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.

I really appreciated the times he brought a little levity to the table too, it was much needed and this was an extremely stressful time.
“I really appreciated the times he brought a little levity to the table too, it was much needed and this was an extremely stressful time.”

- Anonymous
Even though there where countless court appearances and a lot more involved than anyone had anticipated, Albert continued to work tirelessly towards a positive outcome for me.
“Even though there where countless court appearances and a lot more involved than anyone had anticipated, Albert continued to work tirelessly towards a positive outcome for me.”

- A
Kind and Brillant!
“I am so thankful that Albert was , and still my lawyer!! Regardless what anyone is going thru I know , and can tell you first -hand he is kind , relative to your needs , and makes you feel like you matter. I would give a referral to absolutely anyone !He takes the time to care ! Regardless how busy he may be ... you would never know he is soo busy , and regards everyone as number one priority! He is so kind , compassionate, and hard working ...beyond awesome. He has passion , and articulates your side with brilliance ! I feel lucky that I hired him!”

- D
5 stars doesn’t cut it
“He gives 1000% of his time and energy to do everything in his power to represent you fairly and to the best of his abilities.”

- Chad
Best lawyer around
“Was really nervous going into my case, until I met Albert. And he literally walks you step by step, And doesn’t change the subject until you fully understand what’s going on! You can literally call him anytime with any questions and he will help you out with no hesitation. By far the best lawyer out there. Thanks again for everything Albert!”

- S. K.
Good job
“You made me feel at ease. I felt confident you would do all you said you would. Thank you for being my Lawyer.”

- Tomas V.
Albert made the difference
“I will start this out by saying that I believe in things happening for a reason, in the right place at the right time. Crossing paths with Albert was meant to be when I needed him most.”

- Aaron
The best and professional lawyer
“Mr.Guadagno is very professional, friendly , attentive and very supportive when you face a difficult situation. Gave you support and comfort makes you feel you have someone who really cares and is there to help you. Always available to reach regardless if it is week days or weekend. Response to you immediately and works with you. We really really appreciate his support in a time we were stressed out he gave us so much comfort. Really recommend him to others. Grateful to know him .”

- Adiba
Above and beyond
“If you find yourself in the position where you need a Seattle criminal defense attorney who is professional, accessible, empathetic and actually pretty funny please contact Albert. I can not recommend him enough.”

- Client

Contact (206) 895-6800

Address

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

Map & Directions

Follow Us