How does alimony work in Washington?

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Washington maintenance is governed by   RCW 26.09.090   and reflects the state's status as a   community property   jurisdiction.    1. No Formula   Washington explicitly rejects a statewide guideline. Maintenance is   discretionary   and decided case-by-case.    2. Six Statutory Factors — RCW 26.09.090(1)   The court considers all relevant factors including: 1.   Financial resources   of the party seeking maintenance, including separate or community property apportioned to him or her, and ability to meet needs independently 2.   Time necessary   to acquire sufficient education or training to enable employment 3.   Standard of living   established during the marriage 4.   Duration   of the marriage 5.   Age, physical and emotional condition, and financial obligations   of the spouse seeking maintenance 6.   Ability of the spouse from whom maintenance is sought   to meet his or her own needs while meeting those of the other spouse    3. Community Property First   Because Washington is a   community property   state, division of community property under   RCW 26.09.080   comes first. A spouse who receives substantial community property may need less or no maintenance.    4. Practitioner Rule of Thumb (Not Statutory)   Many Washington family law attorneys and judges informally apply the "  one year of maintenance for every three to four years of marriage  " guideline. This is   not statutory   but is widely cited in negotiation.    5. Marriage Duration Categories (Practical)   -   Short-term   (under 5 years): maintenance rare; if awarded, very brief -   Mid-length   (5-25 years): rehabilitative maintenance common -   Long-term   (25+ years): equalizing maintenance possible — Washington courts more willing to award lifetime support for long marriages    6. Modification — RCW 26.09.170   Modifiable on a showing of   substantial change in circumstances   not contemplated at the time of decree. Parties may agree to make maintenance   non-modifiable   by express decree language.    7. Termination   -   Death of either party   -   Remarriage of the recipient   (RCW 26.09.170(2)) UNLESS the decree expressly provides otherwise -   Cohabitation   is not an automatic termination event; it may justify modification but is a factor only    8. Lump Sum Allowed   Washington recognizes lump-sum maintenance, which is generally non-modifiable.    9. Tax Treatment   Federal TCJA applies — orders post-2018 are non-deductible/non-taxable.  This is legal information, not legal advice.