Alimony

Arlington Alimony Attorney

Helping You Understand Alimony in Texas

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a court-ordered payment that one spouse makes to the other after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage. Alimony is not awarded in every divorce case, and the amount and duration of alimony payments can vary widely.

At the Law Office of Mark M. Childress, we understand how important alimony is to your financial future. Our Arlington alimony lawyer can help you understand your rights and options when it comes to alimony. We can also help you seek a fair and favorable alimony arrangement in your divorce.

For the legal guidance you need, call us at (817) 497-8148 or contact us online today.

What is Alimony?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, refers to the financial support paid by one spouse to another after a divorce or separation. Its purpose is to help the spouse who earns less income maintain a standard of living similar to what they had during the marriage. In Texas, alimony is referred to as "spousal maintenance."

In Texas, there are different types of spousal maintenance, each with its own conditions and eligibility criteria:

Temporary Spousal Maintenance: This type of support can be awarded while the divorce is pending and ends once the divorce is finalized. It aims to provide financial assistance to the spouse in need during the divorce process.
Contractual Alimony: Couples have the option to agree on alimony terms in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. These agreements outline the amount, duration, and conditions of alimony payments.
Court-Ordered Spousal Maintenance: If the couple cannot agree on alimony, a court may order spousal maintenance based on specific criteria outlined in Texas law. Factors such as the duration of the marriage, the ability of one spouse to pay, and the financial needs of the other spouse are considered.

The court typically considers various factors when deciding whether to award spousal maintenance in Texas, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's ability to support themselves, any history of family violence, and whether the requesting spouse has a disability or caregiving responsibilities that affect their ability to earn a living.

It's essential to note that spousal maintenance in Texas is not always guaranteed. The court assesses each case individually based on the circumstances presented before making a decision.

How is Spousal Support Determined in Texas?

Alimony is not awarded in every divorce case. In fact, it is relatively rare. In Texas, alimony is only awarded in cases where one spouse will not be able to meet their minimum reasonable needs after the divorce. Additionally, the spouse seeking alimony must be unable to meet their needs due to a disability, the need to care for a child with a disability, or the fact that they are the custodian of a child with a disability.

When determining whether to award alimony, the court will consider a variety of factors, including:

The length of the marriage
The age and health of each spouse
The earning capacity of each spouse
The education and employment skills of each spouse
The property each spouse brought to the marriage
Each spouse’s contribution to the marriage
Each spouse’s separate property
Each spouse’s financial resources
Each spouse’s debts
Each spouse’s ability to meet their own needs
Each spouse’s ability to provide for the needs of their children

Once the court determines that alimony is appropriate, it will then determine the amount and duration of the payments. There is no set formula for calculating alimony in Texas. Instead, the court will consider the factors listed above and any other relevant factors when making its decision.

It is important to note that, in Texas, alimony is not meant to be a permanent solution. Instead, it is meant to be a temporary form of support that allows the lower-earning spouse to get back on their feet. As such, the court will typically only award alimony for a short period of time.

How Can an Arlington Spousal Maintenance Lawyer Help?

Alimony is a complex issue that can have a significant impact on your financial future. If you are seeking alimony, or if your spouse is seeking alimony from you, it is important to have an experienced team on your side.

At the Law Office of Mark M. Childress, we can help you understand your rights and options when it comes to alimony. We can also help you gather the evidence you need to support your alimony claim. Our Arlington alimony lawyer can also represent you in all alimony-related hearings and negotiations.

Call us at (817) 497-8148 or contact us online today to schedule an initial consultation with our alimony lawyer in Arlington.

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