Alimony & Spousal Support A Fresh, Modern Approach to Law

Alimony Attorney in Denver, CO

17 Years of Denver Family Law. Both Sides of Every Spousal Support Dispute.

Spousal maintenance is one of the most financially consequential issues in any Denver divorce. Whether you’re seeking support after leaving the workforce to raise children or defending against a maintenance claim you believe is unreasonable, the outcome shapes your financial life for years. Law Office of Alexandra White, PC represents Denver clients on both sides of these disputes, with 17 years of Colorado family law practice behind every case we take.

Founding attorney Alex White has spent her entire legal career in Denver courts, including partnership roles at established Denver-area family law firms before founding her own practice. That depth of local experience shapes how we evaluate maintenance claims, build financial arguments, and advise clients on realistic expectations under Colorado’s maintenance statute.

Spousal support negotiations can move quickly once divorce proceedings begin. Call us at (303) 647-4245 for a free initial consultation and find out where you stand before decisions are made without you.

What We Handle in Spousal Maintenance Cases

Spousal maintenance (the term Colorado courts use for what’s commonly called alimony or spousal support) isn’t automatic. The requesting spouse must petition the court, and the court weighs need, ability to pay, and a range of financial and non-financial factors. We guide clients through every stage of that process.

Case Evaluation & Financial Analysis
Before any negotiation or court appearance, we assess the complete financial picture: income and assets for both parties, length of marriage, career sacrifices made during the marriage, and non-financial contributions like parenting and homemaking. That foundation drives every decision that follows.

Negotiation & Settlement
We work to resolve maintenance disputes without unnecessary litigation. When both parties can reach terms that are durable and fair, everyone benefits. We remain fully prepared to litigate if a negotiated resolution isn’t achievable.

Court Representation
When negotiations stall, we present financial evidence, challenge incomplete disclosures, and advocate directly before the Denver District Court for or against a maintenance award.

Modification of Existing Orders
Substantial changes in income, employment, or living situation can justify revisiting an existing maintenance order. We handle post-decree modification petitions for clients whose circumstances have materially changed.

Enforcement
When a paying spouse falls behind, we pursue enforcement remedies including wage garnishment and contempt proceedings to protect the receiving spouse’s court-ordered support.

We also address the financial questions clients rarely think to ask at the outset: how maintenance interacts with property division, how child support affects the calculation, and how voluntary underemployment by a former spouse gets treated by the court.

Why Denver Clients Choose Us for Spousal Support Cases

Alex White holds the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, awarded continuously since 2010, a peer-review rating that reflects how attorneys and judges who have worked with her directly assess her work. That credential points to something our clients experience from the first consultation: careful analysis over reflexive conflict.

We don’t treat every maintenance dispute as a courtroom battle waiting to happen. Our approach minimizes unnecessary conflict and focuses on sustainable outcomes, because a maintenance arrangement that creates ongoing resentment or financial instability doesn’t serve anyone well. At the same time, we don’t confuse minimizing conflict with accepting unfavorable terms.

Our team includes two Licensed Legal Professionals (LLPs), a designation approved by the Colorado Supreme Court that allows qualified professionals to provide legal services in family law matters at a lower cost than a traditional attorney billing rate. That structure gives Denver clients access to quality representation across a wider range of budgets without sacrificing the substantive guidance that spousal support cases require.

Clients receive a strategy built around their specific financial situation and goals, starting with the free initial consultation and continuing through resolution.

Speak with a Denver Spousal Support Attorney

Maintenance decisions made early in a divorce can be difficult to reverse later. Getting informed legal guidance from the start can protect your position whether you’re pursuing support or contesting it.

Law Office of Alexandra White, PC offers a free initial consultation for Denver residents facing spousal support or alimony issues. We can explain how Colorado’s maintenance statute applies to your situation and help you understand what a realistic outcome looks like before you commit to any course of action.

Call (303) 647-4245 to schedule your free consultation with our Denver alimony attorneys.

Colorado Spousal Maintenance: What the Law Requires

Colorado law uses the term “spousal maintenance” rather than alimony or spousal support, though all three refer to the same obligation: financial support paid by one former spouse to the other following divorce. Understanding how the statute works sets realistic expectations before negotiations begin.

