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. How is Spousal Support Calculated in Washington State? 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. Spousal support, also known as maintenance, in Washington state can be awarded for a number of purposes. Learn how we can help you. The court usually awards spousal maintenance to the party who earns less in the marriage. For a referral to a lawyer or a legal service program, call CLEAR (888) 201-1014. Judges in Washington can award three types of spousal maintenance: temporary support, shortterm maintenance, and longterm maintenance.