Can alimony be awarded in an annulment?

Yes, alimony can be awarded in an annulment in Washington. An annulment is different from a divorce in that it renders a marriage "null and void," as if it never existed. As a result, many of the same legal issues that occur in a divorce—including alimony—may arise in an annulment. In Washington, alimony can be awarded during an annulment when the court finds that one spouse has been financially dependent upon the other. The court will consider the financial need of the dependent spouse, the ability of the paying spouse to pay alimony, the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the age of each spouse. The court will also consider the disparity of income between the spouses. If the court finds that one spouse has a much higher income than the other, alimony may be needed to ensure that the lower-income spouse can continue to maintain the lifestyle they had during the marriage. The court will also consider the contribution of each spouse to the marriage. If one spouse contributed more than the other—perhaps by taking care of the home and children—they may be awarded alimony to help sustain their lifestyle. Like a divorce, an annulment can be an emotionally complex and legally complex situation. If you are facing an annulment, it is important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand the legal nuances of alimony and other issues that may arise.

Related FAQs

Is alimony awarded if the recipient moves to a different state?
How long is alimony typically paid?
Is alimony taken into consideration when calculating child support?
Is alimony taxable to the recipient in some states?
Can an alimony award be modified if the recipient's income increases?
What are the requirements for an alimony agreement?
Is alimony calculated differently if the parties were married for a short period?
Can alimony be waived in a divorce settlement?
Can alimony be reduced if the recipient earns a substantial income?
How does a court decide who will pay alimony?

Can alimony be awarded in an annulment?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts