Modifying Alimony & Maintenance in Colorado
Life is full of unexpected events, many of which can make things more difficult. Job layoffs, career changes, retirement, failing health, divorce, and remarriage are all common — and often unexpected —occurrences in the lives of adults.
If you've experienced a major life change that affects your finances, it may be necessary to submit a modification to your alimony agreement.
At The Harris Law Firm, we understand that every divorcee has the right to maintain the lifestyle they had during their marriage. In the event that your alimony is not suiting that need, either by asking too much or receiving too little, a skilled divorce attorney can help you modify your alimony agreement.
Contact a Colorado alimony lawyer from our firm to get started on your case.
When Can I Request an Alimony Modification?
If you want to request a modification of maintenance, you must meet a certain threshold before the Court will approve your modification. There is a great deal involved with modifying alimony and requests are not always granted.
There are three major criteria that can qualify you for an alimony modification:
- Sudden increase/decrease in income
- Change in child-rearing expenses
- Sudden loss of assets or property
Increasing Alimony from Your Ex
If your ex has been paying maintenance and you learn that he or she has received a substantial income increase, you can petition the court to receive more alimony. The general rule of thumb is that unless the divorce decree specifically states that the amount of maintenance is to never change (called “contractual maintenance”), a court may revisit the amount ordered if there is a substantial (and continuing) change of circumstances that make the prior terms unfair.
The Help a Colorado Alimony Attorney Can Provide
Modifying alimony, especially if alimony is in dispute, can be an emotionally taxing process. Finding a fair solution often involves investigation and scrutiny because alimony must take all assets into account. It can be a stressful process, as one spouse is usually suffering as a result of an unfair alimony agreement. Undisclosed assets can lead to imbalanced alimony payments that do not reflect the reality of either spouse's situation.
Our lawyers can aid in this process because we are highly skilled, highly-experienced litigators. Our negotiation tactics provide the ability to craft beneficial solutions for all parties, but our abilities as trial lawyers ensure that your voice never goes unheard. Many of the lawyers at The Harris Law Firm are skilled at discovery, the legal process by which we uncover all undisclosed information in a modification proceeding. In addition, we can bring clarity to a complex legal situation, providing peace of mind and empowering our clients. If you are suffering under an unfair spousal support agreement, contact our family law attorneys.
Do not face an unfair situation alone—call The Harris Law Firm at (303) 622-5502 to see how we can help you.
