Divorce can change your life, especially when money is tight and the future feels uncertain. If you are worried about paying your bills or maintaining your standard of living after separation, it may be time to talk with a divorce lawyer in Redmond who can help you determine the next steps.
At Dellino Family Law, our team has 180 years of combined experience, and we understand that money is one of the biggest stressors during a breakup.
If you need answers now, reach out to a spousal maintenance/alimony lawyer in Redmond today to schedule a consultation and get a plan to protect your future and find peace of mind.
Defining Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) in Washington
In Washington state, alimony is officially called spousal maintenance. It is money that the court may order one spouse to pay the other during or after a divorce. The purpose is not to punish anyone. It is meant to help one spouse stay financially stable when divorce creates a large income gap.
In many marriages, one spouse earns more while the other handles childcare, household responsibilities, or a lower-paying career. Maintenance can help balance things out while the lower-earning spouse gets back on their feet.
Types of Spousal Maintenance You Might See
Not all spousal support looks the same. Depending on your marriage, the court might order different types of payments. Some people receive rehabilitative support as they return to school to learn a new trade. Others might get permanent support if they have been married for a very long time and cannot work due to age or health.
Sometimes, a judge might order a one-time payment instead of monthly checks. This is called a lump sum payment. This can be helpful if you want to make a clean break and avoid dealing with your ex-spouse every month.
We can help you decide which option is best for your finances and peace of mind. Our Redmond family lawyers weigh the pros and cons of each choice so you can make an informed decision.
How Spousal Maintenance Is Different from Child Support
It is common to confuse spousal maintenance with child support, but they are not the same. Child support helps cover a child’s needs, while spousal maintenance helps support a spouse. You may be dealing with both issues at once.
That is one reason it helps to work with our Redmond spousal maintenance/alimony attorneys, who can handle your entire divorce case, not just one aspect.
When Courts Award Spousal Maintenance
Washington courts do not use a strict formula for spousal maintenance, as they often do for child support. Under RCW 26.09.090, Washington courts consider several factors when deciding whether spousal maintenance is appropriate and how long it should last.
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and financial resources
- Each spouse’s work history and job skills
- The standard of living during the marriage
- The age and health of each spouse
- Whether one spouse stayed home to raise children
- The time needed for education or training
These details are important because one person may be able to return to work quickly, while another may need time to rebuild. The court’s goal is to create a realistic plan for both spouses, based on what each person can reasonably earn and what they need to remain stable during the transition.
How Courts Determine Spousal Maintenance
Because there is no set calculator, our team needs to gather clear financial documentation. This involves reviewing everything from grocery bills to car payments. When you are getting started with financials in divorce, it can feel like a mountain of paperwork, but we help you organize it all.
You may need to gather things like:
- Recent pay stubs and tax returns
- Bank statements and credit card statements
- Retirement account balances
- Mortgage and loan information
- Monthly budget and household expenses
What looks fair can depend on your exact situation. That is why it is so important to make sure the court sees the full picture of your income, expenses, and financial needs.
Once you understand the numbers, you can make smarter choices about what to ask for or what to agree to.
Changing Spousal Maintenance Later
You may be able to change your spousal maintenance later, but it depends on the facts and the court order. Maintenance can typically only be changed if there is a significant change in circumstances. Examples may include a job loss, serious illness, or a big change in income.
Sometimes, a court order may state that maintenance is non-modifiable, meaning you cannot change it even if life circumstances change. This is one reason you should not rush into an agreement just to get it over with.
Related Issues That Often Arise Regarding Maintenance
Spousal maintenance is not usually the only financial issue in a divorce. Property division, debt, and long-term planning can all affect what maintenance should look like. Many clients also need help with planning for what comes next, especially when they are starting over financially.
If you want protection and clarity before marriage, our spousal maintenance/alimony attorneys in Redmond can help determine if you need a prenuptial agreement. Depending on how these agreements are written and enforced, they could also affect your maintenance rights later.
Why Dellino Family Law Is the Only Family Law Firm You Should Trust
Choosing the right legal team is imperative, which is why you should work with our firm. We do not just see you as a case number. We see you as a person going through a major life change. We have built our firm on a set of core values that guide everything we do.
These are the principles that help us win:
- Loyalty: We stay committed to you and work as one team.
- Communication: We listen, explain things clearly, and keep you informed.
- Diligence: We do the work, follow through, and stay detail-focused.
- Excellence: We bring strong skills and keep improving our approach.
- Accountability: We take ownership and give honest, clear guidance.
- Adaptability: We adjust quickly when your situation changes.
These values guide how we handle every case. When you hire Dellino Family Law, you get a team that takes your concerns seriously, communicates clearly, and works toward the best possible outcome for you.
Contact Our Redmond Spousal Maintenance/Alimony Lawyers Today
Spousal maintenance decisions can affect your finances for years, so you need clear legal guidance before you agree to anything. Whether you are asking for support or responding to a request, having the right information can help you feel more in control of the process.
If you need help from a spousal maintenance/alimony lawyer in Redmond, contact Dellino Family Law to schedule a consultation. We will listen to your concerns, walk you through your options, and help you move forward with a plan that fits your situation.