Spousal Support Lawyer Tacoma, WA
Very few things in a divorce are more contested than the issue of spousal support or alimony. Washington state law can get tricky with spousal support (the state’s term for alimony), and it’s often at the judge’s discretion. At Robinson & Hadeed, we represent both paying and receiving spouses in alimony cases so that we can deliver a holistic perspective to your spousal maintenance case.
If you’ve sacrificed your own earning potential to support your spouse’s career, you rightfully feel entitled to enjoy the same standard of living (or close to it) during and after a divorce. If you’re the spouse being asked to pay spousal maintenance, however, you may feel justified in refusing to pay the money you earn through your own efforts.
Do you see how both sides have valid expectations? We do, and at Robinson & Hadeed, we’re dedicated to representing you and your side and expectations. We have a deep knowledge of Washington divorce law statutes that cover awarding spousal support and decades of combined experience negotiating fair spousal maintenance agreements in even the most contested divorces. Contact us today to speak with a Tacoma, WA, spousal support lawyer.
How Can A Tacoma Spousal Support Lawyer Help Me?
Washington family law judges typically award one year of spousal support for every 3-4 years the couple is married, but this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Some couples may have close enough income and earning potential that spousal support is unnecessary, while others have such a wide gap that the judge may award more than the “usual” amount for monthly support. Each case is different, and we approach your case focusing on your situation and goals.
If you are petitioning for spousal support or maintenance, your divorce attorney can utilize the services of a forensic accountant to determine the extent of your spouse’s assets and earning potential, compare that to yours, and then fight for the highest amount of support the law allows. You may have given up a career or education to support a spouse or raise children, and so may be significantly behind your peers, career-wise. We may negotiate support to help you finish your education or vocational training or to help keep you in a similar manner of living as you enjoyed while married.
Should you be the spouse being asked for maintenance or support, we can analyze your spouse’s earning potential and job prospects and build a strong case demonstrating that they are capable of supporting themselves without additional money from you. We know that you worked hard and sacrificed a lot to get where you are in your career, and you understandably want to keep your entire salary.
We can advise you during mediation sessions to work out a compromise outside of court or build a case to present to the judge if negotiations fall apart.
Face The Future Confidently Post-Divorce
Divorce is hard, and negotiating a fair spousal support schedule with someone you aren’t fond of can be even more difficult. Trust your Tacoma spousal support lawyer to negotiate a fair arrangement on your behalf or build a strong case supporting your petition to a family law judge. At Robinson & Hadeed, we’re committed to achieving the best possible arrangement for you so you have the means to start fresh and move forward with your life after divorce. Call us today to get started.
Seeking Spousal Support When Returning To School
Our trusted Tacoma, WA spousal support lawyer knows that going through a divorce is already challenging, but when you also need to return to school to earn a degree, financial concerns can become even more pressing. In many cases, seeking spousal support is a critical step in ensuring that you have the financial resources to pursue your education without compromising your day-to-day needs. Divorce can create a significant shift in your financial situation, and the time you invest in obtaining a degree may affect your income, making spousal support essential for maintaining stability. We have a combined 25 years of experience, so call us today.
If you’ve been out of the workforce or set aside career opportunities to support your family, you may now find that returning to school is necessary to secure your financial future. Petitioning for spousal support in this situation can help you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be after earning your degree. Attorneys like those at Robinson & Hadeed can attest to how critical this step is for many individuals facing such circumstances.
The Value Of Pursuing Education During Or After Divorce
One of the most significant factors that courts consider when awarding spousal support is each spouse’s financial ability to support themselves post-divorce. If you need additional education or training to improve your employability, that factor can weigh heavily in your favor when petitioning for support. Judges often recognize that going back to school to earn a degree is a reasonable way to boost your long-term financial prospects, especially if you’ve sacrificed your own career development to support your spouse or family.
In many cases, the spouse with the greater earning potential may be required to help cover your living expenses, tuition, or other school-related costs for a specified period. This type of support can allow you to focus on completing your degree without being overwhelmed by financial concerns. It also ensures that when you finish your program, you’re better positioned to contribute meaningfully to your own financial independence.
