is $240,000 or less and the marriage lasted 3+ years. **The Advisory Formula:** *Amount:* 40% of higher earner's monthly gross income minus 50% of lower earner's monthly gross income. The amount cannot exceed 40% of combined gross income. *Duration:* Based on length of marriage: - 3 years: 11 months - 5 years: 21 months - 10 years: 54 months - 15 years: 90 months - 20+ years: Up to 50% of marriage length **Example:** - Higher earner: $10,000/month gross - Lower earner: $3,000/month gross - Marriage: 12 years Calculation: (40% × $10,000) - (50% × $3,000) = $4,000 - $1,500 = $2,500/month for approximately 63 months. **Important notes:** - These are advisory guidelines, not mandatory - Courts can deviate based on specific circumstances - High-income cases have different considerations - Each case is evaluated individually **Factors that may affect the amount or duration:** - Each party's financial resources - Lifestyle during the marriage - Distribution of marital property - Both parties' income and employability - Age and health - Significant contributions to the marriage