Alimony and Spousal Support in Washington

The court may order maintenance for either spouse in amounts and for periods it considers just, without regard to misconduct. Factors include the requesting spouse's financial resources and ability to meet needs independently, the time needed for education or training, the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, the requesting spouse's age, physical and emotional condition and financial obligations, and the paying spouse's ability to meet their own needs while paying. There is no statutory formula.

Washington is a community property state. In a divorce, the court divides both community and separate property and debts in a way that is just and equitable, without regard to misconduct, considering the nature and extent of the community property, the nature and extent of the separate property, the length of the marriage, and each spouse's economic circumstances when the division takes effect, including the desirability of awarding the family home to the spouse with whom the children live most of the time.