Spousal Support

How Much Will Spousal Support or Alimony Be?

Spousal maintenance is also referred to as spousal support or alimony. Common questions regarding spousal support are how much will I have to pay in support to my spouse; am I entitled to spousal support; how much will my spouse have to pay me in support; and how long will support last? We can help you determine whether spousal maintenance is appropriate in your case. If you would like to speak with an experienced divorce lawyer in Pierce County or King County, feel free to call us. Our phone number is (253) 234-1934.

The spousal maintenance statute is found in RCW 26.09.090 and provides the following facts the court considers in determining if spousal maintenance should be awarded and if so, for how much and how long.

The court will consider all relevant factors including but not limited to: (a) 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; (b) 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; (c) The standard of living established during the marriage or domestic partnership; (d) The duration of the marriage or domestic partnership; (e) The age, physical and emotional condition, and financial obligations of the spouse or domestic partner seeking maintenance; and (f) 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.