Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: Spousal Maintenance

With a short term marriage, relatively equal incomes and no children, unless there are other factors you have not mentioned, I see no basis for spousal maintenance. As to the division of debt and property from the marriage unless there are other factors not mentioned, the division would typically be something around 50/50 on debt and property (balancing additional property with more debt, especially debt associated with the specific property (e.g. car and car loan generally go together). Your brother should consult with an attorney; the money spent up front on an attorney may well save him much more money and save him from feeling like he was taken advantage of later.

Re: Spousal Maintenance

Yes, in general, the wife is 50% liable for the debts, and this is especially so, given their similar incomes.

Her demand for maintenance may be reasonable if there are other facts in play that justify it, which you have not mentioned. Otherwise, if they earn the same and have equal debts and no kids, I do not see the basis for maintenance.

Bear in mind, this is only a general explanation based upon what you've stated in your query. I suggest your brother get in touch with local counsel and pay for a consult (some provide free initial consults too) and see where things go from there. There needs to be interaction with an attorney who can ask pertinent questions for your brother's questions to be answered and his situation to be accurately analyzed.