When does spousal maintenance end?

Getting a divorce can be difficult for a Colorado resident, especially if they have concerns about how they will financially support themselves once their marriage is over. In some divorce cases, financially disadvantaged individuals may secure alimony or spousal maintenance from their exes to help them transition into their new single lives. Alimony can end based upon the terms of an agreement made amongst the parties or based on how a divorce court structures the parties’ alimony order.

For example, a judge may order that one party to divorce pay the other a lump sum alimony award. In such a case the paying spouse’s obligation to their ex would cease once that singe payment was made. However, if the parties’ judge orders ongoing maintenance, then the end of the alimony obligation may not be as clear.

Generally, though, alimony is expected to go on for some time. If it is meant to get a party back on their feet after a divorce then it may have an anticipated end date at some point in the future. If a recipient of alimony is unable to work due to age or illness, the obligation to pay may be indefinite to ensure that financially disadvantaged individual has support for their entire life. In some cases an alimony award may be terminated if the recipient party chooses to remarry and has the support of a new spouse.

There are many different ways that alimony and maintenance obligations can be terminated, and for this reason readers should consult with their family law attorneys. This post offers information only and should not be read as legal guidance.