Does my husband have to pay spousal maintenance?

In short, there is a common law duty imposed upon spouses to support each other whilst the marriage/civil partnership exists but what many people aren’t aware of is that the duty continues after separation as a result of statute. There is no automatic entitlement to spousal maintenance on divorce or dissolution.

How long is spousal support in Washington state?

Alimony in Medium-Term Marriages (5–25 years) As a general rule of thumb, courts in Washington State award one year of alimony for every three or four years of marriage. There is no statute or case law explicitly stating this formula, but it is an oft mentioned rule and generally what courts can be expected to do.

What is the law on spousal maintenance in Washington State?

VAGUE LAW. You can read Washington’s law on spousal maintenance at RCW 26.09.090, but it would be a waste of your time. Family law jurists (e.g., judges) can award virtually however much or little maintenance they see as fair.

What are the rules for maintenance in Washington State?

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE NORMS. Washington law requires courts to consider the requesting spouse’s need for maintenance and the other spouse’s ability to pay. Maintenance should be no more than the would-be-recipient needs, nor should it exceed the would-be-payor’s ability to pay.

What is RCW 26.09.090 for domestic partner?

RCW 26.09.090: Maintenance orders for either spouse or either domestic partner—Factors. Maintenance orders for either spouse or either domestic partner — Factors.

Why is spousal maintenance important in a divorce?

Spousal maintenance is often a common source of confusion and worry during the divorce process. When there is an income or asset inequality between partners, or one partner has been reliant on the financial support of the other, spousal maintenance allows you to recover financially after the marriage is over.

Who qualifies for spousal support?

Qualifying. To qualify for spousal support if you are in a common-law relationship, you must have lived with your partner for at least three years or have been in a steady relationship with him and have had or adopted a child with him. A number of factors are considered in determining whether or not spousal support should be paid,…

How is spousal maintenance calculated?

When courts apply statutory guidelines to calculate spousal maintenance, the amount of spousal maintenance payments is determined by subtracting 25% of the recipient’s “net income” from 33.33% of the payor’s net income.

How do courts determine alimony?

The courts determine alimony by first looking at the spouse’s gross income and reducing it by subtracting all mandatory deductions to come up with the net income. Mandatory deductions are things like income taxes, social security, and healthcare. The courts do not consider things like union dues or work-related…

How is spousal support determined?

Spousal support is designed to give the supported spouse enough money that he/she can get back on his/her feet. One of the key factors that determine spousal support duration is the length of the marriage. Typically, the supporting spouse will have to pay support for a period equal half the length of the marriage.