When your Washington marriage or domestic partnership comes to an end, you may have concerns about how you might be able to support yourself financially without your one-time partner. Depending on the details of your situation, you may be able to secure spousal maintenance from your ex to help you get by on your own.
Washington refers to a specific set of factors when deciding whether you should receive spousal maintenance. Some of these factors are as follows.
The standard of living you already enjoy
The state considers the standard of living you currently enjoy when deciding whether to award spousal maintenance. If there is no realistic way for you to continue to live a similar lifestyle without spousal maintenance, your chances of getting it may improve.
Your degree of employability
If you took time off work to serve your spouse or family, you may find it difficult to reenter the working world after a divorce. Your odds of securing spousal support may improve if you lack the education or professional skills needed to find gainful employment after your split.
The financial resources you already have
Even if you have not worked in quite a while, you may have other assets that may help you get by without your partner’s assistance. The state may consider all assets you currently have, including any separate or community property that belongs to you, when deciding whether to award spousal maintenance.
While these are some of the factors that help determine whether you receive maintenance, other variables may also come into play during decision-making.
