How does the court decide who will pay the spousal support?

In Washington, the court will use the concept of equitable distribution when deciding who will pay for spousal support. This concept is based on an idea of fairness, and will take into account the contributions both parties have made to the marriage. The court will look at each spouse’s current job status, income, financial resources, and earning capacity. They will also consider how long the marriage lasted, how much each spouse devoted to the family unit, and if either spouse gave up education or career opportunities for the marriage. The court will also look at the age, health, and lifestyle of both parties. They may decide that one person would benefit more from spousal support than the other. For example, if one spouse has a health condition that prevents them from working and the other spouse has a secure, high-paying job, the court may decide to award spousal support to the spouse with the health condition. The court will also consider if either of the parties committed misconduct that caused the breakdown of the marriage. If the court finds that one party is responsible for the dissolution of the marriage, it is possible for them to deny spousal support entirely. The court typically prefers to avoid this in cases where both parties have contributed to the marriage. Ultimately, the court wants to ensure that both parties are financially and emotionally supported after the marriage has ended. When considering who will pay the spousal support, the court will use the concept of fairness in order to reach an equitable outcome.

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How does the court decide who will pay the spousal support?

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