WASHINGTON Part 27

Factors Considered for Spousal Maintenance

In Washington, there is no formula to determine the amount and frequency of maintenance payments. Instead, a court considers a set of factors to come up with a fair award. These factors include the duration and standard of living during the marriage, and the requesting spouse’s age, physical and emotional condition, and financial obligations. The court also looks at the requesting spouse’s financial resources, such as the separate or community property acquired at divorce, and this spouse’s ability to self-support. Likewise, the court evaluates the other spouse’s ability to pay.