Item: Blair & Kim, PLLC
Rating: 5
Author: N.Mark French

Spousal Maintenance

Also known as spousal support or alimony, maintenance refers to one spouse's requirement to provide monetary support to the other, whose financial well-being may be severely hampered as a result of a divorce. Washington State law allows for spousal maintenance to be awarded in cases in which divorced individuals do not possess the financial security to maintain the lifestyle they enjoyed over the duration of the marriage, nor do they have the work skills necessary to achieve it. While a maintenance agreement may be ongoing, that does not mean that it will continue forever, or that it cannot be modified as circumstances change.

How the Court Decides

There are a variety of key factors that play a role in determining whether one spouse will be required to pay maintenance to another, and how much that amount will be. The court must first consider whether the recipient is capable of finding employment, and also whether the recipient is vulnerable to financial hardship as a result of the dissolution of the relationship and loss of marital support. Then, the court will examine information related to monthly income and expenses for both spouses among other issues. The duration of the marriage will affect the length of time spousal maintenance will be paid, as well as the amount. While the conclusions of the court are considered final, they may be challenged later through modifications as a post-decree matter.

Blair & Kim, PLLC is a Seattle divorce attorney law firm that has over 34 years of combined experience in the field. Our staff consists of highly qualified attorneys and other legal professionals who are adept at building very compelling cases to support the interests of the individual client. We have been instrumental in our clients' pursuit of maintenance as well as assisted other to avoid being ordered to pay support, as we understand how the court views these issues, state law, and the rights of individuals in this critical issue. Our attorneys use that understanding to advocate the needs of our clients in the most effective ways possible, and we are committed to negotiating the most favorable terms for our clients in this issue.

★★★★★

Mark C. Blair has no rival in his field in Seattle. A consummate professional. Communication was brief, straightforward, easy to understand, and without a typical condescending tone you can sometimes experience from attorneys on top of their field. Correspondence was timely and always affective. Any in need of criminal defense, should have a conversation with Mr. Blair, and you will quickly see and feel, no further contacts, referrals, or phone calls need be made. The money and time that can be saved by streamlining future contact and collateral damage in the sentencing process will far and away be worth every penny of the fee structure. Thank you very very much Mark Blair. N.Mark French

Sara Kim of BlairKim is a great attorney. I had never before had representation or dealt with the legal system and she made it very easy for me. She converted the legalese into laymans terms for me and helped me to understand the steps of the process. When I hesitated on certain decisions, Sara gave me the confidence and encouragement to proceed – especially since it was most beneficial to me in the long run. Sara is very straightforward and professional while also being personable and pleasant to deal with. Tamara

Sara Kim was the perfect lawyer for our situation. We were determined not to involve the courts in our divorce. Within the first 30 minutes of consultation, Sara proposed an equitable formula for division of property which we used to negotiate an agreement that felt fair to both of us. Our flat fee arrangement with Sara covered the filing of paperwork which alleviated much pressure for us during a very stressful time. I highly recommend Sara for her flexibility, professionalism, and efficiency. Carrie

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