Factors That Can Influence Spousal Support
Several factors can impact whether you will receive spousal support, including how long you were married and your current ability to support yourself. Courts will also evaluate your spouse’s ability to pay while you go back to school and the expected length of time it will take for you to complete your degree.
Our spousal support lawyer in Tacoma knows if you’re living in a city in WA where education costs and living expenses may be higher, spousal support may be critical to helping you cover those costs. Judges will often consider the cost of living in your specific area and how that may impact your need for support while you pursue your education. They will also take into account how earning your degree will increase your future income and contribute to your overall financial independence.
How We Can Help
If you’re considering petitioning for spousal support to go back to school, we’re here to help you every step of the way. At Robinson & Hadeed, we understand how important it is to secure the support you need to achieve your educational and financial goals. Let us assist you in preparing a strong case so you can focus on your future while we handle the legal process. We are fierce litigators and tough negotiators. Contact our spousal support lawyer in Tacoma today to discuss how we can support your spousal support petition.
Evidence For Higher Spousal Support Claims
Our Tacoma, WA spousal support lawyer knows that when pursuing a spousal support increase, the quality of your evidence can make a big difference. By presenting strong, organized evidence, we can help you build a solid case. When you work with us, you’ll have a combined 25 years of experience. Below is a list of essential types of evidence you should consider gathering to support your claim for more spousal support.
1. Documentation Of Financial Needs
Gather records that show your monthly and yearly expenses. This includes:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utilities
- Transportation costs, including car payments, insurance, or public transit expenses
- Health insurance premiums, medical bills, and prescription costs
- Groceries and personal expenses
- Education or childcare costs, if applicable
Providing an accurate picture of your current financial needs will allow us to establish a clear case for why an increase in support is justified.
2. Proof Of Changes In Circumstances
Our spousal support lawyer in Tacoma knows that to justify an increase in spousal support, we often need to show significant changes since the original agreement. Collect any evidence of major life changes, including:
- Recent job loss, reduction in hours, or significant change in your work responsibilities
- New medical conditions that have impacted your ability to work
- Changes in living arrangements or an increase in living costs
- An increase in your responsibilities, such as taking on additional childcare or eldercare duties
This type of documentation helps establish the basis for reassessing spousal support.
3. Records Of Your Ex-Spouse’s Financial Situation
If your ex-spouse has experienced an improvement in their financial situation, it could be relevant in your case. Some evidence you may want to gather includes:
- Proof of a recent promotion or raise
- Documentation of any new business ventures or investments
- Publicly available records indicating property purchases or other assets
- Statements showing large expenditures that suggest a higher income than when spousal support was first determined
We can help you understand which financial changes in your ex-spouse’s life are most relevant to your case and may support your request for a spousal support increase.
4. Evidence Of Financial Contributions To Joint Children
If you and your ex-spouse share children, your financial contributions to their needs are relevant to your case. Include items like:
- Proof of expenses related to school, medical, and extracurricular activities
- Statements showing daycare or nanny costs if applicable
- Receipts for clothing, food, and other necessities directly related to your children
- Documentation of any unpaid contributions from your ex-spouse
Showing the extent of your financial involvement in your children’s lives can add context to your need for greater support.
5. Medical Records And Health-Related Documentation
If health issues impact your ability to earn or increase your expenses, they can support your request for higher spousal support. Gather:
- Copies of medical bills, treatment records, or doctor’s statements related to your condition
- Documentation of ongoing therapy, rehabilitation, or medical prescriptions
- Any statements indicating how your condition impacts your ability to work or manage daily activities
Health challenges can affect your income potential and financial needs, so presenting this information in detail helps clarify your circumstances.
Take The Next Step With Us
Gathering the right evidence is a critical step toward securing the spousal support you deserve. At Robinson & Hadeed, we’re here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. We are also serving Kitsap County, Pierce County, and Port Orchard. Contact our Tacoma spousal support lawyer from Robinson & Hadeed today to discuss your case and take the first step toward your future.
