Here are some answers to common questions regarding alimony you may be concerned about. If you have questions or concerns regarding your particular situation we would be glad to speak with you @ (253) 512-1140.

Q: How does the court determine whether alimony will be awarded 
     in my divorce?

A:  1. State law provides that alimony, referred to as spousal maintenance, 
         may be granted to either the husband or the wife.

     2. The basic principle the court follows when setting the amount and 
         duration of alimony is the need of one spouse verses the ability of 
         the other spouse to pay.

     3. There are two types of alimony:

        (a). Rehabilitative. This is for a limited period of time and is to enable one of
              the spouses to get the education or training necessary to find a job. This
              is usually awarded where one of the parties has not been working during
              the marriage. In this situation, the general rule is for every 4 years of
              marriage, 1 year of alimony will be awarded. However, this is not a hard
              and fast rule;

        (b). Permanent. This continues for a long period of time, possibly until the
              death of the party receiving the alimony. This is typically awarded if the
              marriage was very long and one spouse did not work or where one of the
              parties is unable to work due to a physical or mental illness.