Note: This calculator uses the Colorado statutory formula (CRS 14-10-114) for combined incomes up to $240,000 annually. Results are estimates for informational purposes only.
In Colorado, alimony is officially referred to as "spousal maintenance." Unlike child support, which follows strict mathematical guidelines, maintenance is often subject to the court's discretion, though the state provides a specific formula for marriages lasting between 3 and 20 years with a combined annual income of $240,000 or less.
How the Colorado Maintenance Formula Works
The Colorado advisory guideline formula is designed to provide a starting point for negotiations. The formula is calculated as follows:
40% of the higher earner's monthly gross income
MINUS 50% of the lower earner's monthly gross income
However, there is a "cap." The maintenance amount cannot result in the lower earner receiving more than 40% of the parties' combined monthly gross income.
Determining the Duration of Support
The length of time alimony is paid in Colorado is also governed by a statutory table. Generally, the longer the marriage, the higher the percentage of that time maintenance will be paid. For example:
3 Years (36 months): Duration is roughly 31% of the marriage length (approx. 11 months).
5 Years (60 months): Duration is roughly 35% of the marriage length (approx. 21 months).
10 Years (120 months): Duration is roughly 45% of the marriage length (approx. 54 months).
20 Years (240 months): Duration is roughly 50% of the marriage length (approx. 120 months).
Factors the Court Considers
While the calculator provides the "guideline" amount, a judge may deviate based on several factors, including:
The financial resources of each party.
The distribution of marital property.
The lifestyle established during the marriage.
The age and health of both spouses.
Tax implications of the maintenance award.
Example Calculation
Imagine a couple where Spouse A earns $10,000 per month and Spouse B earns $2,000 per month, having been married for 10 years (120 months).
Step 1 (The Formula): (40% of $10,000) – (50% of $2,000) = $4,000 – $1,000 = $3,000.
Step 2 (The Cap): Combined income is $12,000. 40% of combined is $4,800. Since Spouse B's income ($2,000) + Maintenance ($3,000) = $5,000, which exceeds the $4,800 cap, the maintenance would likely be reduced to $2,800 per month.
function calculateColoradoAlimony() {
var highIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById('highIncome').value);
var lowIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById('lowIncome').value);
var marriageMonths = parseFloat(document.getElementById('marriageMonths').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('maintenance-result');
if (isNaN(highIncome) || isNaN(lowIncome) || isNaN(marriageMonths)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for all fields.");
return;
}
if (lowIncome > highIncome) {
var temp = highIncome;
highIncome = lowIncome;
lowIncome = temp;
}
// Amount Calculation: 40% of higher – 50% of lower
var rawAmount = (0.40 * highIncome) – (0.50 * lowIncome);
// Cap Calculation: Combined * 0.40
var combinedIncome = highIncome + lowIncome;
var maxTotalForLower = combinedIncome * 0.40;
var capAmount = maxTotalForLower – lowIncome;
var finalMonthly = rawAmount;
if (finalMonthly > capAmount) {
finalMonthly = capAmount;
}
if (finalMonthly < 0) {
finalMonthly = 0;
}
// Duration Calculation (Approximation of the CO statutory table)
var durationMonths = 0;
if (marriageMonths = 36 && marriageMonths = 60 && marriageMonths = 120 && marriageMonths 0) {
durationText += " (Approx. " + years + " years, " + remainingMonths + " months)";
}
document.getElementById('suggestedDuration').innerText = durationText;
document.getElementById('totalSupport').innerText = "$" + totalEstimated.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
}