Spousal maintenance is the payment to a former spouse by the other after a divorce or separation. There are a number of factors that go into determining whether or not to award spousal maintenance, generally based on the financial standing of each spouse after a divorce. Spousal support is not always awarded and certain actions can cut off further spousal maintenance payments. If you have any questions about spousal maintenance or alimony in a Washington divorce or separation, contact the Law Offices of Alesha Struthers.
Spousal Maintenance in Washington
If you have any questions about what typically happens with the amount, time, and terms of alimony, contact the Law Offices of Alesha Struthers.
The court may issue a maintenance order for either spouse. Under RCW 26.09.090, a maintenance order shall be, “in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems just, without regard to misconduct.” Factors in determining the amount of spousal maintenance include the following.
- 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.
“My Ex is Not Making Support Payments”
Just because the spouses agree to make support payments or the court orders maintenance does not mean that your former spouse will hand over the money. An ex- may not pay maintenance because they are upset about the divorce or just want to keep the money. You may have to act to enforce a maintenance order.
If your spouse is not making maintenance payments, the separation order or court order may provide for conditions of non-payment or underpayment. Contact the Law Offices of Alesha Struthers to understand your options for collecting unpaid maintenance and support.
Spousal Support in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties
Spousal support can be a contentious issue in a divorce. If you are going through a divorce and have concerns about alimony, financial support, or providing for your family after a separation, talk to an experienced family lawyer about your options, your rights, and how to make sure your financial interests are protected.
At the Law Offices of Alesha Struthers, we have offices in Tukwila, Mill Creek, and Tacoma. We provide dedicated family law services for individuals and families throughout the Puget Sound. Contact the Law Offices of Alesha Struthers today for a free consultation to get a personalized recommendation for your family law issues.