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Gonzaga University School of Law – Spokane, Washington – Class of 2002 – Cum Laude The Latin phrase “Deo patriae, scientiis, artibus” translates to “For God and country through sciences and arts”. The initials A.M.D.G. on the seal of Gonzaga Law School stand for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is Latin for “For the Greater Glory of God” the Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits): a Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.
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Spousal Support is awarded at the discretion of the Family Court Judge within the parameters prescribed by the Legislature.
In Washington state, spousal support, also known as maintenance, is financial support one spouse pays to the other during or after a divorce. It is not automatically awarded and is determined by the court based on several factors, including the length of the marriage and the financial circumstances of each spouse.
Key Aspects of Spousal Support in Washington:
Not a Formulaic Calculation: Unlike child support, Washington does not have a specific formula for calculating spousal support. Courts consider various factors to determine the amount and duration.
Factors Considered: Courts evaluate factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age and health, their financial resources and earning capacity, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the time needed for the receiving spouse to become self-supporting.
Duration Varies: The duration of support can range from short-term (to allow a spouse to gain skills or education) to long-term or even indefinite, particularly in long marriages or when one spouse has a disability.
Modification: Spousal support orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances.
Termination: Support typically ends upon the death or remarriage of the receiving spouse, or as otherwise specified in the divorce decree.
Tax Implications: Spousal support payments are not taxable income for the recipient and not deductible for the payer in divorces finalized after 2018.
“Need vs. Ability to Pay”: A common analysis involves assessing the receiving spouse’s need for support and the paying spouse’s ability to provide it.
Types of Maintenance: Washington courts may award temporary, short-term, or long-term maintenance.
In essence, spousal support in Washington is a flexible system designed to address the financial needs of a spouse after divorce, taking into account the unique circumstances of each case.
To Always Be a Human Being First, and My Role Second. To First, Do No Harm, then to provide the best legal outcome, smoothest process, best value, and to make a positive difference in the life of every client.
Christopher S. Mulvaney’s Mantra:
May I be filled with loving kindness for all life. May I be safe from dangers within and without. May I be healthy in body, mind, socially, and spiritually. May I be at ease and happy, doing good in the world.
May You be filled with loving kindness for all life. May You be safe from dangers within and without. May You be healthy in body, mind, socially, and spiritually. May You be at ease and happy, doing good in the world.
I am an experienced solo estate planning, debtor bankruptcy, and real estate attorney. At my law firm in Bellevue, Washington between Eastgate and Factoria, I do things a little differently. I am passionate about helping people take control of their lives.
One of my primary practice areas is urgent (bankruptcy), and the other is important, but not urgent (estate planning). Not letting the urgent crowd out the important is key. I have made a choice to include the positive difference I make in the life of each client in how I calculate profit. This means I have higher job satisfaction, and happy clients who confidently give referrals.
My goal is that my work is transformative for people during a challenging time in their lives. At Mulvaney Law Offices, PLLC (MLO), you will not find a gatekeeper. There are no forgotten cases hiding on an associate’s cluttered desk. It’s just me, working with each one of my clients one-on-one to resolve their legal concerns as favorably as possible.
As your lawyer, I will personally handle every aspect of your case. My office is not a factory churning out thousands of filings per year, where each case matters little. You, and your case, matter to me. You can see what clients have said about me, and leave your own reviews at these links.
Mulvaney Law Offices, PLLC is located in Bellevue, Washington, representing estate planning & chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy, clients in all 39 Washington Counties.
Washington State residents can meet with me in Zoom/DocuSign from anywhere in the world, and I can notarize their electronic signatures because I am a remote online notary. Just email me an image of your photo ID.
Admitted 2003 to the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Number 33595
Proud Member of the MetLife Legal Plans Attorney Panel Since 2007.
Broken chains at the feet of the Statue of Liberty dedicated October 18, 1886.The inside of Lincoln's jacket when he was assassinated on April 14, 1865: "One Country One Destiny"