Washington § 41.50.540 - Mandatory assignment of retirement benefits — Notice to obligor.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 41.50.540 — Mandatory assignment of retirement benefits — Notice to obligor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 41.50.540. Mandatory assignment of retirement benefits — Notice to obligor.

(1) Every court order or decree establishing a spousal maintenance obligation may state that if any such payment is more than fifteen days past due and the total of such past due payments is equal to or greater than one hundred dollars or if the obligor requests a withdrawal of accumulated contributions from the department of retirement systems, the obligee may seek a mandatory benefits assignment order without prior notice to the obligor. Failure to include this provision does not affect the validity of the dissolution order.
(2) If the dissolution order under which the obligor owes the duty of spousal maintenance is not in compliance with subsection (1) of this section or if the obligee cannot show that the obligor has approved or received a copy of the court order or decree that complies with subsection (1) of this section, then notice shall be provided to the obligor at least fifteen days before the obligee seeks a mandatory benefits assignment order. The notice shall state that, if a spousal maintenance payment is more than fifteen days past due and the total of such past due payments is equal to or greater than one hundred dollars or if the obligor requests a withdrawal of accumulated contributions from the department of retirement systems, the obligee may seek a mandatory benefits assignment order without further notice to the obligor. Service of the notice shall be by personal service, or by any form of mail requiring a return receipt. The notice requirement under this subsection is not jurisdictional.
[ 1991 c 365 s 4; 1987 c 326 s 5.]

Notes

Severability—1991 c 365: See note following RCW 41.50.500.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 41.50.540

What does Revised Code of Washington § 41.50.540 cover?

Section 41.50.540 ("Mandatory assignment of retirement benefits — Notice to obligor.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 41.50.540?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 41.50.540" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 41.50.540 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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