New Trend in Spousal Support: Stock Options

Spousal support - also known as Maintenance or1) The standard of living of the spouses during the
Alimony - is seeing an emerging new trend, accordingmarriage.
to the Colorado-based law firm of Hull & Zimmerman.2) The marketable skills of each spouse - i.e., how
That trend is the division of stock options.likely each person will be able to support themselves
As more and more people are awarded stockto such as a degree as is comparable to the standard
options through their place of employment, Coloradoof living achieved during the marriage.
courts are starting to take those options into3) The duration of the marriage
account when it comes to the division of assets4) The age and health of each spouse.
following a divorce.Alimony, once established, is hard to change. Basically,
This is just one reason why experts recommendin most cases, alimony changes only when one
enlisted the services of a qualified attorney if you areperson either dies or gets re-married. Because it's so
undergoing a divorce.hard to change later, it's important to obtain proper
In addition to stock options, there are many otheralimony right away.
factors involved in determining the amount of alimonyExperts agree -- an attorney familiar with Colorado
one spouse receives from the other. According thedivorce law is an invaluable asset when it comes time
Hull & Zimmerman, four other main factors are:obtain spousal support.