A divorce can drastically change a couple’s financial situations, and each party may not be affected the same. If you are at a financial disadvantage in your divorce or may be required to make payments, discuss your situation with a spousal maintenance lawyer in Bremerton to learn more about your options and how to proceed so you are better protected after your divorce is finalized.
Dellino Family Law can help prepare your case so you are set up for success. With over 180 years of combined experience, we know what effective strategies to use to get results.
We leverage our resources and relationships within the legal, court, and professional communities when handling your case. Choose a Bremerton divorce lawyer who can protect your rights and prioritize your interests.
Why Choosing Dellino Family Law is Beneficial for Your Case
Our Bremerton family lawyers are here for you throughout your divorce and navigating spousal maintenance. We understand that being able to move forward on a stable footing can make a difference in your daily life, ability to support yourself, and ability to maintain a good quality of life.
To give you your best chance of success, we help you with paperwork, gathering documentation, negotiating on your behalf, and much more.
With the help of a Bremerton spousal maintenance lawyer from our team, you can be confident that your voice is heard and advocated for throughout your case.
We work diligently to find effective solutions that serve you, so you are treated fairly by your spouse and the courts. Your current and future well-being are important to us, and we strive to provide you with exceptional services.
A divorce can be a difficult and emotional time, and we also provide you with compassionate support that respects your dignity in your divorce.
We tailor our counsel to your circumstances so you never have to worry about cookie-cutter strategies. We also connect you with various resources that may help ease the challenges you may face throughout your divorce.
What Constitutes Spousal Maintenance in Washington
During your divorce, your lawyer can walk you through what spousal maintenance is, especially if you find yourself in a challenging financial situation. Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, is intended to provide financial support to a spouse who may be unable to support themselves after a divorce. The other spouse makes payments in an agreed-upon amount for a specific period of time.
In a divorce, child support is mandatory if children are involved. However, spousal support is not mandatory, and granting one of these requests is up to a judge. Not only must the requesting spouse have a legitimate need, but the paying spouse must also have the means and capability to make such payments. If alimony is awarded, it can help the receiving spouse cover their post-divorce expenses.
Divorce lawyers can determine how to prepare or respond to these requests based on the details of your situation. We can also review the same factors a judge considers and prepare you for what to expect, so you know which steps you may need to take in your case and the likelihood of your request being granted. Our team can also ensure you have the documentation you need.
What a Judge Considers When Evaluating a Spousal Maintenance Request
Receiving spousal maintenance is not guaranteed during a divorce, and it is up to a judge to decide whether it is warranted in a given situation. A judge takes several factors into consideration as they carefully review the information submitted in the spousal maintenance petition.
According to RCW 26.09.090, the specific factors they consider may include:
- The duration of a couple’s marriage
- A couple’s age, physical and mental health
- A couple’s established standard of living during their marriage
- Each spouse’s financial resources, capacity, and other financial obligations
- Need for additional education, ability, and capacity to acquire it
- Time to become self-sufficient
If a judge grants a spousal maintenance request, they also determine how long spousal support lasts. The duration of support is up to the discretion of the courts. The longer a couple is married, the longer they may be able to receive support. Some individuals may only need financial assistance during the divorce process or to become self-sufficient. The length of time will be outlined in a court order.
Challenges That a Bremerton Spousal Maintenance Attorney Can Help You with
Individuals may face challenges as they navigate their spousal maintenance case, which is why it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who is prepared to combat challenges.
One of the biggest challenges in these cases is that receiving spousal maintenance is up to the discretion of a judge. This means that the outcome of your case may depend on the judge reviewing your request.
It can also be difficult to demonstrate need or ability to pay if you do not have enough evidence or thorough documentation. Without clear financial documents and other records, a judge cannot accurately understand or review your request. A lawyer can work to help you gather sufficient evidence before submitting your request in order to minimize the risk of a denied request.
Additionally, disputes can arise during the legal process over what is fair, whether the stated need is truly valid, and more. These types of disagreements can significantly increase the time required to agree on terms and resolve a request for spousal maintenance.
Our team can guide you through conflict and complications to find a resolution that protects your interests and needs in your divorce case.
Discuss Spousal Maintenance Requests with Dellino Family Law Today
Dellino Family Law understands how much a divorce can impact your finances, and we are here to help you move forward on the best footing possible.
Whether you are requesting spousal maintenance or paying it, we provide tailored counsel throughout your case. Discuss your options with a spousal maintenance attorney in Bremerton when you schedule a consultation.