If you’re wondering whether you qualify for alimony, you’re not alone. Divorce changes more than just your relationship status. It affects your home, your finances, your future. Figuring out where you stand financially can feel like a lot, especially if your spouse handled most of the money during the marriage.
According to Reuters, only about 10% of divorce settlements in the United States include alimony orders, a significant decline from 25% in the 1960s. Alimony awards have always been very rare, but understanding how they work is key for divorce proceedings.
At Northwest Family Law, we know that these questions are deeply personal. That’s why we look at the whole picture. That means connecting you with the right people and giving you honest answers in plain English. We’re here to help you make sense of what’s next and what support you might be entitled to.
Key Takeaways
- Alimony supports a spouse who was financially dependent during the marriage.
- You may qualify if there’s a clear income gap or past career sacrifices.
- Courts consider marriage length, earnings, health, and caregiving.
- Good preparation and legal guidance can improve your chances.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony, also known as spousal maintenance in Washington, is financial support that one spouse may be ordered to pay the other after divorce. The goal is to help one partner meet their needs during the transition to a new chapter in life, especially if they’ve been financially dependent.
It’s not about punishment or taking sides. It’s about maintaining a sense of stability when one person earned significantly less or sacrificed their career for the good of the family.
Why Spousal Support Exists
Alimony isn’t guaranteed in every divorce. But in marriages where one partner handled most of the financial support, while the other handled parenting, homemaking, or personal sacrifices, the court often considers some form of support.
It’s especially important in situations where:
- One spouse didn’t work or worked part-time during the marriage.
- There’s a big gap in education, job experience, or earning potential.
- One person is dealing with health issues or can’t work full-time.
- The marriage lasted several years or more.
Support like this is designed to prevent financial hardship. It gives the lower-earning spouse a chance to adjust, find a job, or gain new skills without facing immediate financial stress.
How Do I Qualify for Alimony?
There’s no single test that guarantees alimony, but there are a few key questions that can help you get a sense of whether you might qualify. Courts look at the big picture, your finances, your role in the marriage, and what life will look like after divorce.
Quick Self-Assessment Checklist
You might qualify for alimony if:
- You didn’t work or worked part-time during the marriage.
- Your spouse earns significantly more than you.
- You gave up career opportunities to raise children or support your partner’s career.
- You have health issues that limit your ability to work.
- You were married for several years or longer.
- You’re the primary caregiver for young kids, which affects your ability to work.
If you nodded “yes” to more than a couple of these, there’s a good chance alimony could apply in your situation.
5 Key Alimony Eligibility Factors That Courts Look At
Judges don’t follow a one-size-fits-all formula, they weigh several pieces of your story to decide if alimony makes sense, how much it should be, and for how long.
1. How Long You Were Married For
The length of the marriage plays a big role. The longer you were married, the more likely it is that alimony will be considered, especially if one partner was financially dependent during that time. A five-year marriage might lead to short-term support. A twenty-year marriage could justify something longer.
2. Who Earned What and Why
Courts compare both partners’ incomes and their ability to earn going forward. If one spouse earns much more, and the other can’t match that anytime soon, that gap matters. Judges also look at why that gap exists, was it by choice, necessity, or a shared agreement during the marriage?
What If My Ex Starts Earning More or Remarries?
If your ex’s income goes up significantly, or they remarry, it could affect alimony. In many states, a new marriage can reduce or even end the need for support. That said, changes don’t happen automatically. You’ll need to file a request to have the court review your situation.
Also, Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and pensions may be considered in divorce. Even if only one spouse contributed, a portion might be subject to division depending on how long you were married and the laws in your state.
3. Health, Age, and Your Ability to Support Yourself
If you’re dealing with health issues, nearing retirement, or have limited work experience, those things can tip the scales. Judges consider if you’re realistically able to return to work, or if support is necessary to maintain basic financial stability.
4. Parenting Responsibilities and Career Sacrifices
If you’re the primary caregiver for children, courts understand that full-time work might not be realistic. The same goes for past career sacrifices, if you turned down promotions, moved for your spouse’s job, or paused your education, all of that can support an alimony claim.
