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Strategic Approach, Optimistic Outcomes In Family Law

Tacoma Spousal Support Lawyers Serving All Of Washington

Spousal support is regularly involved in Washington divorces to give spouses a chance to stay on their feet financially following the end of their marriage. Our attorneys at Envision Family Law can advocate for divorcing spouses requiring financial support. With offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Bellingham and Olympia, we are prepared to serve spouses throughout Washington state, including King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Whatcom County and Thurston County.

How To Get Spousal Support In Washington?

In a divorce action, state law provides that spousal support, referred to as spousal maintenance, may be granted to either spouse. The basic principle the court follows when setting the amount and duration of spousal support is the need of one spouse versus the ability of the other spouse to pay.

What Is Spousal Support?

There are two types of spousal support:

Rehabilitative: This is for a limited period of time and is to enable one of the spouses to get the education or training necessary to find a job. This is usually awarded when one of the parties has not been working during the marriage. In this situation, the general rule is that for every four years of marriage, one year of spousal maintenance will be awarded. However, this is not a hard and fast rule.

Permanent: This continues for a long period of time, possibly until the death of the party receiving the spousal support. It is typically awarded if the marriage was very long and one spouse did not work or if one of the parties is unable to work due to physical or mental illness.

An experienced attorney will provide you with the likely outcome in court, the best approach for requesting spousal maintenance and the appropriate amount to request. Every case is different, and you cannot compare this type of request to the situation of a friend or another family member who went through a divorce.

How Long Does Spousal Support Last In Washington State?

When attempting to secure spousal support, you will likely have questions about how long the payments will last. While the exact length of a spousal support order can vary, judges will often consider how long you and your ex were married, as well as the lifestyle you both maintained during the marriage. The judge may also consider the financial needs of the lower earning spouse, as they may not be able to find employment immediately following the divorce.

Call Us To Obtain The Financial Support You And Your Child Deserve. 24/7 Availability!

Rebounding financially is often difficult after the end of a marriage. Our attorneys at Envision Family Law have the skills required to fight on your behalf and help you maintain a comfortable lifestyle post-divorce. To receive honest legal representation, call us at 888-786-8628 or email our staff.