What is Alimony in Washington State?
When a marriage ends in Washington State, one spouse may be ordered by the court to pay the other spousal support, often called alimony. Legally, in Washington, it’s referred to as spousal maintenance.
Unlike some other states, Washington doesn’t have a specific formula for calculating alimony. Instead, decisions about spousal maintenance are made on a case-by-case basis, based on a judge’s discretion.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of alimony laws in Washington State, the factors that influence how it’s awarded, and some practical things to consider if you’re facing a divorce.