Divorce Alimony in Washington

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In this state, the court awards the lower wage earning or non wage earning spouse some spousal support with an intention of preventing unfair economic results of a divorce. In the current scenario, it is observed that the court might order the wife to disburse alimony to the husband.

The objective of alimony is that both spouses must retain the standard of living with which he/she has become conversant during marital life. However, if a marriage has lasted for a brief period like 2 to 3 years, the award of alimony is not granted. Similarly, if both spouses are employed and are self reliant, there is no need to grant alimony.

Factors considered during grant of Divorce Washington Alimony

• The standard of living established during marital life
• The duration of marital life
• The emotional state, physical condition and age of the each spouse
• Earning prospects and work experience of each spouse
• The duration needed by one partner to attain training to become self reliant or employed
• The financial sources of each party
• Life style and standard of living experienced in marital life

Termination of Divorce Washington Alimony

When the recipient spouse dies or remarries, the alimony payments get terminated. However, each case is unique and there are some exceptions.

Rehabilitative Alimony is never for a permanent period. The aim of this alimony is to equalize the standard of living of both spouses. Hence, only while the recipient is studying or learning to become self sufficient, this alimony is disbursed.

Impact of duration of marriage on Washington Alimony

The divorce laws in Washington look towards spousal support on the basis of "economic partnership model." The main issue is the duration of marital life. When this duration is less than 5 years, spousal support is rarely granted.

In marriages that lasted up to 5 years, if one spouse is unemployed and would have to move to the street after divorce, then alimony is awarded. However, this award specifies that the payment should be paid for a finite number of months or until the needy spouse gets full time employment. If within the stipulated duration, the needy spouse does not become employed, this spouse may file a petition in the court for extension. However, it must mention a good cause for the extension.

If the marital life has continued for 20 years or more, then there is almost a guarantee that alimony would be awarded. The aim of the court in such cases is to maintain the financial standing of the parties seeking divorce at a constant level for a long time post divorce.

There are certain analytical rules to observe regarding spousal support. It is really crucial for the needy spouse to win at the lower levels of court. This spouse should never have the following perspective towards this issue - if the lower levels of court make the wrong decision, I would simply appeal at the higher levels. The issue of alimony is not akin to corporate or tax law to think in this manner.

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