Spokane Spousal Support Attorney

Advocating for Your Interests in Spousal Support Issues in Spokane, WA

Spousal support is one of the most contested aspects of divorce. Because of the wide discretion courts have when deciding such issues, it is essential for each spouse to have a seasoned family law attorney who knows how to successfully advocate for their interests.

Led by Attorney Mark D. Hodgson, our team of Spokane divorce lawyers at Hodgson Law Office helps you by fiercely negotiating for the outcomes you desire. From alimony adjustments to maintenance determinations, we provide you with quality legal services whatever your case may require. Prospective clients from Adams, Lincoln, Stevens, and Spokane Counties are encouraged to reach out for help.

Areas of Spousal Support Law We Can Assist You With

Spousal support involves multiple factors, calculations, and considerations. The following are some of the many services we offer to resolve the issues you are facing.

Determining Spousal Support in Spokane

Properly determining spousal maintenance requires a detailed analysis of the lives of the spouses. We work diligently to create a just support amount that reflects the reality of both parties' financial and living situations, including their standard of living, financial circumstances, and more.

Modifying Existing Spousal Support Orders

As time moves on after a divorce, one or both parties' situations might change, leading to a potentially valid reason to adjust an existing support order. Our team can help you build a strong case that demonstrates a compelling reason to have the support order modified.

Spousal Support Enforcement

Unfortunately, some ex-spouses fail to abide by court-ordered support obligations, even when they have the means to pay. We help our clients recover the monthly spousal support payments they are entitled to by identifying and thoroughly investigating all options to compel payment.

Temporary Spousal Support

In some marriages, one party makes most of the income, so temporary spousal support may be necessary during divorce or legal separation proceedings. If you are the party seeking support, we can assist you with obtaining the support you need.

Spousal Support Agreement Negotiation

Spousal support determinations require negotiating, which can often be challenging. At Hodgson Law Office, we have the experience and technique needed to help ensure that our clients' interests are taken into account during the often heated negotiations for spousal maintenance.

Termination of Spousal Support

Spousal support is awarded in divorce cases to maintain the status quo of marriage and prevent one spouse from living a life of lesser standards. When circumstances change, such as remarriage or increased wealth, we help our clients seek spousal support termination.

How Washington Courts Determine Spousal Maintenance

Under RCW 26.09.090, Washington courts evaluate six primary factors when determining spousal maintenance:

• Financial resources of the requesting spouse
• Time needed for education or retraining to find appropriate employment
• Standard of living established during the marriage
• Duration of the marriage
• Age, physical condition, and financial obligations of the requesting spouse
• Ability of the other spouse to meet their own needs while paying maintenance

No single factor automatically controls the court's decision. Washington judges apply broad discretion, which makes the quality of legal advocacy (and how evidence is presented) especially important. It's also worth noting that Washington uses the term "spousal maintenance", not "alimony".

Why Choose Hodgson Law Office as Your Spokane Spousal Support Lawyer

Our collaborative team of attorneys and legal assistants focuses its practice on difficult spousal support cases. With careful attention to detail, our lawyers and legal assistants work together to identify, value, and protect your assets throughout divorce proceedings.