Washington State Attorneys Home
Get Help & Answers Now!
Spousal Support in Federal Way, Washington – A Practical Legal Guide for King County Residents
Spousal maintenance—commonly referred to as alimony—is often one of the most critical issues in any Washington State divorce. In Federal Way and across King County, courts may order one spouse to financially support the other during or after the dissolution of marriage. The goal? To promote fairness and financial balance, particularly when one spouse has a significant income advantage or when one party has been financially dependent for the duration of the marriage.
Whether you're contemplating divorce, actively navigating the process, or seeking a change to a current support order, understanding how spousal maintenance works in King County is key. Below, we break down the most relevant statutes and explain how they apply in real-life divorce situations. Every quote is pulled directly from Washington law and explained in plain English, so you can make informed decisions about your financial future.
Defining Community Property in Federal Way“Property not acquired or owned, as prescribed in RCW 26.16.010 and 26.16.020, acquired after marriage… is community property.”
— RCW 26.16.030(1)
What it means: In Washington, almost everything you or your spouse earn or acquire during the marriage—whether it's a paycheck, a house, or a pension—is presumed to be community property. This shared ownership concept plays a vital role when King County judges determine alimony. The court assesses both the value of these assets and how they're distributed to gauge whether ongoing support is fair or necessary.
Property Owned Before Marriage“Property and pecuniary rights owned by a spouse before marriage… shall not be subject to the debts or contracts of his or her spouse.”
— RCW 26.16.010
What it means: Separate property—things you owned before marriage, or received as gifts or inheritances—typically stays with the original owner during divorce. However, if one spouse has significant separate assets, this may influence the judge’s decision on spousal maintenance. A spouse with financial security might receive less support—or be expected to provide more.
Calculating Spousal Support Amounts“The maintenance order shall be in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems just… after considering all relevant factors including but not limited to:”
— RCW 26.09.090(1)
What it means: Federal Way courts don’t use a specific formula to calculate spousal support. Instead, the judge evaluates factors such as how long you were married, the lifestyle you shared, your job prospects, and the financial needs of the person seeking support. Washington is a no-fault state—so issues like infidelity don’t factor into the court’s decision.
Eligibility for Alimony“The court may grant a maintenance order… in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems just, without regard to misconduct.”
— RCW 26.09.090(1)
What it means: Either party can request spousal maintenance, regardless of gender or the reasons behind the divorce. In King County, support may be granted temporarily while the case is pending or on a long-term basis depending on the need for financial assistance. For example, if one spouse left a career to raise children, the court might order support to help them regain financial independence.
Modifying Spousal Support Orders“The provisions as to property disposition may not be revoked or modified, unless the court finds the existence of conditions that justify the reopening of a judgment…”
— RCW 26.09.170(1)
What it means: While property division is almost always final, spousal support is different. If your situation changes—due to unemployment, disability, or even a new financial windfall—you can ask the court to modify your support order. Residents of Federal Way can file a motion in King County Superior Court to revisit the terms of their current spousal maintenance agreement.
Legal Guidance Makes a DifferenceSpousal maintenance decisions can shape your financial life for years to come. If you’re facing a divorce or need to revisit an existing order, don’t navigate the process alone, especially when dealing with alimony issues that could affect your finances for the rest of your life. If you have questions, speak with a qualified divorce lawyer.
Spousal Support in Federal Way – Frequently Asked Questions1. What does community property mean in a Washington divorce?
In Washington, community property is everything either spouse acquires or earns during the marriage, regardless of who holds the title. This includes wages, retirement savings, business profits, and property purchases. In a Federal Way divorce, King County courts view this property as jointly owned. When determining spousal support, the court considers how community assets are divided and whether one spouse will need help maintaining financial stability after the separation.
Learn more at Washington LawHelp – Property & Debt Division
Learn more at Washington LawHelp – Property & Debt Division
2. Will property I owned before the marriage be counted in spousal support?
Generally, any property you owned before getting married is considered separate property under Washington law. This includes things like inheritance, personal investments, or a home bought before the wedding. Although these assets aren’t usually divided during divorce, they can influence spousal support decisions in Federal Way. If one spouse has significant separate assets, the court may conclude that spousal support is unnecessary or should be reduced.
See more at Northwest Justice Project – Divorce FAQs
See more at Northwest Justice Project – Divorce FAQs
3. How is spousal support determined in Federal Way?
There’s no fixed formula for spousal support in Washington. Instead, King County judges review several statutory factors: the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources and earning potential, and the requesting spouse’s need. In Federal Way, spousal maintenance awards are tailored to individual circumstances. Courts aim for a fair result that helps both spouses transition after divorce.
Helpful Link: King County Superior Court
Helpful Link: King County Superior Court
4. Who can qualify to receive spousal maintenance?
Any spouse can ask for support—regardless of gender or the reason for the divorce. Washington is a no-fault divorce state, so the court only considers financial realities, not marital conduct. A Federal Way judge may order short-term or long-term support depending on whether a spouse needs time to become financially self-sufficient, particularly if they sacrificed career growth to support the family.
More information: Washington LawHelp – Dividing Property and Debts
More information: Washington LawHelp – Dividing Property and Debts
5. Can I change my spousal support order after divorce?
Yes. If your financial circumstances change significantly—due to job loss, a medical issue, or other major life events—you can file a motion to modify your support order in King County Superior Court. The court will review whether your new situation justifies increasing, reducing, or terminating the original support arrangement.
Learn how to file at Washington Courts – Family Law Forms
Learn how to file at Washington Courts – Family Law Forms
Understanding how spousal support works is vital, whether you're requesting it or responding to it. These payments can shape your financial future, so it’s critical to approach them with solid legal advice.
At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we provide practical, compassionate representation to individuals throughout Federal Way and King County. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are here to guide you through every step—whether you're facing divorce or seeking a post-decree modification.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn what’s possible in your spousal support case.
