Many individuals going through a divorce worry about the potential financial burden of paying alimony each month. Understanding key alimony facts can help alleviate some of these concerns and clarify how spousal support is determined. At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our Houston divorce attorneys specialize in alimony and spousal support matters, offering experienced legal representation throughout the greater Houston area. Contact us today to secure the support you need and navigate the complexities of alimony with confidence.
Key Facts about Texas Alimony and Spousal Support
Fact #1: Temporary Spousal Support is a Short-Term Financial Aid
Temporary Spousal Support specifically serves as a short-term financial solution during Texas divorce proceedings, immediately supporting a financially disadvantaged spouse.
Courts apply this support when a spouse cannot cover necessary living expenses independently during the divorce, thus addressing the financial needs that arise from transitioning to separate households.
Fact #2: Specific Circumstances Warrant the Award of Spousal Maintenance
The Texas Family Code legally defines Spousal Maintenance as a form of financial support post-divorce, distinct from temporary spousal support.
Courts award Spousal Maintenance in specific cases, such as when a spouse has a disability or cares for a special needs child. The law sets specific limits on the duration and enforceability of these awards.
Fact #3: Contractual Alimony Involves Voluntary Agreements
Contractual Alimony is a flexible, voluntary financial deal between divorcing spouses. It’s common in property settlements and more adaptable than court-ordered support.
Couples opt for this alimony to balance asset division, provide income, and gain tax benefits. It’s a strategic asset in divorce financial planning.
These facts simplify our understanding of Texas alimony and spousal support. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC offers thorough legal advice and representation, safeguarding your financial interests during and post-divorce.
Houston Spousal Support Attorneys
You may have heard that there is no “alimony” in Texas. While it is true that there is no statutory or common law spousal payment called “alimony” in this state, there are three spousal payment types in Texas that are similar to the concept of alimony in other states:
- Temporary Spousal Support
- Spousal Maintenance
- Contractual Alimony
Temporary Spousal Support
Courts often order temporary spousal support as an equitable remedy after a temporary orders hearing. Its general purpose is to bridge the gap between the nonpaying spouse’s necessary monthly expenses and their available income sources.
In divorce, couples need to establish two households where there was only one before. Often, one spouse lacks the resources to support their new household. If a court finds that one spouse can’t meet necessary monthly expenses and the other has sufficient resources, it typically orders the more financially capable spouse to pay temporary spousal support while the divorce is pending.
Spousal Maintenance
The Texas legislature established spousal maintenance as a legal solution. Courts award it post-divorce under specific conditions. This support, detailed in Chapter 8 of the Texas Family Code, helps a spouse who can’t self-support due to a disability. It also aids a spouse caring for a special needs child who faces financial struggles.
Courts, under these limited circumstances, decide the duration of spousal maintenance payments, adhering to relevant statutes and using their discretion. The Texas Family Code enforces spousal maintenance payments under Chapter 8, which may include wage withholding orders from the paying spouse’s employer.
Contractual Alimony
A person going through a divorce may agree to make regular payments to the other spouse as contractual alimony as part of the property settlement. This type of agreement is referred to as contractual alimony. While courts in Texas do not usually order a spouse to make spousal maintenance payments to the other, it is fairly common for a final agreement to include a contractual alimony provision. There are a variety of reasons for entering into such an agreement, but one common one is to equalize the division of marital property while providing one spouse with a steady income stream and the paying spouse with a potential tax benefit.
Alimony under the Internal Revenue Code
The term “alimony” also has a meaning for tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code. In general, payments considered alimony under the definition in the Internal Revenue Code are taxable as income to the person receiving the payments and tax-deductible to the person making the payments.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the decisions you make during a divorce can have lasting financial effects. Understanding key alimony facts and your options for spousal support is essential for securing a stable financial future after divorce. We encourage anyone facing these challenges to seek professional legal assistance. With the right guidance, you can navigate the complexities of alimony and ensure a clear path forward with confidence.
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Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.