In Washington State, there is no formula or set procedure determining whether alimony will be granted in a divorce or the amount that is to be paid. Technically known as spousal support in this state, the details are determined by the judge assigned to the case or set up in a legal agreement by the divorcing spouses. A Family Law Attorney Spokane WA can help in either circumstance. Divorcing couples should understand that setting up their own legal arrangement for spousal support has certain advantages. These include retaining control over the issue instead of letting a judge decide, keeping the divorce as amicable as possible, and keeping legal fees low as well. Even if the couple needs mediation sessions to work out a support plan, this will nearly always cost less than bringing the matter to court.
A family law attorney in Hackensack represents one of the spouses in this situation; the other must hire legal counsel from another firm so there are no conflicts of interest. The divorcing couple may agree to any number of support arrangements. For example, monthly support might be paid while one spouse acquires training or a degree so he or she can get a job with a living wage. Support might be paid until all the children have reached the age of 18 years old and have graduated from high school. This could allow the custodial parent and the children to continue living in the family home.
A spouse who does not want to pay support and rebels against setting up this arrangement should understand the reasons for which a judge would likely grant monthly payments to the other spouse. For instance, if the couple has been married for 20 or more years and one spouse has a dramatically higher income, that individual may expect that a judge will require some level of support payments. If one spouse has a serious chronic illness or is disabled, the other spouse may expect to pay support. A firm such as Bremer Buckner, LLC knows the details regarding when spousal support typically is granted by a judge and can advise clients accordingly. Visit the website for contact information.
