Washington Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

What is Spousal Maintenance in Washington?

In Washington, spousal maintenance is financial support paid by one spouse (the payor) to the other spouse (the recipient) after separation or divorce. Its purpose is to balance economic inequalities that may exist after the marriage ends.

For example:

• If one spouse has been the primary earner while the other stayed home to care for children, maintenance may help the recipient transition into financial independence.
• If the marriage was long-term and one spouse cannot realistically become self-sufficient, longer or even permanent maintenance may be awarded.

Unlike some states, Washington does not have a strict formula written into law for calculating alimony. Instead, courts look at statutory factors, including:

• Length of marriage
• Financial resources of each spouse
• Age, physical condition, and financial obligations
• Standard of living established during marriage
• Education, work history, and employability

Because of this discretion, a calculator can only provide guidance—not guarantees.

How the Washington Maintenance Calculator Works

The Washington Alimony Calculator uses basic financial data and marriage duration to create an estimated payment range and advisory duration.

Here’s what you input into the calculator:

1. Payor’s Gross Monthly Income
   The total income of the spouse expected to pay maintenance.
2. Recipient’s Gross Monthly Income
   The total income of the spouse potentially receiving maintenance.
3. Recipient’s Monthly Needs
   The estimated monthly expenses for the recipient.
4. Length of Marriage (Years)
   This is critical because courts often treat short-term, mid-term, and long-term marriages differently.

The calculator then applies formulas to estimate:

• Monthly Payment Range
  Based on the difference in incomes and the recipient’s shortfall, multiplied by standard advisory percentages.
• Duration of Maintenance
  • Short-term marriage (under ~5 years): Often minimal or no support.
  • Mid-term marriage (5–25 years): Support often lasts 1 year for every 3 years married.
  • Long-term marriage (25+ years): Courts may award long-term or even permanent maintenance.

The tool also explains that outcomes may vary widely depending on the specific facts of your case.

Example Calculation

Imagine this scenario:

• Payor’s income: $8,000/month
• Recipient’s income: $2,000/month
• Recipient’s needs: $3,500/month
• Length of marriage: 15 years

Using the calculator, the estimated maintenance range might look like:

• Monthly Support Range: $1,000 – $1,400
• Suggested Duration: Around 5 years (since 15 ÷ 3 = 5)

This doesn’t mean a judge will automatically award this amount. Instead, it’s a reference point to help both spouses and attorneys prepare for negotiations or court.

Why Use a Calculator If Courts Decide Anyway?

Great question. Since Washington doesn’t use fixed formulas, why bother with a calculator? Here’s why it’s useful:

• Gives a starting point: Helps you set realistic expectations before court.
• Useful in settlement talks: Couples often reach agreements out of court.
• Helps compare scenarios: Adjusting incomes or needs shows how outcomes might shift.
• Saves time and stress: Provides a clearer picture before meeting with a lawyer.

Think of it as a navigation tool. The calculator won’t drive the car for you, but it gives you a map before the journey.

Important Disclaimer

The Washington Maintenance Calculator is not legal advice. Courts in Washington have broad discretion, and the final award can be higher, lower, or last longer (or shorter) than what the calculator suggests.

If you’re facing divorce or separation in Washington, always consult with a qualified family law attorney. They can provide advice tailored to your specific financial, personal, and legal situation.