Whether you need to continue alimony payments after job loss depends on the conditions of your alimony agreement. 

If you have a non-modifiable contract, you have to keep paying alimony. 

You can petition for a modification if you have court-ordered spousal maintenance payments.  In order for the court to grant your request, you must prove the substantial and ongoing change in circumstances has created a significant financial hardship that is likely to persist.

Payments are calculated by subtracting the lower-earning spouse’s income from the parties’ combined income. Then the amount is reduced based on Colorado law. C.R.S. 14-10-114

For high-income earners, the court considers various factors beyond this formula, such as lifestyle, earning potential, and the length of the marriage.

Use our free, interactive Alimony Payment Calculator to estimate your monthly payments.

The courts may decide to award alimony to a spouse financially disadvantaged by divorce. This typically occurs when one partner sacrifices career advancement or education to support their family. 

The point of alimony is to help the lower-earning spouse become financially independent. Factors such as length of the marriage, income disparity, and ability to support oneself also determine whether someone is eligible and how much they receive.