Alimony & Spousal Support in Comal County, TX
Collaborate with Alimony Lawyer in Comal County Texas
Spousal alimony, commonly referred to as alimony or spousal support, is a legal option retained by divorced individuals in Texas as part of their divorce settlement. These financial arrangements entail regular, ongoing payments from one spouse to the other, designed to provide essential financial support during or after the divorce proceedings. The determination of the total amount to be paid takes into account various factors, including the unique financial needs and earning capacities of both parties involved. This ensures that the support provided is fair and equitable, reflecting the individual circumstances of each spouse as they transition into post-divorce life.
Spousal alimony and spousal support difference
- Spousal Alimony: This refers to the financial assistance provided to a spouse during the divorce process as a form of sustenance and to aid the spouse in regaining financial stability. In Texas, spousal maintenance serves as an alternative term for alimony.
- Spousal support: Regular, court-mandated payments that last after the divorce as a way to supplement a spouse’s income or provide for him or her.
Do you qualify for spousal maintenance?
Spousal maintenance may be mandated by the court if the spouse applying for it does not possess adequate post-divorce assets to fulfill essential needs. Alimony is generally taken into account if one spouse has engaged in family violence against the other during the marriage. In cases where the seeking spouse cannot generate sufficient income due to a disability, the court typically leans towards granting them spousal support.
If the marriage lasted a decade or more and the seeking spouse cannot maintain their pre-divorce standard of living, the court may grant support. Spousal support is often awarded alongside child support when the seeking spouse has custody of a physically disabled child.
Factors the Court Considers when Awarding Support / Alimony
The court doesn’t automatically grant alimony to any spouse who asks for it. It acknowledges that the paying spouse may not be able to afford spousal support, making the payments unfeasible.
Consequently, the court typically considers various factors, including:
- The financial standing of each spouse at the time of the divorce
- The duration of the marriage
- The age, employment history, earning capability, and physical and emotional health of the spouse
- Child support responsibilities
- Utilization of community property funds
- Each spouse’s educational background and employment skills
- Any instances of adultery during the relationship
- Any instances of family violence
- The property that each spouse brought into the marriage
- Whether one spouse acted as a homemaker during 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 Comal County Texas
- Learn how to determine whether you will owe alimony and for how long when preparing for your Texas divorce.
- 3 Important Facts about Texas Alimony and Spousal Support
Questions About Spousal Support?
Texas attorney Bryan Fagan can represent you, whether you’re the paying spouse or the recipient. Specializing in family law and divorce cases, Fagan has an unmatched understanding of even the most complex situations.
If you want more information about spousal support and alimony, don’t hesitate to contact the firm today!