Alimony
The purpose of alimony is to support a spouse while he or she becomes self-supporting, or to be able to earn his or her own living expenses. In Washington there are short term, medium term and long term marriages. Generally the longer the parties are married, the longer the length of alimony may be awarded.
Alimony may be temporary (awarded during the pendency of the action) or may last for many years as part of the final decree. The role of alimony is to equalize the standard of living of the spouses for an appropriate period of time. To ensure you get the best possible alimony award, call Jeff.
There are several statutory factors that the alimony lawyers argue and the courts use when setting an alimony award. The factors are:
- The financial resources of the parties seeking alimony (verified by the alimony lawyers)
- The time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking alimony to find employment appropriate to his or her skills
- The standard of living established during the marriage (verified by the alimony lawyers)
- The duration of the marriage
- The age, physical and emotional condition, and financial obligations of the parties seeking alimony
- The ability of a spouse for whom alimony is sought to meet his or her needs and financial obligations, while meeting those of the spouse seeking alimony
Alimony is taxable to the person receiving the award, and deductible to the person paying the alimony. Alimony is generally modifiable with the help of your expert alimony lawyer. However, the lawyers may agree to make alimony non-modifiable. In that event, the parties and their alimony lawyers will agree that any alimony continues for the period of time set forth in the Decree regardless of the change in financial circumstances of the parties. Alimony terminates upon the death of either spouse, or the remarriage of the party seeking alimony. Sometimes, upon the suggestion from their lawyers, alimony awards are secured by life insurance on the person paying alimony so that in the event of his or her death, the life insurance proceeds can be used to pay the alimony obligation after the death of the party ordered to pay alimony. This process can easily become confusing. But with the help and guidance from Kirkland Family Lawyer the process can be simplified.
There is no schedule for alimony. Each case is unique that is why you need an expert alimony lawyer. Usually the most important factors are the length of the marriage of the parties, and the earnings of the party paying alimony and the party receiving alimony. Call us to schedule an appointment for a consultation.