Family Law
Spokane Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) Attorney
Spousal maintenance, often called alimony, is financial support one spouse may pay the other during or after a divorce. Unlike child support, Washington has no rigid formula — maintenance is decided case by case.
We help clients on both sides of a maintenance question: those who need support to get back on their feet, and those responding to a request they believe is excessive.
How Washington courts decide maintenance
Courts consider factors including the length of the marriage, the financial resources and needs of each spouse, the standard of living during the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, and the time one spouse may need to gain education or training to become self-supporting. Maintenance is about fairness and need, not punishment.
Types and duration
- Temporary maintenance during the divorce process
- Short-term maintenance to support a transition to self-sufficiency
- Longer-term maintenance, more common after lengthy marriages
Frequently asked questions
Is there a formula for alimony in Washington?
No. Unlike child support, Washington does not use a set formula for spousal maintenance. Courts weigh statutory factors such as marriage length, need, and ability to pay.
How long does spousal maintenance last?
Duration varies widely. It can be temporary, last a few years to allow a transition, or continue longer after a long marriage, depending on the circumstances.
Can maintenance be changed after the divorce?
In many cases yes, maintenance can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, unless the parties agreed it would be non-modifiable.
Ready to talk through your situation?
Reach a Schwab Law attorney in Spokane today.