League City Alimony Lawyer

When a marriage ends, financial stability can become one of the most pressing concerns for both spouses. Whether you are seeking alimony (spousal maintenance) or being asked to pay it, understanding your rights under Texas law is essential to achieving a fair outcome. At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., we represent clients throughout Galveston County and the surrounding areas in all aspects of divorce and post-divorce financial planning. As an experienced League City alimony lawyer, our firm helps clients negotiate, modify, and enforce spousal maintenance orders with care, skill, and precision.

Understanding Alimony in Texas

Unlike some states, Texas does not automatically grant alimony after divorce. Instead, spousal maintenance is awarded only under specific legal conditions. Courts may order alimony to ensure one spouse has sufficient income to meet basic needs after the marriage ends, particularly when there is a significant income imbalance between the spouses.

Texas law outlines several scenarios in which alimony may be awarded, including:

• The marriage lasted 10 years or longer, and the requesting spouse cannot meet basic needs.
• The paying spouse was convicted of family violence within two years before or during the divorce.
• The requesting spouse cannot earn enough income due to a physical or mental disability.
• The requesting spouse must care for a disabled child, limiting their ability to work.

Our attorneys carefully evaluate your circumstances to determine whether spousal maintenance is appropriate and how to structure it fairly under Texas Family Code guidelines.

Types of Spousal Support in Texas

Alimony can take different forms depending on the couple’s financial situation and the court’s findings. The most common types include:

• Temporary Spousal Support: Granted during the divorce process to maintain stability until final orders are entered.
• Contractual Alimony: Voluntarily agreed upon by both spouses, often as part of a broader divorce settlement.
• Court-Ordered Maintenance: Mandated by the court based on statutory eligibility and financial need.

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. assists clients in negotiating, reviewing, and enforcing all forms of alimony to ensure they align with long-term financial goals and legal standards.

Factors Courts Consider When Awarding Alimony

Texas courts evaluate many factors when determining the amount and duration of alimony, including:

• The length of the marriage.
• Each spouse’s financial resources, education, and earning potential.
• The age and health of both spouses.
• Contributions to the household and to the other spouse’s career or education.
• Marital misconduct, such as adultery or financial fraud.
• The needs of dependent or disabled children.

Our firm develops comprehensive financial analyses and persuasive arguments that demonstrate your need for or ability to provide spousal maintenance, helping ensure a fair and lawful result.

Calculating Spousal Maintenance

Texas law limits the amount and duration of court-ordered maintenance. The monthly payment may not exceed the lesser of $5,000 or 20% of the paying spouse’s average monthly gross income.

The duration of alimony typically depends on how long the marriage lasted:

• Up to 5 years for marriages lasting between 10 and 20 years.
• Up to 7 years for marriages lasting between 20 and 30 years.
• Up to 10 years for marriages lasting 30 years or more.

In certain cases, such as disability or caretaking responsibilities, maintenance may continue indefinitely. Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. ensures every calculation reflects your unique circumstances and complies with state guidelines.

Modifying or Terminating Alimony

Spousal maintenance orders are not permanent and can be modified when circumstances change significantly. Common reasons for modification include:

• Substantial changes in income or employment.
• Remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse.
• Health issues or disability of either spouse.
• Retirement or financial hardship of the paying spouse.

Our attorneys assist clients with filing modification petitions, presenting evidence, and ensuring new orders reflect current realities. We also help enforce alimony agreements when one party fails to comply.

Enforcing Alimony Orders

If your former spouse refuses to make court-ordered payments, you have legal options. Texas law allows enforcement through contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, and other remedies.

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. helps clients:

• File enforcement motions with the court.
• Recover unpaid alimony through legal channels.
• Seek penalties or interest on overdue payments.
• Protect against false or retaliatory claims of non-payment.

We act quickly to ensure your rights are upheld and your financial stability is preserved.

Negotiating Alimony Settlements

Many couples prefer to negotiate spousal support outside of court as part of their divorce settlement. Contractual alimony provides flexibility and allows both parties to tailor terms to their specific needs.

We guide clients through this process by:

• Evaluating each spouse’s financial picture.
• Crafting clear, enforceable agreements.
• Addressing tax implications of payments.
• Ensuring terms comply with Texas law.

Our goal is to help clients reach mutually acceptable resolutions that minimize conflict and protect future financial independence.

Why Choose Lindamood & Robinson for Alimony Cases

Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. has built a strong reputation across the Houston and League City area for its depth of knowledge in family and divorce law. We understand that alimony disputes require not just legal skill but also empathy and discretion.

Clients choose our firm because we offer:

• Decades of experience handling Texas divorce and alimony cases.
• Strong negotiation skills combined with courtroom advocacy.
• Detailed financial and lifestyle assessments to support your case.
• Honest advice and personalized attention throughout the process.
• A proven record of success in securing fair outcomes.

We help you navigate these sensitive financial issues with clarity and confidence, ensuring your rights and long-term interests are protected.

League City Alimony FAQs

Who qualifies for alimony in Texas?

A spouse may qualify if they cannot meet their minimum reasonable needs and meet one of the statutory requirements, such as long marriage duration, disability, or family violence.

Is alimony the same as spousal support?

Yes. In Texas, the term “spousal maintenance” refers to what is commonly known as alimony.

How long does alimony last in Texas?

It depends on the length of the marriage and the circumstances. Most court-ordered alimony lasts between 5 and 10 years.

Can we agree to alimony without going to court?

Yes. Spouses can agree on contractual alimony as part of their divorce settlement, which is enforceable once approved by the court.

Can alimony be changed after divorce?

Yes. Either party can seek modification if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances.

What happens if my ex stops paying alimony?

You can file a motion to enforce the court order. The court may impose penalties, garnishment, or even jail time for willful non-payment.

Is alimony taxable in Texas?

Under federal law, alimony is generally not tax-deductible or taxable for divorces finalized after 2018.

Can alimony continue after remarriage?

No. Alimony typically ends when the recipient remarries or begins cohabitating in a marriage-like relationship.

What factors can reduce alimony?

Increased income, new employment, or remarriage of the receiving spouse can lead to modification or termination.

Do I need an attorney for alimony issues?

Yes. An experienced lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that all agreements or court orders are legally sound and enforceable.

Serving League City and the Surrounding Areas

• League City
• Friendswood
• Clear Lake
• Webster
• Dickinson
• Kemah
• Seabrook
• Nassau Bay
• Santa Fe
• Bacliff
• San Leon
• Alvin
• Pearland
• Texas City
• Galveston

Contact The Skilled League City Alimony Lawyers at Lindamood & Robinson, P.C.

If you are involved in a divorce and need to pursue, negotiate, or defend against alimony, Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. is here to help. Our attorneys have the experience and dedication to secure fair and lasting financial solutions for your future.

Schedule a confidential consultation today with an experienced League City alimony lawyer who will protect your rights, explain your options, and guide you toward the most favorable resolution for your case.