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State laws on spousal support, also called spousal maintenance, may require either spouse to pay support to the other. Spousal support depends on the length of your marriage and the financial status of you and your spouse during and after the divorce. A Fircrest spousal support lawyer could explain what you might expect in a divorce settlement if you have concerns about paying your spouse.
At Lutz & Associates, P.S., our family law attorneys have been working in this business for almost 30 years, and we keep the best interests of our clients in mind as we negotiate for spousal support, providing clear communication and strategic guidance throughout the process. Whether you must pay support or are entitled to receive it, we want your agreement to be equitable for both parties and give both of you the conflict-free resolution you need.
Unlike child support, which both parents must pay until the child reaches the age of majority, King County courts will only order spousal support if one spouse is dependent on the other and unable to support themselves immediately after the divorce, under the Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.090. This happens frequently, as according to Pew Research Center statistics, divorced households, regardless of gender, have lower incomes than both married and remarried households.
However, it is important to know that short-term marriages rarely get spousal support. Instead, long-term marriages of over 25 years are more likely to receive support orders because there is often more financial need for the spouse requesting support. If one spouse is unable to meet their basic needs, the court may order the other spouse to provide support until they can provide for themselves. A spousal support attorney in Fircrest could assist you with developing an agreement that provides for the recipient without burdening the payor.
In rare cases, judges may order lifetime spousal support. This may occur in very long-term marriages where the recipient spouse is older, infirm, or unlikely to be able to support themself, or when there is a gross disparity in incomes. For instance, the recipient spouse in a 40-year marriage may not have been gainfully employed during that time, in which case the court would probably order full support.
For shorter marriages, judges base support orders on the duration of the marriage but also on how much time it could reasonably take the recipient spouse to become self-sufficient. A typical standard is a year of support for every three years of marriage. This is why marriages under five years typically do not receive spousal support.
Spousal support usually ends when the recipient spouse becomes self-sufficient or remarries. Ex-spouses could petition the court for a modification if either spouse has a significant life event such as a major illness or job loss. You could benefit from the help of a spousal support lawyer in Fircrest when it is time to file these petitions, since they require showing the court what your significant event was and how it impacted your life.
At Lutz & Associates, P.S., we concentrate our entire practice on family law and have helped over 17,000 Washingtonians resolve their legal disputes. This focus has provided us with extensive knowledge and experience in Washington divorce law. When you need a Fircrest spousal support lawyer, our team offers the compassionate help you need and uses our knowledge of local court rules to help you get the best possible outcome.
Even if you and your spouse have an amicable separation, you should discuss your settlement agreement with an attorney. We could review your documents and ensure you have followed all legal requirements set by the state and the court. We would love to speak with you. Please call our office at (253) 785-8815 or contact us online today to arrange an appointment and a case review.