Spousal maintenance, commonly referred to as alimony, plays a critical role in post-divorce financial stability. But life isn’t static—and neither are the circumstances of the people affected by a divorce. What happens when the original alimony agreement no longer reflects reality? Can alimony be changed? Can it be stopped altogether?

This blog post will walk you through the rules, qualifications, and best practices around modifying or terminating alimony in Colorado. If you’re wondering whether a job loss, new marriage, or financial windfall could impact your payments—or those of your former spouse—keep reading.

TL;DR — Can Alimony Be Changed in Colorado?

• Yes, alimony can be modified or terminated under certain conditions.
• Changes must be based on substantial and continuing changes in circumstances.
• Either party can petition the court for a modification—but not all agreements allow for changes.
• Seeking help from an experienced alimony attorney is key to making your case effectively.
• Alexander & Associates helps Fort Collins families navigate modern family law with clarity and compassion.

What’s Alimony or Maintenance?

In Colorado, alimony is officially referred to as spousal maintenance. It’s a court-ordered financial payment made by one spouse to another after divorce or legal separation. The goal? To help the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living, especially after long-term marriages or where one spouse gave up a career to support the family.

The court considers many factors when awarding maintenance, including:

• Duration of the marriage
• Income and financial resources of both parties
• Age and health of the spouses
• Standard of living during the marriage

There are typically two types of maintenance:

• Temporary maintenance during divorce proceedings
• Post-decree maintenance after the divorce is finalized

At Alexander & Associates, our Fort Collins attorneys help ensure the spousal maintenance award is fair from the beginning, so you’re not disadvantaged later.

When Can Alimony Be Modified?

Colorado law allows either party to request a modification of spousal maintenance if there’s a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. This legal standard is meant to ensure that maintenance reflects your actual financial reality.

Here are a few scenarios that may justify a modification:

• One spouse loses their job or suffers a major reduction in income
• The receiving spouse significantly increases their income
• Major health problems affect one party’s earning ability or expenses
• Retirement changes income availability

However, modifiability depends on the original court order. Some agreements specifically state that alimony is non-modifiable—meaning it cannot be changed under any circumstances. If you’re unsure, a quick review of your original decree with an alimony attorney can clarify your options.

Can Alimony Be Terminated?

Yes—alimony in Colorado can be terminated, but not automatically in all cases. The most common reason for termination is remarriage of the receiving spouse.

Other termination triggers may include:

• Cohabitation with a new partner (though more difficult to prove)
• Self-sufficiency reached by the recipient
• End of the specified duration in the original order

Importantly, alimony does not terminate automatically unless specifically stated in the order. You’ll still need to file a motion with the court to officially end the obligation.

At Alexander & Associates, our team provides experienced legal support when it comes to filing post-decree modifications, so you don’t miss important deadlines or legal details.

Alimony is a Delicate Subject — It’s Better to Be Prepared

Few things in divorce are more emotionally charged than money—especially when one party feels the arrangement has become unfair. Miscommunication, financial stress, and legal complexities can escalate quickly. That’s why it’s critical to involve a modern family law team with a clear understanding of Colorado’s unique laws.

Whether you’re seeking to modify or terminate alimony, it’s not just about proving your case—it’s also about presenting it clearly and strategically to the court.

Our Fort Collins attorneys bring decades of combined experience handling complex family law issues, including:

• High-conflict divorces
• High-asset cases
• Post-decree spousal maintenance reviews

We’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and represent your interests at every stage.

Seek Help from the Family Law Attorneys at Alexander & Associates Today

Navigating alimony modifications is no easy task. If your circumstances have changed, don’t wait to find out whether your spousal maintenance order should change too. Our team at Alexander & Associates provides clear, compassionate, and assertive legal support tailored to your unique situation.

Let’s work together to protect your financial future.

Ready to review your alimony order? Contact a Fort Collins alimony attorney at Alexander & Associates for a confidential consultation.