Alimony and Spousal Support in Dallas, TX

Partner with a Dallas Attorney Especially Alimony and Spousal Support

In the state of Texas, individuals going through a divorce have the option to seek alimony or spousal support. Both alimony and spousal support refer to regular financial payments made by one spouse to provide support during or after the divorce process. We determine the amount of these payments based on the specific needs and earning potential of each spouse.

There are distinct differences between alimony and spousal support:

• Alimony: Refers to payments made to a spouse during the divorce proceedings, serving as both financial assistance and a means to help the recipient regain stability. In Texas, alimony is also known as spousal maintenance. 
• Spousal support: Refers to court-ordered regular payments made after the divorce with the intention of supplementing a spouse’s income or providing for their needs.

Determining eligibility for spousal maintenance:

The court may grant spousal maintenance, commonly known as alimony, if the seeking spouse lacks sufficient assets to meet their basic needs following the divorce. In cases where one spouse commits family violence against the other during the marriage, the court may consider alimony as crucial for providing financial security and independence to the victimized spouse. The court frequently grants spousal support to disabled spouses, acknowledging their financial challenges after divorce.

Furthermore, spouses may qualify for support if the marriage endured for a duration of ten years or longer, and the spouse seeking support cannot generate enough income to uphold their previous standard of living. This acknowledgment by the court underscores the importance of equitable financial arrangements, particularly for spouses who have dedicated significant portions of their lives to the marriage and now find themselves financially vulnerable. Moreover, if the spouse seeking support has custody of a physically disabled child, the court may deem spousal support necessary in conjunction with child support, aiming to alleviate the financial burden associated with caring for a disabled child while ensuring that both parents contribute to their well-being.

Factors considered by the court when awarding support or alimony:

In Texas, the allocation of alimony or spousal support isn’t automatically granted upon request; rather, it’s a deliberative process by the court. Recognizing the financial dynamics of both spouses, the court carefully evaluates whether the paying spouse has the means to afford spousal support while maintaining their own financial stability. This assessment ensures that alimony arrangements are fair and feasible, taking into account factors like the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources and earning capacity, and their contributions to the marriage. By examining these aspects, the court aims to strike a balance that promotes financial security for both parties post-divorce.

The court does not automatically grant alimony upon request; rather, several factors are taken into account, such as:

• The financial resources of each spouse at the time of the divorce
• The duration of the marriage
• The age, employment history, earning capacity, and physical/emotional well-being of each spouse
• Existing child support obligations
• Use of joint funds from community property
• Each spouse’s educational background and employment skills
• Instances of adultery during the marriage
• Patterns of domestic violence within the relationship
• Property owned by each spouse
• Whether or not one spouse acted as a homemaker in 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 Harris and Montgomery Counties in Texas
• Know How to Determine Whether Alimony will be Owed and for How Long, When Preparing for Your Texas Divorce
• 3 Important Facts about Texas Alimony and Spousal Support

Questions About Alimony and Spousal Support?

Are you seeking legal guidance regarding spousal support? Look no further than Dallas attorney Bryan Fagan. With a primary focus on family law and divorce cases, Attorney Fagan possesses an unmatched comprehension of intricate matters. Whether you are the paying spouse or the recipient, our firm can provide expert advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out today for further information on spousal support and alimony!

If you want more information about spousal support and alimony, don’t hesitate to contact the firm today!