Spousal Support in Olympia, Washington – A Practical Guide for Thurston County Residents

In Olympia and throughout Thurston County, spousal support—formally known as spousal maintenance—is a court-ordered financial arrangement designed to promote economic fairness during and after divorce. It provides a means for a lower-earning or financially dependent spouse to maintain a reasonable standard of living and transition toward financial independence after the end of a marriage. Whether temporary or long-term, spousal support plays a critical role in helping divorcing spouses navigate life’s next chapter.

If you are preparing for divorce in Olympia, facing an existing support order, or considering a modification, it’s essential to understand how spousal maintenance is evaluated under Washington law. This guide outlines the legal standards, including relevant statutes and the key factors Thurston County judges consider when issuing or modifying spousal support orders.

“Property not acquired or owned, as prescribed in RCW 26.16.010 and 26.16.020, acquired after marriage… is community property.”
— RCW 26.16.030(1)

In Olympia, as across Washington, community property includes most assets and income acquired by either spouse during the marriage. This can include wages, retirement contributions, business revenue, and shared real estate. When deciding whether spousal support is appropriate, Thurston County courts assess the total value and division of community property to evaluate whether one spouse may need financial assistance to achieve a fair outcome.

“Property and pecuniary rights owned by a spouse before marriage… shall not be subject to the debts or contracts of his or her spouse.”
— RCW 26.16.010

Assets acquired before the marriage—such as individually held real estate, investment accounts, or inheritances—are generally considered separate property. While these assets are typically excluded from the division of marital property, they can still influence spousal support decisions. If one spouse possesses substantial separate wealth, the court may find less need for ongoing financial support from the other.

“The maintenance order shall be in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems just… after considering all relevant factors including but not limited to:”
— RCW 26.09.090(1)

The court considers multiple statutory factors, including:

• The requesting spouse’s financial resources
  “…including separate or community property apportioned to him or her, and his or her ability to meet his or her needs independently…”
• Time needed to acquire education or job training
  “…the time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking maintenance to find employment…”
• The standard of living during the marriage
  “…the standard of living established during the marriage or domestic partnership…”
• The duration of the marriage or partnership
  “…the duration of the marriage or domestic partnership…”
• The age and condition of the spouse seeking support
  “…the age, physical and emotional condition, and financial obligations of the spouse or domestic partner seeking maintenance…”
• The other spouse’s ability to meet obligations
  “…the ability of the spouse… to meet his or her needs and financial obligations while meeting those of the spouse or domestic partner seeking maintenance.”
  

There is no standardized formula. Instead, Thurston County judges evaluate the unique circumstances of each marriage, such as its length, the lifestyle maintained during the relationship, and both parties’ earning potential, to arrive at a fair outcome.

“The court may grant a maintenance order… in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems just, without regard to misconduct.”
— RCW 26.09.090(1)

Any spouse, regardless of gender or reason for divorce, may seek spousal support in Olympia. Washington courts do not base maintenance decisions on fault. Instead, judges focus on financial need and the paying spouse’s ability to contribute. Temporary maintenance may be awarded while divorce proceedings are ongoing, and longer-term support may be ordered when appropriate based on the parties’ post-divorce outlook.

“The provisions as to property disposition may not be revoked or modified, unless the court finds the existence of conditions that justify the reopening of a judgment…”
— RCW 26.09.170(1)

Spousal maintenance orders are not set in stone. If significant life changes occur—such as loss of employment, serious illness, or a substantial shift in income—you may petition the court to modify your support arrangement. Unlike property divisions, which are typically final, spousal support orders can be revisited when justified by new circumstances.

Whether you are requesting, contesting, or modifying a spousal maintenance order in Olympia, understanding the legal framework is essential. An experienced family law attorney can help ensure your financial interests are protected and that you approach each stage of the process with confidence and clarity.

1. What does community property mean in a Washington divorce?
In Washington, community property includes most income and assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage. This can include wages, retirement accounts, real estate, and business earnings—regardless of which spouse holds title. In a Thurston County divorce, the court treats community property as jointly owned. When evaluating spousal maintenance, the court may consider how this property is divided to assess whether one spouse needs financial support to maintain post-divorce stability.
More information about Property & Debt Division is available here.

2. Will property I owned before the marriage be counted in spousal support?
Assets acquired before the marriage—such as inheritances, real estate, or investment accounts—are generally considered separate property and are not divided in a divorce. However, these assets can still play a role in spousal support decisions. If one spouse has substantial separate wealth, the court may reduce or deny spousal maintenance based on the financial resources already available to that individual.
Frequently asked questions about divorce are available here.

3. How is spousal support determined in Olympia?
Washington does not apply a strict formula when awarding spousal maintenance. Instead, courts examine several key factors, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the relationship, and each spouse’s financial circumstances and earning capacity. In Olympia, these determinations are made by the Thurston County Superior Court on a case-by-case basis.
The webpage for the Thurston County Superior Court is available here.

4. Who can qualify to receive spousal maintenance?
Either spouse can request spousal support, regardless of gender or fault in the divorce. Washington law focuses solely on financial need and the other spouse’s ability to pay. The court may order temporary maintenance during the divorce or longer-term support after it is finalized, depending on the individual circumstances of the marriage and the financial history of the parties involved.
More information about Dividing Property and Debts is available here.

5. Can I change my spousal support order after divorce?
Yes. If there has been a significant change in your financial or personal situation—such as job loss, serious illness, or a major change in income—you can request a modification of your support order. The Thurston County Superior Court will evaluate whether your new circumstances justify altering the existing spousal maintenance terms.
Useful Family Law Forms can be found here.

Talk to an Olympia Spousal Support Attorney Who Knows the Law
Spousal maintenance isn’t simply about monthly payments—it’s about building financial security after divorce. Whether you’re seeking support or responding to an alimony request, you deserve legal guidance tailored to your unique situation. Understanding your rights is key to making informed decisions.

At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we help clients in Olympia and throughout Thurston County navigate the complexities of spousal support. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we offer the legal clarity and advocacy you need to protect your future.

Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward resolving your spousal support concerns with confidence.