Alimony & Spousal Support in Houston

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In the state of Texas, individuals going through a divorce have the option to seek alimony or spousal support. Both alimony and spousal support refer to regular financial payments made by one spouse to provide support during or after the divorce process. The amount of these payments is determined based on the specific needs and earning potential of each spouse.

There are distinct differences between alimony and spousal support:

• Alimony: Refers to payments made to a spouse during the divorce proceedings, serving as both financial assistance and a means to help the recipient regain stability. In Texas, alimony is also known as spousal maintenance.
• Spousal support: Refers to court-ordered regular payments made after the divorce with the intention of supplementing a spouse’s income or providing for their needs.

Determining eligibility for spousal maintenance:

Spousal maintenance may be granted by the court if the spouse who is seeking such support lacks sufficient assets to meet their basic needs following the divorce. In situations where one spouse has been convicted of committing family violence against the other during the marriage, alimony may be considered by the court. Additionally, spousal support is often awarded if the spouse seeking it is unable to earn income due to a disability.

The court doesn’t just award alimony to any spouse who requests it. The court understands that, sometimes, the paying spouse cannot handle the expense of spousal support and the payments may not be feasible.

The court does not automatically grant alimony upon request; rather, several factors are taken into account, such as:

• The financial resources of each spouse at the time of the divorce
• The duration of the marriage
• The age, employment history, earning capacity, and physical/emotional well-being of each spouse
• Existing child support obligations
• Use of joint funds from community property
• Each spouse’s educational background and employment skills
• Instances of adultery during the marriage
• Patterns of domestic violence within the relationship
• Property owned by each spouse
• Whether or not one spouse acted as a homemaker in the marriage
• Whether the spouse seeking support contributed to the education or training of the other spouse
• Alimony or Spousal Support and a Disabled Spouse in Harris and Montgomery Counties in Texas
• Know How to Determine Whether Alimony will be Owed and for How Long, When Preparing for Your Texas Divorce
• 3 Important Facts about Texas Alimony and Spousal Support

Questions About Spousal Support?

Are you seeking legal guidance regarding spousal support? Look no further than Houston attorney Bryan Fagan. With a primary focus on family law and divorce cases, Attorney Fagan possesses an unmatched comprehension of intricate matters. Whether you are the paying spouse or the recipient, our firm can provide expert advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out today for further information on spousal support and alimony!

If you want more information about spousal support and alimony, don’t hesitate to contact the firm today!