If you are concerned about your financial stability or your ability to financially support your spouse after a divorce, it is essential that you talk with a spousal maintenance lawyer in Camas. Washington courts have a lot of discretion in these cases, and ensuring you have a strong case can make a difference in whether or not spousal support is granted.
Dellino Family Law knows how to help you when you are trying to navigate a spousal support petition. We build a customized case and negotiate fiercely for you so you have a better chance of getting your request granted. Talk with your Camas divorce lawyer today about spousal maintenance.
Improve the Outcome of Your Case by Hiring Dellino Family Law
Approval for a spousal maintenance request is not guaranteed during a divorce. Whether you are the one seeking support or the one who would be making payments to your spouse, Dellino Family Law can help navigate the nuances of your situation. We advocate for you and your situation to ensure that a fair outcome is secured that creates more equal footing between divorcing spouses as they move forward.
Our family lawyer in Camas can also help couples when there are disputes over spousal support. Couples may disagree about a spouse’s financial need or their ability to make payments to the other spouse. We work diligently to help couples reach an agreement, including recommending additional measures if necessary. Strong evidence can also help minimize disputes and better secure an outcome that is in your favor.
Our attorneys remain accessible to you throughout your case so you can get timely answers to your questions and never have to wonder what to do next. You also benefit from our in-house team and external network of professionals who can provide professional insights and conduct investigations as needed to ensure transparency and fairness during your case.
When an Individual Can Pursue Spousal Maintenance
When couples file for divorce, their marital property must be divided equitably between both parties (RCW 26.09.080). However, this can significantly change each spouse’s circumstances and may create challenges after assets are divided. For example, if one spouse earns more than the other, the lower-earning spouse may not be able to support themselves, or may need to further develop skills.
If a spouse lacks the means for financial independence, they can request spousal support during their divorce to help ease this burden. Monetary support is provided by the other spouse if they have the means and the request is approved by the court. Judges have discretion over granting these requests, as well as how much and how long payments are.
Couples who have a prenuptial agreement that is valid and enforceable may be able to streamline the legal process if they already made legal provisions for spousal maintenance in their prenuptial document. A Camas spousal maintenance lawyer should be consulted regardless of whether a prenuptial agreement exists to determine your options and navigate the details of the request process.
How the Length of a Marriage and Other Factors Impact Your Spousal Maintenance Petition
It is important to understand how the length of a marriage affects a divorce settlement because it can also impact the outcome of a spousal maintenance request and how much is paid. The longer a couple has been married, the more their assets are intertwined and their quality of life is established. Judges take this into account when evaluating an alimony request.
Requests for spousal maintenance are more likely to be granted to couples who have been married longer. The amount and duration of support are likely to be increased for these couples. However, these are not the only factors that are considered during an alimony case. A couple’s age, health, economic situation, employment status, and lifestyle are also factored in, as outlined in RCW 26.09.090.
Knowing that the court takes these factors into account, your lawyer can help you prepare for what to expect. They can help optimize your case by gathering the evidence needed to show your financial need or to what extent you are able to provide support. We can build a case that is solid, backed up by documentation, and argued for fiercely by our experienced attorneys in Camas.
Talk to a Spousal Maintenance Attorney in Camas About Making Modifications to the Existing Order if Needed
Once spousal support is established and approved by a judge, all parties must adhere to the terms of the court order. Spousal support orders are considered legally binding, so failing to pay spousal support, changing the value of payments, or any other unauthorized change can result in legal repercussions. While modifications can be made under certain circumstances, they must follow an approved process.
Modifications can be made if there has been a significant and unforeseen change to income, either positive or negative, or a severe health condition that decreases earnings. If this happens, you can talk to a lawyer to verify your right to modify the order. They can help you gather evidence to support your request and file a modification petition with the Clark County Superior Court Family Court Services.
The other party must be served with papers after you request a modification. New terms can be negotiated and must be reviewed by the court. Judges issue a decision and/or grant a modification order depending on the details of the case. Parties are bound to the new order. It is also important to be aware that if the receiving spouse remarries or either spouse dies, spousal support ends.
Schedule a Consultation With Dellino Family Law Today to Navigate Your Spousal Support Case
When you are facing financial stress because of a divorce and changing family dynamics, Dellino Family Law can help you navigate spousal maintenance. A Camas spousal maintenance attorney from our team provides customized support so your rights are protected and you can get a favorable outcome. Talk to our team today when you contact us to set up a consultation.