5. Signed Agreements
If you and your spouse signed a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, the court will review it. These documents might include terms that limit, allow, or waive alimony. But they’re not the final word, if something feels unfair or doesn’t hold up legally, judges can override it.
Common Misunderstandings About Alimony
Alimony is often misunderstood, and those myths can make an already stressful process feel even more confusing. Let’s clear up a few of the most common misconceptions.
“Only Women Receive Alimony”
That’s not true. While more women have historically received alimony, that’s because more women were stay-at-home spouses or primary caregivers. But courts don’t base decisions on gender, they look at financial need and earning capacity. If a husband, wife, or partner qualifies, they can receive support regardless of gender.
“You Have to Be Broke to Qualify”
Alimony isn’t just for people with nothing. It’s about fairness and helping someone adjust after divorce. Even if you have some income or savings, you might still qualify, especially if your spouse earns much more or if your financial situation was built around shared support.
“Alimony Is Always Permanent”
Not always. In fact, most alimony awards today are temporary. The goal is to give someone time to get back on their feet, like finding work, going back to school, or gaining job skills. Long-term or permanent alimony usually only applies in longer marriages or when someone can’t become self-supporting due to age or health.
“If I Have a Job, I Can’t Get Support”
Having a job doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Courts focus on if your income is enough to support the lifestyle you had during the marriage, or even just your basic needs. If your paycheck doesn’t go far enough, especially when raising kids or rebuilding a career, alimony might still be part of the picture.
3 Ways to Strengthen Your Alimony Claim
Even if you’re not ready to go to court, there are steps you can take today that can make a big difference. Alimony is about showing the court that your request is reasonable and that you’re prepared.
1. Gather The Required Documents
Having the right paperwork can help your case feel more solid. Begin collecting:
- Proof of your income (or lack of it)
- Recent pay stubs, if you’ve been working
- Tax returns from the last 2–3 years
- A breakdown of household expenses (rent, food, childcare, etc.)
- Any records showing career sacrifices, like emails declining job offers or proof of unpaid caregiving
Start with what you have, and organize it in a way that makes your financial situation easy to understand.
What If I Just Got Separated?
You don’t have to wait until your divorce is final to ask about alimony. In many cases, courts can award temporary support during the separation period, especially if one spouse needs help covering basic living costs. It’s worth exploring sooner rather than later.
Can Alimony Be Modified Later?
Yes. Life changes, and alimony can too. If you lose a job, get a raise, have a major health change, or your ex remarries, you can ask the court to review and possibly change the amount or duration of support. Just be prepared to show documentation of what’s changed.
2. Talk to a Lawyer
Many family law attorneys offer free or low-cost first meetings. You don’t have to commit to anything. These sessions can help you understand your rights and to see if your case is strong. A good lawyer will also explain how alimony works in your specific state because rules do vary.
Divorce can come with legal fees, court costs, and financial stress, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. Even if you’re concerned about affordability, there are options like legal aid or limited-scope representation.
3. Know Your Rights Based on Where You Live
Every state handles alimony differently. Some follow strict formulas. Others leave it mostly up to the judge. A quick local search can tell you a lot. Or better yet, ask a legal professional familiar with your area.
Alimony Criteria in Washington State
In Washington, alimony is called spousal maintenance. In Washington, alimony is often rehabilitative, meaning it helps one spouse transition to financial independence, especially after a long period out of the workforce. In longer marriages, or where one spouse can’t reasonably become self-supporting, support may last longer.
Unlike some states, Washington doesn’t have strict income percentage caps, so the court has flexibility. That also means preparation matters, having clear financial records and showing your need can make a real difference in what the court decides.
Wondering If You Qualify for Alimony? Let’s Talk.
Better understanding how alimony works helps you better prepare for the next step.
At Northwest Family Law, we go beyond paperwork, we help you build a solid foundation for what comes next, with a team that listens, supports, and guides you every step of the way.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Reach out to us here to schedule a consultation and get clear, compassionate legal guidance designed around your future.