Temporary vs. Final Maintenance Orders

Colorado courts can award two distinct types of maintenance. Temporary orders apply while the divorce is pending, providing financial support during what can be a lengthy process. Final orders take effect once the divorce is concluded and govern the ongoing support obligation. The standards and calculations for each type can differ, and a temporary order doesn’t automatically determine what the final order will look like.

Courts generally require a marriage of at least three years before awarding maintenance under the statutory guidelines, though judges retain discretion to award support in shorter marriages when circumstances warrant, such as a significant income disparity between the parties.

How Colorado Calculates Maintenance

Colorado uses a guideline formula as a starting point: maintenance is calculated as 40% of the higher-earning spouse’s monthly adjusted gross income minus 50% of the lower-earning spouse’s monthly adjusted gross income. That formula applies when the parties’ combined adjusted gross income is under $240,000 per year. Above that threshold, the court exercises broader discretion rather than applying the formula mechanically.

Reaching a fair result at the margin of those guidelines depends heavily on presenting a complete and accurate financial picture. Factors courts weigh when setting or deviating from the guideline amount include:

Each spouse’s gross income and financial resources
Marital property each spouse received in the division
The standard of living established during the marriage
Length of the marriage and each spouse’s career contributions, including time spent as the primary caregiver
Age and health of both parties
Each spouse’s realistic ability to become self-supporting

Maintenance Duration

For marriages lasting 3 to 20 years, Colorado’s statute provides a duration schedule tied to the number of months married. For marriages exceeding 20 years, the court may award support for an extended term or order ongoing support without a fixed end date.

Rehabilitative maintenance is designed to last only as long as it takes the receiving spouse to complete the education or job training needed to re-enter the workforce. It’s appropriate when one spouse’s earning capacity can realistically be restored within a defined period.

Modifying & Enforcing Spousal Maintenance Orders

An existing maintenance order isn’t permanent in most cases. Life circumstances change, and Colorado law provides mechanisms to revisit orders when those changes are substantial.

When Modification Is Available

Modifying a maintenance order requires petitioning the court and demonstrating a substantial and continuing change in financial circumstances. Common grounds include significant income changes for either party, the receiving spouse’s remarriage, or cohabitation with a romantic partner if it materially reduces their financial need. Modifications aren’t retroactive: they apply from the date the petition is filed, which is one reason timing matters.

Enforcement When Payments Stop

When a paying spouse falls behind on maintenance, the court has meaningful enforcement tools available. Wage garnishment can redirect payments directly from the payer’s employer. Contempt proceedings can result in fines, interest on unpaid amounts, and attorney’s fees assessed against the non-paying spouse. Additional remedies can include asset seizure, liens on property, and suspension of professional or driver’s licenses.

Tax Treatment After January 1, 2019

Federal law changed the tax treatment of spousal maintenance for divorce or separation orders entered after January 1, 2019. Payments are no longer tax-deductible for the payer and aren’t taxable income for the recipient. This shift affects the real after-tax value of any maintenance arrangement and should factor into negotiations from the start.

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Why Choose Us

Versatile Representation Style
We're here to convey your story while protecting and fighting for your best interests.
Big Firm Experience, Boutique Firm Attention
We're here to guide you through every step of the legal process with a plan personalized to your specific needs promptly.
Cost-Effective Solutions
We have 2 LLPs (Licensed Legal Professionals) on our team who offer services at a lower cost increasing access to legal services. LLPs provide a more economical option for handling various legal matters.

Alex White: Denver Family Law Attorney

Alex White has practiced family law in Denver for 17 years. Before founding Law Office of Alexandra White, PC, she served as a partner at The Harris Law Firm and a shareholder at Gutterman Griffiths PC, two established Denver-area family law practices. That background gives her a firsthand understanding of how spousal maintenance cases are approached and contested at firms across the Denver legal community.

Alex graduated from the University of Denver College of Law in the top 11% of her class. She has held the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell continuously since 2010, a peer-review rating reflecting the assessment of attorneys and judges who have worked with her directly.

The firm’s team includes attorneys and two Licensed Legal Professionals who handle legal matters at a lower cost, extending access to substantive family law representation to a broader range of Denver clients. Every spousal support case, regardless of which team member leads it, is handled within a practice dedicated entirely to divorce and family law.

