Modifying and Ending Washington Maintenance
Washington maintenance can be modified only for installments after the petition and on a substantial change of circumstances, and it ends on the death of either party or the recipient’s remarriage unless the parties agree in writing or the decree says otherwise.
Substantial change of circumstances
The provisions of a decree respecting maintenance or support may be modified only as to installments accruing after the petition, and, except as otherwise provided, only upon a showing of a substantial change of circumstances (RCW 26.09.170(1)).
Death and remarriage
Unless otherwise agreed in writing or expressly provided in the decree, the obligation to pay future maintenance ends on the death of either party or the remarriage of the party receiving maintenance, or the registration of a new domestic partnership (26.09.170(2)).
Property is not modifiable
The provisions as to property disposition may not be revoked or modified unless the court finds conditions that justify reopening a judgment under state law.
Agreements
Because the termination rule applies “unless otherwise agreed in writing or expressly provided in the decree,” a decree or agreement can provide that maintenance continues after remarriage or ends on other events.
Child support is different
A child support order can be modified at any time on substantially changed circumstances, and voluntary unemployment or underemployment of the paying parent is not by itself a substantial change (26.09.170(5)).
Questions for the negotiation
Decide what ends or changes maintenance and whether the decree should continue it after remarriage.
Next steps
Decide in negotiation what ends or changes maintenance, and test numbers in the Washington alimony calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Can Washington maintenance be modified?
Yes, on a substantial change of circumstances, for installments after the petition.
Does remarriage end Washington maintenance?
Yes, unless agreed otherwise in writing or provided in the decree.
Does death end Washington maintenance?
Yes, the death of either party, unless the decree provides otherwise.
Can a Washington property division be changed?
Not unless the court finds conditions that justify reopening a judgment.
Is voluntary unemployment a reason to change Washington child support?
Not by itself.
Official sources
- RCW 26.09.090: maintenance orders, factors
- RCW 26.09.170: modification of decree for maintenance or support
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Washington statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Washington attorney.