Legal and Financial Guidance from Matthew C. Clawson — The Divorce Guy
Divorce is never simple, but for airline pilots, the stakes are even higher. From variable flight schedules to complex compensation structures and retirement packages, aviation professionals face unique legal and financial challenges when navigating divorce in Colorado.
At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, we understand the intersection of aviation careers and family law. Whether you fly for United, Southwest, Delta, or another major airline, our team provides tailored legal strategies that protect your income, benefits, parenting rights, and long-term financial health.
Why Airline Pilots Face Unique Divorce Challenges
Airline pilots are statistically more likely to experience divorce than many other professionals. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the divorce rate among pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is around 30.5%—well above average. This is often due to:
- Irregular and extended time away from home
- Shift bidding and rotating flight schedules
- High-stress environments
- Limited time for communication and parenting
For pilots going through a divorce in Colorado, these lifestyle demands intersect with legal requirements, making it crucial to work with a divorce attorney experienced in representing aviation professionals.
Meet Matthew C. Clawson — Colorado's Trusted Attorney for Pilot Divorces
Known as The Divorce Guy, Matthew C. Clawson has over 50 years of combined legal experience helping pilots and their spouses throughout the state. His practice focuses on:
- High-income spousal maintenance
- Customized custody plans for pilots' schedules
- Retirement division (401(k), pensions, military benefits)
- Airline and military-specific compensation structures
Our firm has represented clients employed by:
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- American Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
7 Legal and Financial Issues Pilots Face During Divorce in Colorado
1. Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
Under C.R.S. § 14-10-114, pilots with income over $240,000/year often trigger discretionary court decisions. Courts may:
- Use 12–36 month income averages
- Consider step-down clauses for retirement
- Account for per diems, flight bonuses, and scheduling adjustments
Pro Tip: Disclose income accurately, but work with an attorney to avoid inflated projections based on peak earning years.
2. Child Support & Custody
Pilots face difficulties aligning traditional visitation frameworks with irregular schedules. Under C.R.S. § 14-10-115, support is based on:
- Gross monthly income
- Overnight parenting time
- Health insurance and childcare costs
Strategy: Build a custom parenting plan around your bid schedule. Courts approve nontraditional plans when they serve the child’s best interest.
3. Asset Division
Colorado follows equitable distribution laws (C.R.S. § 14-10-113). Assets frequently divided in pilot divorces include:
- Airline 401(k) and pension plans
- RSUs and stock options
- Crashpads, second homes
- Quantifiable travel perks
Most retirement plans require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) or Military Pension Division Orders (MPDOs) for legal division.
4. Tax Issues in Divorce
Due to complex tax codes, pilots should consult both legal and financial advisors for:
- Understanding taxable vs. nontaxable earnings
- Addressing per diem reimbursements
- Avoiding penalties from early retirement withdrawals
- Navigating the post-2019 spousal maintenance tax change
5. Retirement & Pension Division
Pilots often hold multiple retirement plans:
- Defined benefit pensions
- Airline-sponsored 401(k)s
- Deferred stock plans
- Military retirement (for former service members)
Plan ahead: Choose the right Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) options, calculate post-divorce timelines, and consult a QDRO specialist.
6. Jurisdiction & Multi-State Residency
Jurisdiction can become complex if you:
- Reside part-time in tax-advantage states
- Co-parent in Colorado
- Maintain military or airline residency in multiple states
Filing Requirements:
You or your spouse must reside in Colorado for 91 days before filing (C.R.S. § 14-10-106).
Tip: Confirm jurisdictional eligibility before initiating any filing. Incorrect filing may delay property division or custody rights.
7. Insurance & Travel Perks
Most pilots enjoy benefits not always classified as income, including:
- Health and disability coverage
- Flight perks (buddy passes, standby travel)
- Airline-sponsored life insurance
Courts don’t always assign value to these benefits, but they can be negotiated. Ensure post-divorce eligibility and update all beneficiary designations after the final order.
Ready to Navigate Divorce Like a Pro?
Whether you’re a pilot or married to one, you deserve legal representation that understands the aviation industry and Colorado divorce law. At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, we’ll guide you through spousal support, parenting time, pension division, and everything in between.
Schedule a confidential consultation with The Divorce Guy today.
Matthew C. Clawson
Colorado Family Law Attorney
Clawson & Clawson, LLP – Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience
Phone: (719) 634-1848; 303-550-9873
Email: matthew@clawson.law
Website: https://www.clawsonattorney.com/
“I’ve worked with many pilots who were concerned that their unpredictable schedules would prevent them from having meaningful parenting time. The truth is, Colorado law allows for flexible, creative solutions as long as they prioritize the child’s best interests. With open communication and a customized plan, we can ensure your parenting rights remain in full flight.”