Houston Divorce Lawyers: Understanding Alimony in Texas

Alimony is any periodic payment from one ex-spouse for the support of the other. There are several different types of alimony, including:

• Spousal support, or payments ordered by the court while a divorce is pending
• Spousal maintenance, or court-ordered payments after the divorce as part of the final decree
• Contractual alimony, or payments agreed upon as part of a formal divorce settlement

How much will I get paid or how much will I have to pay, and for how long?

Many of our clients have a lot of questions and fears about alimony. Some are afraid that they will be burdened with paying an unreasonable amount of spousal maintenance after a divorce. Others wonder how they will ever support themselves and their children without the financial contribution of their former spouse.

Don’t worry. At Conner & Lindamood, we can give you the straightforward answers you need. We will sit down with you and explain the process and help you understand your options in a completely confidential consultation.

Contact us today to discuss your case with a leading Texas divorce and family law attorney.

The Truth About Texas Alimony and Spousal Maintenance

The fact is that spousal maintenance in Texas (court-ordered alimony payments after a divorce) is rarely part of a divorce decree. In general, judges only order spousal maintenance under certain specific circumstances:

• The spouse who will be paying alimony was convicted of (or receive deferred adjudication for) a crime involving domestic violence within two years of the date the divorce suit was filed or while the divorce was pending.
• The marriage lasted 10 years or more, and the spouse seeking alimony is unable to support himself or herself due to physical or mental disability or other clear inability to earn a living that would provide for basic needs.
• The marriage lasted 10 years or more, and the spouse seeking alimony cannot be self-supporting because he or she has custody of a child with special needs that prevent the spouse from working outside the home.

However, the Houston divorce attorneys at Conner & Lindamood can frequently structure contractual alimony that can provide effective planning for both parties.

Texas divorce courts try above all to be fair. Matters of financial equity are generally addressed in the property settlement. To learn specifically how Texas alimony or spousal maintenance laws may apply in your case, call (713) 574-7935 or send us an e-mail today.

We are proud to also serve Galveston County, Fort Bend County and Brazoria County. Outside the Houston metro area, call us toll free at (866) 504-0857.