Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated December 21, 2018
Spousal support, also called alimony, consists of cash payments made by one ex-spouse to the other after a divorce. The idea behind alimony is to allow the ex-spouse seeking support to maintain the lifestyle to which they were accustomed during the marriage. Spousal support usually is sought from the ex-spouse that earned or has less money.
It's important to realize that spousal support isn't always guaranteed; instead, it's determined on a case-by-case basis. Many states, including Washington, have laws that outline the factors used to determine whether or not an individual is entitled to receive alimony. In Washington, spousal support is referred to as "maintenance" and the laws governing alimony also apply to former domestic partners.
The following table provides an overview of spousal support laws in Washington as well as links to relevant statutes. While this is a good place to start learning more about the law, it's important to read the actual statute and consult with an attorney when you have specific questions.
| Statute(s) | Washington Revised Code:
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| Factors to Determine if Spousal Support Should Be Awarded | A maintenance order is granted based on all relevant factors including (but not limited to):
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| How Are Alimony Payments Made? | The court will order support payments, including maintenance if child support is ordered, to be made to the Washington state support registry or directly to the person entitled to receive the payments under an order approved by the court. |
| Related Statute(s) | Washington Revised Code:
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Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
For additional information and resources related to this topic, please visit the links listed below.
As you can see, alimony in Washington state is only awarded based on certain factors. If you have questions about alimony, it's a good idea to contact a local divorce lawyer who can explain how Washington spousal support laws apply to your particular situation and help you through other aspects of the divorce process.
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