Alimony & Spousal Support

Alimony Attorney in Seattle

Spousal Maintenance Strategy Built Around Washington’s Statutory Factors

Washington doesn’t use the word “alimony.” State law calls it spousal maintenance, and the distinction matters because the factors courts weigh under RCW 26.09.090 are specific and fact-intensive. At Guadagno Law, PLLC, I build each spousal maintenance strategy around those statutory factors, whether I’m negotiating a settlement or litigating the issue before a judge.

Spousal support questions come up in nearly every contested divorce. How long was the marriage? What did each spouse earn, and what can they realistically earn going forward? What standard of living did the couple share? The answers shape every aspect of a maintenance claim. I handle these matters as part of my broader family law practice in Seattle, bringing the same personalized approach to support disputes that I apply to every case I take.

If you’re facing a spousal maintenance dispute, I’m available 24/7 to discuss your situation. Call (206) 895-6800 for a free case evaluation.

Experience on Both Sides of a Maintenance Dispute

Spousal maintenance cases involve two distinct positions: the spouse seeking support and the spouse asked to pay it. I’ve handled both. With over a decade of legal experience and 3,000+ cases across family law and criminal defense, I understand how courts assess credibility, review financial disclosures, and weigh competing arguments about income and need. I keep a selective caseload so each client gets focused, individualized attention rather than a cookie-cutter result.

My background as a former prosecutor also shapes how I approach these cases. I know how to anticipate the other side’s arguments and how to build a record that holds up under scrutiny.

What Clients Say

My firm carries a near-perfect Google rating. Clients consistently describe the experience as attentive, guided, and genuinely caring. During a divorce, those qualities aren’t a luxury. Financial support decisions made in this process can affect you for years, and having an attorney who takes your circumstances seriously can make a real difference in how your case is presented and resolved.

Start with a Free Consultation

I offer free case evaluations for spousal maintenance matters so you can understand your position before committing to anything. Payment plan options are available, because quality representation shouldn’t be out of reach during an already difficult time. I’m available 24/7 and provide bilingual services in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and more.

Ready to discuss your situation? Call (206) 895-6800 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with Guadagno Law, PLLC.

Spousal Maintenance Under Washington Law

Washington uses “spousal maintenance” as the statutory term for what most people call alimony or spousal support. The governing statute, RCW 26.09.090, gives courts broad discretion to award maintenance in any amount and for any duration the circumstances justify. For Seattle-area divorces, these matters are filed and heard in King County Superior Court.

There’s no formula. Unlike child support, which follows a state schedule, maintenance awards depend on the judge’s weighing of several competing factors. That discretion is exactly why the quality of the arguments presented on your behalf matters.

Factors Washington Courts Weigh Under RCW 26.09.090

When a court decides whether to award spousal maintenance and in what amount, it considers a defined set of statutory factors. Understanding them helps you evaluate your position before entering negotiations or litigation.

The statutory factors include:

Length of the marriage: Longer marriages generally support longer or larger maintenance awards
Financial resources of the spouse seeking maintenance: Including separate property and any community property awarded in the divorce decree
Time needed for education or training: How long it will realistically take the requesting spouse to become self-supporting through suitable employment
Standard of living during the marriage: The lifestyle both spouses shared is a baseline the court considers when setting award amounts
Age, physical condition, and emotional condition: Health limitations or age-related barriers to employment weigh in favor of the requesting spouse
Ability of the paying spouse to meet their own needs: Courts can’t impose obligations the paying spouse genuinely can’t meet alongside their own reasonable expenses

Income and earning capacity run through nearly every factor on this list. A spouse who voluntarily left the workforce during the marriage is treated differently from one who was never employed, and both are treated differently from a spouse who earns significantly less than their partner. Building a clear picture of each spouse’s financial reality is central to how I approach these cases.

Modifying or Terminating a Maintenance Order

A maintenance order entered as part of a divorce isn’t necessarily permanent. Washington courts can modify spousal maintenance when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order, such as a significant shift in either spouse’s income or employment status. The party seeking modification carries the burden of proving that change.

Maintenance duration is often tied to the length of the marriage, with shorter marriages typically producing shorter-term orders. Remarriage of the receiving spouse commonly terminates the obligation unless the divorce agreement specifies otherwise. If your circumstances have changed or you believe a modification is warranted, I can review the original order and advise on your options.

Contact Us Today

At Guadagno Law, PLLC, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (206) 895-6800 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Are you a new client?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Guadagno Law, PLLC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

About Us

Real People. Real Stories.

Read our reviews from past clients we've helped.

110% in your corner
“Albert is 110% in your corner. His prior experience as a prosecutor is what drew me to hiring him. He knows the process from all sides and will fight for you as well as explain outcome possibilities in great detail. He is also a tremendous listener who empathizes and puts your mind at ease (without giving you false expectations) He is a consummate professional of whom I would hire again if needed. Go with someone that not only has the knowledge and skills to help you through your case, but will also be a human being by listening to your concerns. Go with Albert.”

- CS
Case Dismissed!
“I would without hesitation recommend Albert to anyone in need of a defense attorney.”

- Matt
Never felt judged, always comfortable and felt protected!
“I was so scared going into this situation, but he eased my mind right from the start, and I immediately knew I wanted to work with him.”

- Former Client
Puts his heart & soul into protecting his clients
“I have been a client of Alberts for going on 3 years, he has been there for me during a very difficult time in my life. Never was there a time when I was not able to be in contact him, weekday or weekends. He has given his all to go to bat for me and defend me in every possible way. He is very educated in his profession! I have again and again recommended him to anyone I know who is in need of representation.”

- Jay M.
My public defender is on 10 cases with mine and I was a nervous wreck, worrying about foreclosure due to legal matter. Alberto answered his own phone, was gracious, kind and helpful.
“This is an attorney with heart as well as expertise and even speaks plain English about the legal process. Happy to help even in my free brief consultation. I was having nerve issues with my health but hesitated to bother my public defender. Albert cared about me, not just the billable hour. I know I have an attorney to help me on the future.”

- Helped me make a plan to avoid losing my home after domestic dispute. Thank you!
You will not be disappointed. Since then I have recommended him any chance I could and still do.
“You will not be disappointed. Since then I have recommended him any chance I could and still do.”

- Brent
He handled my case personally and best of all got my DUI case DISMISSED.
“Having to call an attorney for help was probably one of the scariest things I ever had to do. Who to call?? No idea. I got lucky and called the right attorney to help me with my DUI case. Albert was there to answer my questions and help me with the process. To sum it up, Albert was knowledgeable, personable, and professional. An attorney who really cares about you and knows what to do. He handled my case personally and best of all got my DUI case DISMISSED. I cannot recommend Albert enough! If you need help and want an attorney who will be there when you call, Albert is the one.”

- Former Client
When I do need a lawyer it will be Guadagno...
“Mr. Guadagno calmly and professionally put my mind at ease by explaining with perfect clarity that what I was looking at was completely normal.”

- Adam T.
Thrilled to have Albert as my lawyer
“When I called Albert, he answered the call himself and we were addressing my concerns very fast. This was already a great sign and assuring to someone who had never called a criminal attorney.”

- Chase

Contact (206) 895-6800

Address

1818 Westlake Ave. N.
Suite 216
Seattle, WA 98109

Map & Directions

Follow Us