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Alimony and Spousal Support

Seattle Spousal Support & Alimony Lawyers 

Guiding Clients Through Alimony & Spousal Support in King County

Have you been ordered to make alimony or spousal support payments? Or are you required to receive alimony or spousal support? Either way, you may have questions about your situation and legal options. 

At Wakefield Legal, our Seattle alimony attorneys are familiar with the laws and processes related to alimony and spousal support. We can help you understand your situation and explore your options.

Contact us online or call (206) 966-6933 to get started on your alimony and spousal support journey in Seattle.

Understanding Alimony: What You Need to Know

Alimony is a payment that one spouse makes to the other during or after a divorce. In Washington State, the laws regarding alimony are complicated. Our Seattle alimony lawyers are familiar with family law and can help you understand your situation and explore your options.

Defining Spousal Support in Washington

In Washington, alimony may also be called spousal support or spousal maintenance. In most cases, the higher-earning spouse will have to pay spousal maintenance to the lower-earning spouse during or after a divorce. 

Although the court will consider many factors when deciding spousal support, the primary consideration is the needs of the recipient spouse and their ability to meet those needs. The court will also consider the ability of the higher-earning spouse to pay support.

How Alimony is Determined in Washington State

When deciding whether to award alimony, the court will consider many factors, including:

  • the length of the marriage;
  • the earning capacities of both spouses;
  • the needs of the recipient;
  • the ability of the payer to pay;
  • the conduct of the parties during the marriage.

If you are considering divorce, it is important to understand how alimony and spousal support work in Washington State. While alimony and spousal support are often misunderstood, there are options to help you navigate these issues. 

Our Seattle alimony attorneys can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about alimony and spousal support. Call at (206) 966-6933 for a free consultation.

Exploring Types of Spousal Support in Washington State

Spousal support can be categorized into several types based on the circumstances of the divorce and the needs of the parties involved.

Here are the main types of alimony in Seattle:

  • Temporary Spousal Support: This type of support is awarded during the divorce process to help the lower-earning or non-working spouse cover living expenses until the final divorce decree is issued.
  • Rehabilitative Spousal Support: This alimony is designed to help the recipient spouse gain the skills or education needed to become self-sufficient. This could include funding for education, job training, or vocational courses.
  • Permanent Spousal Support: It is awarded when the recipient spouse is unlikely to become self-sufficient or when the marriage was long-term. This type of support continues indefinitely until modified or terminated by the court.
  • Lump-Sum Spousal Support: Instead of periodic payments, a lump-sum spousal support arrangement involves a one-time, full payment to the recipient spouse. This can be agreed upon by both parties or ordered by the court.
  • Transitional Spousal Support: This type of support is intended to help the recipient spouse transition from being married to being single. It is typically short-term and designed to cover immediate financial needs during the initial period after separation.
  • Reimbursement Spousal Support: It is awarded to compensate a spouse for contributions made during the marriage that enabled the other spouse to gain education or professional benefits. For example, if one spouse supported the other’s education or career development.

Modifying or Terminating Spousal Support: What You Should Know

Yes, spousal support can be modified or terminated if circumstances significantly change, such as changes in income, employment status, or the recipient’s financial situation. To modify or terminate spousal support, a formal request must be made to the court, which will review the request based on current conditions.

Get in Touch with Our Seattle Alimony and Spousal Support Attorneys

If you have questions about alimony or spousal support, we can help. Our team understands how the Washington State alimony process works, and we can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about spousal support.

Contact Wakefield Legal today to get started with our Seattle alimony and spousal support lawyer.