As readers of this Longmont family law blog may know, a divorce does not necessarily mean that the lives of two former marital partners are completely split. If they share children, former married couples may endure long-term contact with each other in order to execute the custody and support arrangements they create for their kids. If they share business assets, their lives may remain intertwined due to their shared business dealings.
Another way that divorced parties may remain connected to their former spouses after the end of a marriage is through the payment and receipt of alimony. Though alimony is awarded on a case-by-case basis, it is a relatively common financial obligation that can bind one spouse to the continuing economic maintenance of the other.
There are many factors that courts can look at when deciding if an award of alimony is appropriate. They may consider the abilities of the former partners to support themselves and whether one of the partners suffered setbacks to his or her earning capacity due to their role in the couple’s marriage. Courts may also look at the length of marriages and many other considerations before establishing the suitability of alimony in particular cases.
At Shea L. Burchill, P.C., we understand how important spousal support can be during and after dissolution. Our legal team has helped past couples navigate this and other divorce issues, helping them secure a favorable alimony award.
To learn more, check out our law firm’s alimony website. How much alimony should be paid and for how long alimony must be provided are decisions left up to the court that hears a couple’s divorce case. While not all requests for alimony are fulfilled, Colorado couples that anticipate that alimony will be an issue in their divorces can prepare for support-related negotiations by discussing their needs and concerns with a family law attorneys.