Spousal Support Conditions In Washington
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In essence, the court first looks at the economic need of the party seeking spousal support. The court measures this need by comparing the monthly income of the person seeking alimony with their monthly expenses. The shortfall between a party's income and their expenses is that party's economic need.
How Washington State Alimony is Calculated. The court looks at several factors when determining an alimony amount. Each spouse's assets, debt, age, income and earning potential, the length of the marriage, and the standard of living they are accustomed to can all factor into the decision.
For long-term marriages (over 25 years), the court will usually try to put both parties in an equal financial position for either the remainder of their lives or until both parties retire. The idea is that after 25 years, the parties should be recognized as financially equal partners.
How Does the Court Usually Divide Property? A court in Washington State will usually a) award each party his or her own separate property and b) divide the net value of the parties' community property 50/50.
You are not legally obligated to support her. If a divorce is filed the court could make alimony retroactive.
As a general rule of thumb, courts in Washington State award one year of alimony for every three or four years of marriage. There is no statute or case law explicitly stating this formula, but it is an oft mentioned rule and generally what courts can be expected to do.
Good news is that the State of Washington is a Community Property State. Therefore, you have 50% right to any and all assets acquired during marriage. These would include bank and investment accounts, home, vacation properties, vehicles, belongings, antiques and collectibles, jewelry and coins etc. etc.
