Spousal Support in Washington: What You Need to Know

Money matters can feel overwhelming when a marriage ends, especially if one household suddenly becomes two. Questions about spousal support sit at the center of that stress because the payments affect both budgets every single month.

At Jackman Law Firm, we have helped Seattle families sort through these worries since 2014, and we see how clear information often brings the first sigh of relief. This article gives you a plain English look at Washington’s spousal support rules so you can start planning your next steps with confidence.

Spousal Support (Alimony) in Washington State

Spousal support, sometimes called maintenance or alimony, is a court-ordered payment from one former spouse to the other after a divorce or legal separation. Washington judges do not follow a strict formula, so every award is shaped by each couple’s facts. The legal authority comes from RCW 26.09.090, which tells the court that any maintenance order must be “just.”

Because there is no fixed worksheet, it is common for spouses to disagree on the amount and length. That disagreement is settled by weighing several factors, all aimed at balancing need and ability to pay.

Key Factors Considered in Determining Spousal Support

Washington courts look at a blend of financial and personal details when deciding on maintenance. The following factors come up in nearly every case.

Needs vs. Ability to Pay

The judge starts by comparing the requesting spouse’s monthly budget with that person’s income. Any shortfall shows need. The same exercise is done for the potential payor to learn how much support, if any, that person can afford while still covering personal bills.

Length of the Marriage

Marriage length often shapes the duration of support. Short unions under five years rarely see long maintenance. Marriages of five to twenty-five years fall in the middle, and those lasting more than twenty-five years can lead to lifelong payments.

Financial Resources

Separate property, retirement accounts, and other assets are part of the analysis. A spouse holding sizable investments may show less need for monthly support.

Earning Capacity and Employability

Education, work history, and the current job market all matter. If a spouse left a career to raise children, the court may allow time for retraining. When a parent is choosing to stay underemployed, the judge can assign, or “impute,” a reasonable income.

Standard of Living During the Marriage

Courts try to prevent an extreme drop in lifestyle for either spouse. While two separate homes cost more than one, maintenance can soften the gap, at least for a limited time.

Age and Health

Older spouses or those facing health problems may struggle to work full-time. Evidence of medical limits often supports a higher or longer award.

Child Support

If child support is involved, that amount is treated as income for the parent receiving it. Because of this, large child support awards can reduce the need for alimony.

Sacrifices Made During the Marriage

Spouses who stepped away from school or careers to support the family may receive temporary help while rebuilding skills and income.

The judge weighs all these items together, which is why strong documentation and realistic budgets are vital for both sides.

Types of Spousal Support in Washington

Maintenance awards fall into three main categories, each serving a different purpose.

Temporary Spousal Support

This support keeps both parties afloat during the divorce process itself. It ends when the final orders are signed.

Long-Term Maintenance

Long-term maintenance is most common after very long marriages. Its goal is to level the parties’ income for many years, sometimes until retirement or a major life change.

Short-Term / Rehabilitative Support

This option pays for living costs while a spouse gains education or updates job skills. The length usually matches the time needed to finish the program and secure work.

To highlight the differences, take a look at the summary below:

Knowing which category fits your facts helps you set reasonable expectations before settlement talks begin.

How Spousal Support is Affected by the Length of the Marriage

Washington judges often treat marriage length as a rough guide for both the amount and the duration of maintenance. The next sections break down the three common ranges.

Short-Term Marriages (Less Than 5 Years)

The aim is to place both spouses close to their pre-marriage finances. If both are healthy and employable, support may last only a few months, or not be ordered at all.

Medium-Term Marriages (5–25 Years)

This range brings the most unpredictability, yet many courts use a casual rule: about one year of maintenance for every three to four years married. Judges still compare the need and ability to pay and often design awards to help the lower-earning spouse transition to steady work.

Long-Term Marriages (Over 25 Years)

The court’s goal is closer to lifelong income sharing. Property usually splits fifty-fifty, and maintenance serves to narrow any gap in monthly earnings, sometimes with no set end date.

While the length categories offer a frame of reference, individual circumstances can push awards above or below these informal norms.

Modifying or Terminating Spousal Support

Life changes, and so can maintenance orders. Under RCW 26.09.170, either spouse may ask the court to adjust payments if a substantial change has occurred.

• A payor who loses a job or suffers illness can request a reduction.
• A recipient who becomes self-supporting might see payments lowered or ended.
• Both sides can agree in advance that support will stay fixed and non-modifiable, but that agreement must be in the final decree.

Two automatic triggers also apply. First, maintenance ends if the receiving spouse remarries unless the decree says otherwise. Second, it stops when either party passes away.

Because the standard for changing support is high, keeping thorough records of income, expenses, and health is wise for both parties throughout the payment period.

Dealing With Spousal Support? Contact Jackman Law Firm Today

Spousal support involves more than numbers; it requires understanding the full story behind each marriage. At Jackman Law Firm, we listen, gather strong evidence, and work toward fair outcomes, whether you’re paying or receiving maintenance. Since 2014, our team has provided clear advice and steady advocacy grounded in real-world experience. If you have questions, call 206-558-5555 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you review your finances, set realistic goals, and create a plan that protects your future. You don’t have to face this alone.