Colorado uses a guideline formula for temporary spousal support and a multi-factor analysis for permanent support. Understand your eligibility, estimated amount, and likely duration under C.R.S. § 14-10-114.
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Temporary support in Colorado is calculated using a guideline formula during the divorce proceedings to maintain the financial status quo.
Colorado advisory maintenance formula: amount = 40% of higher earner's monthly adjusted gross income minus 50% of lower earner's. Combined income cannot exceed $240,000/year for the formula to apply. Duration: advisory guidelines based on marriage length.
Permanent (long-term) support in Colorado is determined by a statutory multi-factor analysis under C.R.S. § 14-10-114. The court weighs the following factors to arrive at a fair support amount and duration. Unlike the temporary formula, there is no mathematical calculation for permanent support — it is a discretionary determination by the judge based on the totality of the circumstances.
The types of spousal support available in Colorado include: Temporary, Short-term (rehabilitative), Long-term (indefinite for long marriages), Lump sum. The type ordered depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and the supported spouse's ability to become self-supporting.
Primary statute: C.R.S. § 14-10-114
The court considers these 10 statutory factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support:
Financial resources of the requesting party
Time to acquire education or training for self-sufficiency
Standard of living during the marriage
Duration of the marriage
Age and health of the parties
Significant economic or noneconomic contribution to the other's career or earning power
Historical pattern of earning
Whether either party has historically earned less to manage the home or children
Income history and income potential
Marital property and income available through investment
Advisory guidelines: marriages 3–20 years have graduated duration percentages. 20+ years: court discretion for indefinite.
Duration is one of the most heavily litigated aspects of spousal support. The length of the marriage is the single most important factor in most cases, but the court also considers the supported spouse's age, health, job skills, and the time needed to acquire education or training for appropriate employment.
Colorado has one of the few advisory maintenance FORMULAS in the nation (amount and duration).
Pure no-fault: "irretrievable breakdown" is the sole ground for dissolution.
Fault is completely irrelevant to both property and maintenance.
Find out if you qualify, how much you might receive (or pay), and for how long.
Residency Requirement
91 days residency (C.R.S. § 14-10-106)
Mandatory Waiting Period
91-day waiting period after service (co-petition may shorten)
No-Fault Ground
Irretrievable breakdown (pure no-fault)
State Income Tax
Flat 4.4% (2024 reform)
Colorado uses a formula for temporary spousal support: Colorado advisory maintenance formula: amount = 40% of higher earner's monthly adjusted gross income minus 50% of lower earner's. Combined income cannot exceed $240,000/year for the formula to apply. Duration: advisory guidelines based on marriage length. For permanent support, the court applies a multi-factor analysis under C.R.S. § 14-10-114.
Colorado recognizes the following types of spousal support: Temporary, Short-term (rehabilitative), Long-term (indefinite for long marriages), Lump sum. The type awarded depends on the length of the marriage, the financial needs of the requesting spouse, and the ability of the other spouse to pay.
Advisory guidelines: marriages 3–20 years have graduated duration percentages. 20+ years: court discretion for indefinite.
Yes. Spousal support orders in Colorado can generally be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in either party's income, retirement, cohabitation of the supported spouse, or other qualifying events as defined by statute.
Get a personalized spousal support analysis based on Colorado's actual statutory framework.
Start My Free ColoradoEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Colorado family law and does not constitute legal advice. Spousal support calculations are estimates and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Colorado family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: C.R.S. § 14-10-114.