Calculating spousal support in WA state has never been easy. We do not have a formula, it is discretionary and based on one parties established “need” and the others “ability to pay”. The duration and amount depends on statutory factors such as; length of marriage, the real employment possibilities of the receiver, manner/style of living, …. But now we have new wrinkle, a new federal tax law that no longer allows a deduction for the payor, and no longer are there tax implications for the receiver. The change I have seen in my practice is that the “1-3” guideline is no longer used (One year of support for every three years of marriage). Decision makers such as Judges, arbitrators, and mediators, are moving towards a “1-4” guideline because paying support is now more expensive and the receiver no longer has to claim it as income for tax purposes.
How Does The Mediation Process Work? Steps and Procedure
As a vital alternative to litigation, mediation
