How is alimony calculated in Washington state?

How is alimony calculated in Washington state?

Specifically, to determine the amount of alimony, a spousal support award should be calculated by taking 30% of the payor’s gross income minus 20% of the payee’s gross income.

How much is alimony in Washington?

Most judges award maintenance lasting 20-33% of the length of the marriage, and the monthly amount tapers with time. For example, the judge might award $2,000 for 2 years, and then decrease that amount by $200 every six months until maintenance ends.

How long does alimony last in Washington state?

Alimony in Medium-Term Marriages (5–25 years) 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.

Is Washington state a 50/50 divorce state?

In the state of Washington, all property in a divorce is subject to division. That being said, your property will likely not be divided 50/50 in a divorce. Instead, Washington divorces focus on “equitable” division—that is, a division that is fair and just, not necessarily equal.

Are judges fair in divorce?

And in divorce court, arguing about whether something is fair is usually a waste of time. But if the laws and court decisions of the state dictate a victory for a spendthrift philanderer, a judge has no choice but to follow the law and make a decision that most people would feel was unfair.

How does adultery affect divorce in Washington State?

Adultery has no bearing on a divorce in Washington State. Cheating doesn’t matter because Washington State is a “no-fault” state, which means that either party can file for divorce without providing proof of a particular cause, such as adultery.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in Washington state?

If you are expecting a relatively simple and low-conflict divorce, it probably does not matter whether you or your spouse initially file for divorce. The petitioner also gets to cite the reason for divorce, which the respondent may or may not agree with. …

Why would a judge deny a divorce?

A judge will typically only deny an uncontested divorce if there are procedural matters that haven’t been done properly, something is unclear or confusing, or something is not in the best interests of the child.

What does a judge look for in a divorce?

The court will look at meeting the needs of both parties, including ensuring their housing and income needs are met. If these needs are met from the available assets and there is a surplus, the court may consider the origin of certain assets in deciding how the remainder is divided.

Can a judge tell if someone is lying?

Judges are only human. The judge will do his or her best to determine who is telling the truth, but the judge doesn’t know either of you very well. The judge may conclude that your ex is lying and, if so, this will certainly affect how the judge rules in the…

Who usually wins in a divorce?

Unlike other areas of law, divorce law is specifically designed to prevent an outcome that results in a “winner” and a “loser.” Your court will most likely favor an equal (50/50) division of all assets and debts accrued during the marriage – the specifics will depend on your jurisdiction.

Why is divorce so nasty?

The reason most divorces turn ugly is because someone in the relationship has a dirty little secret. They’ve been lying to their spouse about how they feel and have been privately entertaining the idea of getting a divorce. The spouse has no idea what’s going on and believes the marriage is fine.