Child Support & Spousal Support in Colorado

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Fair, Practical Solutions for Financial Stability After Separation

When a marriage or relationship ends, financial uncertainty often follows. Questions about child support and spousal maintenance (alimony) can create stress and conflict — but clear legal guidance can make all the difference. At O’Brien Law Firm, LLC, we help clients throughout the Denver metro area understand their rights, meet their obligations, and secure fair financial arrangements that support long-term stability.

Understanding Child Support in Colorado

Colorado law requires both parents to contribute to the financial support of their children. Child support ensures that children’s basic needs — including housing, food, medical care, and education — are met after separation or divorce.

How Child Support Is Calculated

Colorado uses a statutory formula that considers several key factors:

• Each parent’s gross monthly income
• The number of children involved
• The amount of parenting time each parent has
• Health insurance and childcare expenses
• Extraordinary medical or educational costs

While the formula provides structure, every family’s situation is unique. O’Brien Law Firm, LLC helps parents understand what the calculations mean in practice, ensure accurate income reporting, and advocate for fair outcomes that protect their children’s best interests.

Modifying or Enforcing Child Support

Support obligations may need to change when life circumstances shift — such as job loss, relocation, or a change in parenting time. We assist with:

• Modifications:     Seeking an increase or decrease in support based on substantial changes in      income or expenses.

• Enforcement:     Taking legal action to collect unpaid child support or ensure compliance with court orders.

Our goal is to maintain financial fairness while keeping the focus on your child’s well-being.

Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) in Colorado

Spousal maintenance, often called alimony, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after divorce. It is designed to help the lower-earning spouse become financially independent and maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Factors That Affect Maintenance

Colorado courts consider multiple factors when deciding whether maintenance is appropriate, including:

• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s income and financial resources
• Each spouse’s age and health
• The lifestyle established during the marriage
• Each spouse’s contributions (financial and non-financial)
• The ability of the paying spouse to meet their own needs while supporting the other

Colorado provides advisory guidelines for spousal maintenance based on income and marriage duration, but judges retain discretion to adjust awards for fairness.

How O’Brien Law Firm, LLC Can Help

Whether you are seeking support or being asked to provide it, we work to ensure financial arrangements are fair, realistic, and sustainable.

⚖️ Experienced Legal Guidance

We explain how Colorado’s child support and maintenance laws apply to your specific situation, helping you make informed decisions.

🤝 Negotiation & Mediation

Whenever possible, we resolve financial disputes through negotiation or mediation — helping both parties reach practical solutions without unnecessary courtroom conflict.

⚔️ Litigation When Needed

When agreement isn’t possible, we provide strong courtroom advocacy backed by preparation and evidence to protect your financial rights.

Supporting Families Across the Denver Metro Area

At O’Brien Law Firm, LLC, we understand that financial stability is essential to rebuilding your life after divorce or separation. We provide steady, compassionate guidance to help you move forward with confidence and security.

📞 Call (720) 984-2996
📩 Email heather@obrientriallaw.com
📍 Serving families throughout Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs , Fort Collins, and surrounding communities