This article and video explain spousal maintenance (alimony) in Washington State. They also explain undifferentiated family support.As a general rule of thumb, courts in Washington State award one year of alimony for every three or four years of marriage. At the most basic level, alimony depends on one spouse's need for financial support and the other spouse's ability to pay it. Either spouse can request alimony in a divorce, regardless of gender. Spousal support can be boiled down to these key factors: 1) the requesting spouse's need for financial support and 2) the other spouse's ability to pay it. Judges in Washington can award three types of spousal maintenance: temporary support, shortterm maintenance, and longterm maintenance. Explore spousal support in WA with Tailored Family Law. Dive into alimony insights and balance needs with TFL's expert guidance. Washington is a "no-fault" divorce state.