What is the purpose of spousal support?

The purpose of spousal support, also known as alimony or maintenance in Washington, is to provide financial assistance to one spouse from the other during and after a divorce. Spousal support is intended to help maintain the economic status quo that existed during the marriage, despite the change in marital status. Spousal support is paid to help one partner maintain their standard of living or to help the partner with lower earning potential to become financially independent. It may be paid in a lump sum or regular payments for a certain period of time, depending on the circumstances. When determining the amount and duration of spousal support, courts consider both the financial and non-financial contributions each spouse has made to the marriage, as well as the ability of both spouses to be financially independent. Courts may also consider whether either spouse engaged in any conduct that contributed to the breakup of the marriage. Ultimately, the purpose of spousal support is to help both parties to the divorce transition to their new life in a fair and equitable way. Spousal support order is intended to help the recipient spouse become financially independent and restore any economic losses or disadvantages suffered as the result of the marriage.

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What is the purpose of spousal support?

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