Washington Alimony / Spousal Support

Washington alimony, also referred to as maintenance is the amount of money one spouse pays to the other, by court order or through agreement of the parties, for support and maintenance.

In the State of Washington, when a married couple or domestic partners split, a court may require one party to make monthly maintenance payments to the other. The amount and duration of the support shall be determined without regard to misconduct of either party.

• The financial resources of the party seeking maintenance, including separate or community property apportioned to him or her, and his or her ability to meet his or her needs independently, including the extent to which a provision for support of a child living with the party includes a sum for that party
• The time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking maintenance to find employment appropriate to his or her skill, interests, style of life, and other attendant circumstances
• The standard of living established during the marriage or domestic partnership
• The duration of the marriage or domestic partnership
• The age, physical and emotional condition, and financial obligations of the spouse or domestic partner seeking maintenance
• The ability of the spouse or domestic partner from whom maintenance is sought to meet his or her needs and financial obligations while meeting those of the spouse or domestic partner seeking maintenance

Modification of Alimony in Washington

Maintenance can be modified only upon showing a significant change is circumstances.

Termination of Washington Spousal Support

Unless otherwise agreed to in writing or specifically stated in the decree the obligation to pay future maintenance is terminated upon the death of either party , the remarriage of the recipient of the maintenance or registration of a new domestic partnership of the party receiving the maintenance.

Washington statutes regarding alimony can be found here: Section 26.09.090, Maintenance Orders for Either Spouse or Either Domestic Partner

Disclaimer: The materials contained in this web site are for informational purposes only. The information contained is general in nature, and may not apply to particular factual or legal circumstances. In any event, the materials do not constitute legal advice or opinions and should not be relied up on as such. Online readers should not act upon any information in this web site without seeking professional counsel.