Washington spousal maintenance amount
Washington courts decide maintenance amount and duration from statutory factors.
RCW 26.09.090 allows a Washington court to order spousal maintenance in an amount and for a period the court considers just after reviewing the relevant factors. The statute does not provide a statewide percentage formula. [1]
The Washington Courts family-law handbook likewise explains that courts have substantial discretion over how much maintenance is paid and for how long, and that maintenance does not use a formula like child support. [2]
Washington maintenance factors
Washington courts consider financial resources, training needs, marriage length, health, and ability to pay.
RCW 26.09.090 lists factors including the financial resources of the spouse seeking maintenance, the time needed for education or training, the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the requesting spouse’s age and physical and emotional condition, financial obligations, and the paying spouse’s ability to meet both sets of needs. [1]
The statute directs the court to make the maintenance decision without regard to misconduct. [1]
Questions about Washington spousal maintenance calculations.
Does Washington use a formula to calculate spousal maintenance?
No statewide statutory formula sets the amount or duration. Washington courts decide maintenance from the factors in RCW 26.09.090.
Does fault determine Washington spousal maintenance?
RCW 26.09.090 says the court decides maintenance without regard to misconduct.
Does marriage length determine how long maintenance lasts?
Marriage length is a statutory factor, but Washington law does not convert it into a statewide duration formula.
Washington spousal maintenance sources and calculator limits
- 01Washington Legislature: RCW 26.09.090, maintenance orders and factors
- 02Washington Courts: Marriage Family Law Handbook, Chapter 5 Spousal Maintenance
Public-source check: September 6, 2026. Current calculator rules release: 0.18.0. The RCW site was current through its July 15, 2026 update. The Washington Courts handbook is a 2019 explanatory source; the current statute controls. This page provides a payment scenario and statutory context. It is not attorney reviewed and does not determine entitlement, amount, duration, modification, or tax consequences.