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Hear From Our Clients

"If you’re looking for a law office that treats you with respect and integrity, I highly recommend"
I had an outstanding experience with the Law Office of Alexandra White. From my very first phone call, I was met with genuine professionalism and kindness. Alex took the time to truly listen to my concerns, answered all my questions with patience, and never made me feel rushed. It was clear she genuinely cared about my situation, and her honesty and transparency gave me confidence in her guidance. The customer service was exceptional—friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive. If you’re looking for a law office that treats you with respect and integrity, I highly recommend her. Thank you Alex!

- Joshua
"She truly goes above and beyond to serve her clients!"
I had the pleasure of speaking with Alex White about my upcoming child support case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her level of professionalism, expertise, and availability. From the very first consultation, Alex made me feel heard and truly valued as a prospective client. She took the time to explain every detail of my case and potential pitfalls I should be looking out for. What sets Alex apart is her deep knowledge of family law and her ability to apply it strategically for the best possible outcomes. She knows the players in the courts and has a keen insight as to who to use, and how to apply a good strategy based on who we are dealing with. I always felt like I was in capable hands, and the results certainly reflect their commitment to excellence. Whether you're a prospective client or already working with Alex, I highly recommend her for anyone in need of a dedicated, professional, and knowledgeable attorney. She truly goes above and beyond to serve her clients!

- Richard S.
"Would always be my choice"
I found Alexandria White through a neighborhood referral page and this office did not disappoint. From the very first meet (consult) she was very realistic about cost (less than I anticipated), timeframe, and the process. Advice was helpful in every choice I had to make. She was professional yet personal. There were a couple times my ex and his attorney were slow on deadlines and they took care of getting us back on track in a tactful and firm way while maintaining a positive tone with opposing counsel. The entire staff was friendly, efficient and I would make the confident choice to hire them all over again if needed.

- Marie
"Hands down, was the best expierence I have had"
The Team at the Law Office of Alexandra White, hands down, was the best expierence I have had considering the circumstances. Having used other Attorneys in the past, the professionalism was FAR greater with Alex and her Team. The amount of communication, preperation and clairity provided every step of the way reassured me that they had my case handeled. On top of all that, we won walking out with confidence and pride!

- Brooke C.
"Hands down, was the best experience"
The Team at the Law Office of Alexandra White, hands down, was the best experience I have had considering the circumstances. Having used other Attorneys in the past, the professionalism was FAR greater with Alex and her Team. The amount of communication, preparation and clarity provided every step of the way reassured me that they had my case handled. On top of all that, we won walking out with confidence and pride!

- Brooke C.
"They will go above and beyond"
I couldn’t have made it throughout the divorce without the help of Kim Moreno, Tara Adkins, and Alexandra. They take the time to listen and understand what needs the client is facing. The communication between us was prompt and helpful. If you are going through this process I highly recommend the team here. They will go above and beyond to help you with your case. Thank you all for your help.

- Desiree M.
"I recommend Alex White to anyone who needs a divorce attorney in Centennial."
Thank you to Alex and her whole team. Very much appreciate the professionalism and expertise of everyone I've had contact with at the firm. I recommend Alex White to anyone who needs a divorce attorney in Centennial. Also very much appreciate working with

- Henry Caspersen
"Best divorce and family lawyers in the Centennial area."
Alexandra White and her team are the best divorce and family lawyers in the Centennial area. Lorie who answers the phone and does client intake is very kind and understanding and great to work with. Call them first, they do free consultations and I believe they can help you.

- Dan Bryant
"I highly recommend anyone seeking a Divorce Lawyer to reach out to Alex White and her team first"
Divorce is an emotional and difficult time in anyone’s life to have to go through and it shouldn’t be done alone. The moment I walked into the office Colleen made me feel welcome and made me feel like I was part of their family. Alex and her st

- Scott Howell
"If you want someone you can trust she’s the one you need"
Alexandra White was incredible in handling my child support custody order. I was so pleased from her work and the outcome that I came back to use her once again to resolve child support modification. If you want someone you can trust she’s the one yo

- Courtney Weis

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