Depending on the circumstances in your divorce, you may receive or be asked to pay spousal maintenance – similar to alimony. At the Law Offices of Shawn H. Smith, we are determined to help our clients protect their rights and obtain fair and satisfying results.
When You Need A Competent Spousal Maintenance Attorney, Turn to The Law Offices of Shawn H. Smith
According to Colorado laws, there is no automatic right to spousal maintenance. This means that even if spouses decide to divorce, neither may be awarded maintenance.
Maintenance is intended to be rehabilitative. Generally speaking, it is an amount of money paid from a party with greater assets or higher wage earning ability to a party with fewer assets or a lower wage earning ability for a period of time until the lower wage earner can get on his or her feet and become self-supporting. When determining maintenance, among other factors, the court takes into consideration certain elements, including:
- The length of marriage;
- The standard of living acquired during the marriage;
- The ability of the party requesting maintenance to support himself or herself;
- The ability of the other party to pay maintenance while supporting himself or herself.
If the court determines maintenance should be paid, then the court must determine how much maintenance should be paid and for how long, taking into consideration a maintenance guideline which came into effect on January 1, 2014. The maintenance guideline applies to marriages of at least three years. This law guides judges in awarding the amount and term of maintenance.
All spousal maintenance cases are uniquely considered. Depending on your situation, you may be awarded or ordered to pay permanent or temporary maintenance, or maintenance that only lasts while the divorce is pending.
With an extensive understanding of Colorado divorce laws, Fort Collins spousal maintenance attorney Shawn H. Smith will help you understand what to expect in your case. Often, courts will take into consideration other factors presented that directly relates to the ability to pay support. Mr. Smith will make sure your distinct circumstances are thoroughly represented.
Contact The Law Offices of Shawn H. Smith
We invite you to contact the Law Offices of Shawn H. Smith today at 970-387-6858. Our law office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.