Divorce can affect every part of your financial life. A common concern people have is whether one spouse will need financial support after the marriage ends. If you’re facing this situation, working with a divorce lawyer in Everett can help you understand your rights and options under Washington law.
At Dellino Family Law, our attorneys help clients understand their financial options during divorce and plan for the transition from a shared household income to managing finances on their own. With over 180 years of combined experience, our team has guided many families through difficult legal decisions. If you need a spousal maintenance/alimony lawyer in Everett, contact us today.
When the Court May Award Spousal Maintenance
Courts don’t automatically order spousal maintenance in every divorce. Instead, judges first look at the circumstances of the marriage and the finances of each spouse. They may consider maintenance when one spouse earns significantly less income, has paused their career to raise children, or has supported the other spouse’s education or professional growth. Factors courts consider include:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s financial resources
- The time needed for education or job training
- The standard of living during the marriage
- Each spouse’s age and health
- The ability of the paying spouse to meet their own needs
These factors help the court decide whether support is appropriate and for how long. Because every family situation is different, the outcome can vary from case to case. Working with our Everett family lawyers can help make sure the court understands your financial situation and long-term needs when making this decision.
Types of Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance can take various forms depending on each spouse’s needs and the circumstances of the marriage. Some orders last only a short time, while others may continue for several years. In many situations, maintenance helps a spouse return to the workforce or complete education that will improve their earning ability.
Common forms of spousal maintenance include:
- Temporary maintenance during the divorce process
- Rehabilitative maintenance while a spouse completes training or education
- Short-term maintenance to allow financial adjustment after divorce
- Long-term maintenance in certain long marriages or unique situations
Courts use these options to create a support arrangement that fits both spouses’ circumstances. It’s often necessary to carefully review both spouses’ financial situations before deciding on the best approach.
How Courts Decide the Amount of Maintenance
There’s no strict formula under Washington law, RCW 26.09.090, for figuring out spousal maintenance. Judges instead look closely at the financial situations of both spouses before deciding on an amount. The courts look at each person’s income, job prospects, debts, and available resources. The goal is to find a fair solution that lets both spouses move on.
When determining who gets what after a divorce and how support payments relate to property division, it’s often necessary to discuss property distribution, debts, and maintenance decisions together during settlement negotiations. Because these financial decisions are connected, reviewing the full picture of your marital finances is an important part of the process.
Modifying or Ending Spousal Maintenance
Life circumstances can change after a divorce. In some situations, a party can modify a maintenance order if there’s been a significant change in circumstances. For example, a serious illness, job loss, or a substantial change in income could affect whether the existing support order remains fair. Courts may review these changes and decide whether the amount of support should be adjusted.
Common situations that may affect maintenance include the receiving spouse’s remarriage, a significant increase or decrease in income, retirement in certain circumstances, and the death of either party. It’s important to remember that you can’t simply change or stop support payments on your own. The court must approve any modification before the order can be adjusted.
Negotiating Spousal Maintenance During Divorce
Parties can resolve many maintenance issues through negotiation instead of a full trial. Reaching an agreement outside of court can give both spouses more control over the outcome. Negotiation may involve reviewing income, expenses, and future financial needs. Sometimes, maintenance may also be balanced with property division or other financial arrangements. Issues often negotiated include:
- The monthly maintenance amount
- The length of the support payments
- Whether payments may change in the future
- How maintenance fits into the overall divorce settlement
Taking time to review these details carefully can help prevent misunderstandings after the divorce is finalized. Our spousal maintenance/alimony attorneys in Everett can help you evaluate proposed terms, explain how different arrangements may affect your financial future, and advocate for a fair agreement during negotiations.
Why Get Help from Dellino Family Law?
Choosing the right legal team during a divorce is important. Financial decisions made during this process can affect your stability for many years. At Dellino Family Law, our attorneys provide thoughtful legal guidance during difficult life transitions. Our firm’s work is guided by core values of loyalty, communication, diligence, excellence, accountability, and adaptability.
We treat our clients with compassion and understanding during what’s often one of the most stressful periods of their lives. We also work diligently to protect each client’s legal rights and financial interests. With more than 180 years of combined experience, our team has helped many families in Washington navigate complex financial issues in divorce, including spousal maintenance and property division.
Speak With Our Everett Spousal Maintenance/Alimony Lawyers
Financial questions during divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when the divorce involves long-term support. Understanding how Washington courts approach spousal maintenance can help you make informed decisions about your future.
If you’re considering divorce or have questions about spousal maintenance, speaking with a spousal maintenance/alimony lawyer in Everett can provide helpful guidance. Our attorneys at Dellino Family Law can review your situation, explain your options, and help you plan for the next stage of your life. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.