Going through a divorce can leave you wondering how you will support yourself when the dust settles. In Washington, spousal maintenance is one way the law helps you bridge that financial gap. However, not all support is the same. You might receive temporary payments while your case is pending or permanent maintenance after the divorce is final.
Having a good grasp of the difference between the two can help you protect your financial future and move forward with confidence.
Temporary maintenance helps during your divorce
Temporary spousal maintenance is meant to help you cover your basic needs while the divorce is still in progress. It gives you time to adjust as your life changes. Courts may award temporary support if one spouse earns far less than the other or if one spouse needs help paying for housing, utilities, or groceries during the divorce.
The goal of temporary maintenance is to keep your financial situation stable until the divorce is complete. Once your divorce is finalized, temporary support ends unless the court orders further spousal maintenance.
Permanent maintenance looks toward the future
Permanent spousal maintenance is part of your final divorce order. Despite the name, it does not always mean lifelong support. The court looks at many factors when deciding if permanent maintenance is fair.
Here are some of the factors Washington courts may consider:
- The length of your marriage
- Your financial resources and earning ability
- Your age, health, and education
- The standard of living you shared during your marriage
Each divorce is unique, so the court adjusts the duration and amount of maintenance based on your situation. Permanent maintenance may last for a set number of years or until you become self-supporting.
Seek legal guidance
Spousal maintenance can feel confusing, but you do not have to figure it all out alone. Speaking with an experienced family law attorney can explain your rights, help you calculate fair support and represent your interests in court. Doing so can help you have more confidence in facing the future after divorce.