Washington Spousal Maintenance Calculator

Under RCW §26.09.090, courts weigh: the financial resources of the requesting party (including property received in the divorce), the time needed to acquire education or training, the standard of living during marriage, the duration of the marriage, age and health of each party, and the ability of the paying spouse to pay while meeting their own needs.

Washington is a community property state. Property accumulated during the marriage is divided equitably, which often reduces the financial gap between the spouses. Courts consider the property division when deciding whether maintenance is necessary and how much to award.

There is no statutory duration formula. A common practice (not law) is to award maintenance for about one-third the length of the marriage for medium-length marriages. Long marriages may produce longer or indefinite maintenance. The goal is typically to allow the recipient to become financially independent.

Yes. Either party may seek modification of a spousal maintenance order upon a substantial change in circumstances. Remarriage of the recipient typically terminates maintenance, and cohabitation may be grounds for modification depending on the circumstances.