If you are going through a divorce in Washington, spousal maintenance is something that may have come up. Alimony, (now known as spousal maintenance, can greatly help you after a divorce, especially if you need to return to the working world after depending on your spouse.
At Allen Fischer PLLC, we strive to provide our clients with exceptional and compassionate legal representation through every aspect of their divorce. To find out more, keep reading to learn what spousal maintenance is and how it is determined in Washington.
Types of Spousal Maintenance in Washington
Spousal maintenance in Washington state is designed to provide financial assistance for the spouse who may need it during or after a divorce. An example of when this may be necessary is if you were a stay-at-home spouse and need to re-enter the working world to support yourself after the divorce.
In most instances, spousal maintenance cases have to be resolved in court, especially if both parties cannot come to an agreement. Washington state spousal support laws provide two types of spousal maintenance options, including temporary maintenance while the divorce is still ongoing and maintenance for a fixed period of time after the divorce.
It can be more challenging to receive ongoing maintenance since it is awarded for a longer period of time.
How is Spousal Support Determined?
There are a number of factors that go into determining spousal support, such as the health of the parties and their age, the standard of living established during marriage, the need of one spouse and the ability of the other spouse to pay, as well as the length of the marriage. There is also no formula that the parties can apply to determine spousal support. It is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Keep in mind that it is not uncommon for spousal support cases to be denied if it is deemed that both partners are financially secure and fit to continue working. A spousal maintenance agreement is easier to get if it is clear that one person is in a much better financial position than the other.
A family court will consider spousal support in short-term marriages, medium-length marriages, and long-term marriages.
How Long Does Alimony Last?
If you are granted temporary alimony, this will end once the divorce is finalized. On the other hand, unless there is a specific deadline set for spousal maintenance to end in your Final Divorce Order in Washington, it will only end when one of the spouses dies or when the receiving spouse remarries or registers a new domestic partner.
Hire Allen Fischer PLLC to Handle Your Spousal Support Case
Going through a divorce can be challenging, especially if you are also trying to get spousal support. At Allen Fischer PLLC, we are committed to helping clients get the alimony they deserve after a divorce. To partner with a team of compassionate and experienced attorneys in Washington, reach out to Allen Fischer PLLC at 509-466-7770.
