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Colorado Alimony Calculator (2026)

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 14‑10‑114, the courts use advisory guidelines to estimate spousal maintenance for marriages lasting between 3 and 20 years, with a combined annual income ceiling of $240,000. The formula starts with 40% of the couple’s combined monthly adjusted gross income, subtracts the lower earner’s monthly income, and then applies either an 80% or 75% factor depending on whether the combined monthly income is at or below $10,000.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. · Ver esta página en español

Adjusted gross income before taxes.
Adjusted gross income before taxes.
The advisory guideline covers marriages of 3 to 20 years.
The law behind this calculator: Colorado Revised Statutes, Section 14-10-114 (spousal maintenance — advisory guidelines) — C.R.S. § 14-10-114.

How Colorado calculates it

  • Combine the spouses’ monthly adjusted gross incomes.
  • Calculate 40% of that combined monthly amount.
  • Subtract the lower‑earning spouse’s monthly income from the 40% figure.
  • If the combined monthly income is $10,000 or less, multiply the result by 80%; if it is above $10,000, multiply by 75%.
  • The product is the advisory monthly maintenance amount.
  • Determine the advisory duration as a percentage of the marriage length: 31% at 3 years, rising to 50% at 12.5 years and staying at 50% up to 20 years; beyond 20 years the court may set a term or indefinite period.

Worked example

Higher earner grosses $96,000/year ($8,000/month), lower earner $36,000/year ($3,000/month) — combined $11,000/month, which is above $10,000 so the 75% factor applies. 40% × $11,000 = $4,400; minus $3,000 = $1,400; × 75% = $1,050/month advisory maintenance. Duration for a 10-year marriage: 45% of 120 months ≈ 54 months.

Frequently asked questions

Does Colorado award spousal maintenance for marriages shorter than three years?

No. The advisory guidelines in § 14‑10‑114 apply only to marriages that lasted three to twenty years.

What factor does Colorado use if the couple’s combined monthly income is $9,500?

When the combined monthly income is at or below $10,000, the guideline applies an 80% factor to the amount after subtracting the lower earner’s income.

How is alimony treated for Colorado state income tax?

Alimony received is considered taxable income for the recipient under Colorado’s income tax, which generally follows federal treatment, and the payer may deduct it on their federal return.

How long would the advisory maintenance period be for a 15‑year marriage?

The guideline sets the duration at 50% of the marriage length, so for a 15‑year marriage the advisory period would be 50% of 180 months.

Can a Colorado court order maintenance beyond the advisory period?

Yes. While the advisory guidelines suggest a duration, a court may order a longer term or even indefinite maintenance, especially for marriages exceeding twenty years.

Is the calculation different in Denver, Colorado Springs or Aurora?

No. C.R.S. § 14-10-114 applies statewide, so courts in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora and every other county start from the same guideline. Local practice can differ in how judges weigh deviation factors and in typical negotiated outcomes, but the formula on this page is the one used across Colorado.

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StateTally. (2026). Colorado Alimony Calculator (2026). Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://statetally.com/alimony/colorado/