Quick answer: Washington has no maintenance formula and no statutory term limit. Under RCW § 26.09.090 the court may grant maintenance to either spouse or domestic partner “in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems just, without regard to misconduct,” after considering all relevant factors, including: the financial resources of the party seeking maintenance, including separate or community property apportioned to him or her, and his or her ability to meet needs independently (including any sum for the party in child support); the time necessary to acquire education or training for appropriate employment; the standard of living established during the marriage; the duration of the marriage; the age, physical and emotional condition and financial obligations of the spouse seeking maintenance; and the paying spouse’s ability to meet his or her needs and obligations while meeting those of the other. Maintenance can be modified only on a substantial change of circumstances and only for installments accruing after the petition, and, unless the parties agree in writing or the decree says otherwise, it ends on the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient (or registration of a new domestic partnership). Court-ordered maintenance actually paid is deducted from the payer’s income and counted as the recipient’s income for child support.
What this calculator shows
The calculator shows a ceiling from the requesting spouse’s shortfall and the payor’s surplus. It does not predict an award. The factors are in how Washington decides maintenance, the link with the property division in maintenance and the property division and modification and termination in modifying and terminating maintenance.
Property, child support and maintenance
Washington is a community property state, and the court decides the property division and maintenance together. See the Washington property division calculator and the Washington child support calculator.
Maintenance across Washington
The statute applies in every superior court that hears dissolutions, from Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue or Everett.
Frequently asked questions
How is alimony calculated in Washington?
There is no formula. The court sets maintenance in amounts and for periods it deems just, without regard to misconduct, after considering the factors in RCW 26.09.090.
Does fault matter for Washington maintenance?
No. The order is made without regard to misconduct.
How long does Washington maintenance last?
As long as the court deems just; there is no statutory term limit.
Does remarriage end Washington maintenance?
Yes, unless the parties agree in writing or the decree says otherwise; it also ends on the death of either party.
Can Washington maintenance be modified?
Yes, on a showing of a substantial change of circumstances, for installments after the petition.