Colorado Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support (alimony) in Colorado. Understand the types of alimony available, how courts calculate amounts, and how long payments may last. Updated for 2026.
Under C.R.S. § 14-10-114, advisory guidelines apply when the marriage lasted at least 3 years and the parties' combined gross annual income is $240,000 or less. The amount formula is 40% of combined adjusted gross income minus the lower-income party's adjusted gross income. An 80% multiplier applies if combined monthly income is $10,000 or below; a 75% multiplier applies if above $10,000. Duration is advisory and based on length of marriage. These are guidelines, not presumptive, and the court has discretion.
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Get Started with Divorce.aiTypes of Alimony in Colorado
Temporary Maintenance
Support provided during divorce proceedings to maintain interim financial stability of the lower-earning spouse until the divorce is finalized.
Short-Term Maintenance
Post-divorce maintenance for a defined period, typically based on the advisory guidelines formula tied to the duration of the marriage.
Long-Term Maintenance
Extended or indefinite maintenance for longer marriages where the receiving spouse may not achieve self-sufficiency due to age, health, or extended absence from the workforce.
Contractual Maintenance
Maintenance agreed upon by the parties in a separation agreement, which may have different terms than court-ordered maintenance and may be non-modifiable if specified.
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Divorce.ai helps you evaluate whether alimony is likely in your Colorado divorce and plan accordingly.
Factors Colorado Courts Consider
When determining whether to award alimony and how much, Colorado courts evaluate:
The financial resources of the recipient spouse, including actual or potential income from separate or marital property
The financial resources of the payor spouse, including actual or potential income and ability to meet reasonable needs while paying maintenance
The lifestyle established during the marriage
The distribution of marital property pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-113
Both parties' income, employment, and employability, attainable through reasonable diligence
Whether the party seeking maintenance is the custodial parent of a child whose circumstances make outside employment inappropriate
The duration of the marriage
The amount of temporary maintenance and the number of months it was paid
The age and health of the parties
Significant economic or noneconomic contribution to the marriage or the other party's career
Whether either party's historical earnings information is insufficient to establish an earnings pattern
Any other factor the court deems relevant
How Long Does Alimony Last?
While there is no universal rule, alimony duration in Colorado generally correlates with the length of the marriage:
| Marriage Length | Typical Alimony Duration |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 0-2 years |
| 5-10 years | 2-5 years |
| 10-20 years | 5-10 years |
| 20+ years | Indefinite / Permanent |
These are general guidelines. Actual duration depends on the specific facts of your case and the court's discretion.
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Divorce.ai helps you understand potential alimony in your Colorado divorce so you can plan your finances with confidence.
When Does Alimony End?
Tax Implications of Alimony
Post-2018 Federal Tax Rules
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed the tax treatment of alimony:
For the Payer
Alimony payments are not deductible from federal taxes.
For the Recipient
Alimony payments are not taxable income for federal taxes.
State tax treatment may differ. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.