Spousal Maintenance: Financial resources
The court should consider “the financial resources of the party seeking maintenance, including separate or community property apportioned to him or her, and his or her ability to meet his or her needs independently, including the extent to which a provision for support of a child living with the party includes a sum for that party.” RCW 26.09.090(1)(a). “In considering a party’s future earnings capacity, a trial court may consider the health, age, vocational training and work history of the party.” In re Marriage of Rockwell, 141 Wn. App. 235, 248, 170 P.3d 572 (2007).
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Spousal Maintenance: Educational Goals
The court should also consider “The time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking maintenance to find employment appropriate to his or her skill, interests, style of life, and other attendant circumstances.” RCW 26.09.090.(1)(b).
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Spousal Maintenance: Standard of Living
Another consideration is “The standard of living established during the marriage or domestic partnership.” RCW 26.09.090(1)(c)
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Spousal Maintenance: Duration of the Marriage or Domestic Partnership
Another factor is “The duration of the marriage or domestic partnership.” RCW 26.09.090(1)(d).
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Spousal Maintenance: Age, Physical and Emotional Condition, and Financial Obligations
The court also considers “The age, physical and emotional condition, and financial obligations of the spouse or domestic partner seeking maintenance.” RCW 26.09.090(1)(e). A demonstrated capacity for self-support does not automatically preclude an award of maintenance. In re Marriage of Washburn, 101 Wn. 2d 168, 178-79, 677 P.2d 152 (1984).
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Spousal Maintenance: Ability to Pay
Finally, the Court should look at “The ability of the spouse or domestic partner from whom maintenance is sought to meet his or her needs and financial obligations while meeting those of the spouse or domestic partner seeking maintenance.” RCW 26.09.090(1)(f). Any award of maintenance should be based on the need of the requesting party, verses the ability to pay by the other spouse. See e.g., In re Marriage of Foley, 84 Wn. App. 839, 930 P2d 929 (1997).
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Spousal Maintenance: Other Factors
The Court can also consider factors other than those listed in the statute, such as “their necessities and financial abilities, [and] their foreseeable future acquisitions and obligations….” In re Marriage of Olivares, 69 Wn. App. 324, 329, 848 P.2d 1281 (1993).
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Disclaimer
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