When couples get divorced, both spouses do not always have the same financial circumstances. In some situations, spousal support, also known as spousal maintenance or alimony, is appropriate to help the non-paying spouse maintain their lifestyle for a period of time after the divorce.
If you believe that alimony might be owed in your divorce proceedings, an experienced Bainbridge Island spousal support lawyer from Lutz & Associates, P.S., could help you assess the situation and if you should be receiving or providing payments. We could help you work toward a resolution that satisfies both you and your former spouse. Our family attorneys have been helping people resolve their family law issues with skill and experience since 1997, and we could do the same for you.
What Are the Different Types of Spousal Support?
Washington State law sets forth two different types of alimony: temporary and continuing. According to the Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.060, you could seek temporary maintenance while your divorce is in progress because of the lengthy legal process. Temporary maintenance may alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty you face by maintaining the status quo of your financial situation.
You may also seek spousal maintenance to cover your needs after a court has finalized your divorce. Spousal support is not mandatory after every marriage, but courts may issue continuing spousal maintenance depending on the unique circumstances of each case. One of the major factors the courts consider is the length of your marriage, as people in longer marriages are more likely to obtain substantial alimony than people in shorter marriages. According to the Pew Research Center, divorce rates for couples older than 50 have been increasing and remaining stable since the 1990s, making spousal maintenance post-divorce a lot more common in recent years.
Our experienced Bainbridge Island attorneys are dedicated to securing spousal support for you. We pride ourselves on our long-term client relationships, dedication to clear communication, and care for helping couples and families in need.
Understanding How Washington Courts Determine Support Obligations
Washington courts determine whether the person requesting spousal support needs financial help and whether their spouse has the financial means to pay for it. According to the Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.090, the courts will consider a variety of factors beyond the length of your marriage that could affect whether one spouse receives alimony and how much that should be. These factors include:
- Financial obligations
- Age and physical and emotional well-being
- The couple’s standard of living during a marriage
- Financial resources, which include property and each spouse’s ability to support themselves
- The time needed for the receiving spouse to acquire enough vocational training or education to find an appropriate job
Our experienced Bainbridge Island lawyers could determine if you have a viable chance of owing or obtaining post-divorce support. Our experience also includes representing the spouses of people requesting alimony, and we could work with you to ensure that your spousal support obligation is not overly burdensome.
Contact Our Compassionate Bainbridge Island Spousal Support Attorneys for Help
If you have questions or concerns about alimony issues, we would love to speak with you. Contact a Bainbridge Island spousal support lawyer from Lutz & Associates, P.S. today. Our commitment is to meet your needs without running up your bill. Our attorneys prioritize efficiency and focus to help you find a fair resolution. Call us at (206) 518-9699 or reach out online.
