Katy Alimony Lawyers

What Qualifies You for Spousal Support in Texas?

Not every person will be entitled to a support award. There are various requirements that must be met, and the court will review each case to determine if an award is appropriate and for how long the support should be received or paid.

The amount and duration of spousal support that may be awarded in Texas depends on several factors, including:

• The length of the marriage
• The ability of the spouse to provide for him or herself
• The earning ability of the spouse seeking alimony payments
• The contributions to the marriage from the alimony-seeking spouse
• The education and career skills of the spouse requesting support

Our alimony lawyers in Katy are ready to help you, no matter what situation you may be in with your case. We have helped many spouses obtain alimony and we have also helped many clients fight back against alimony requests. Whatever the specific goals in your case, we are well-positioned to help you get results.

What is the Cost of Alimony in Texas?

Alimony awards in Texas are not set by a rigid formula. Instead, judges have discretion in determining the amount and duration of alimony based on the facts of the case. The amount of alimony awarded is typically determined based on the income of both spouses, the recipient spouse’s needs, and the paying spouse’s financial capacity. 

Texas law places a cap on the amount of spousal support that can be awarded each month. As of current law, the maximum amount of monthly spousal support is $5,000, or 20% of the paying spouse’s monthly income, whichever is less.

How Long Does Alimony Last in Texas?

Once it is demonstrated that one spouse is eligible to receive alimony, the court determines the amount and duration. Awards are generally awarded for marriages that lasted longer than 10 years -- for marriages lesser than 10 years, the award is only granted if the paying partner was abusive.

• Alimony will last a maximum of 5 years if the marriage lasted 10-20 years
• 7 years if the marriage was between 20-30 years
• Up to 10 years if the marriage was longer than 30 years. 

Alimony may only be indefinite if the receiving spouse is taking care of a disabled child or disabled themselves.

How to Reduce or Terminate Your Alimony Payments?

Alimony is not designed to last forever, especially given how frequently one’s circumstances may change. If your financial situation changed substantially or if your former spouse’s situation changed substantially, you may be able to successfully reduce or terminate your payments.

If you involuntarily lost your job or experienced an involuntary reduction in income, you can petition the court to reduce your alimony payments. If you quit your job in an effort to avoid paying alimony to your former spouse, however, it is highly unlikely a judge will grant your request. You may also petition the court for a reduction or termination of these payments if you developed a condition that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment.

There are also some circumstances in which you may terminate or reduce alimony payments based on your former spouse’s current living situation. For example, if our ex remarries, your alimony payments will automatically be terminated. Your alimony payments may also be terminated if your former spouse lives with a new partner.

• Short Duration of Marriage: Less than 10 years, unless the spouse has a disability or is caring for a disabled child.
• Ability to Support Themselves: If the spouse can financially support themselves, they may be disqualified.
• No Disability or Dependents: Spouses without disabilities or caregiving responsibilities for a special-needs child may not qualify.
• Fault-Based Grounds: Committing adultery or engaging in domestic violence can disqualify a spouse from receiving alimony.
• Failure to Meet Legal Criteria: If the spouse doesn’t prove need or disability, they may not qualify for alimony.
• Paying Spouse's Inability to Pay: If the paying spouse can’t afford it, alimony may be reduced or eliminated.
• Remarriage: Remarriage of the recipient spouse typically terminates alimony payments.

How Katy Alimony Lawyers Can Help?

Navigating alimony matters in Texas can be complicated. Whether you are requesting spousal support or trying to defend against an alimony claim, it is essential to have a skilled Katy alimony lawyer on your side. Our legal team at The Springer Law Firm PLLC is committed to providing you with the representation you need to achieve a fair and just outcome.

When you work with a Katy alimony lawyer, we can assist you in:

• Understanding your eligibility: Whether you are seeking alimony or defending against a claim, we will assess your situation and help you understand your legal rights and obligations.
• Negotiating a fair settlement: In many cases, alimony matters can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. Our team is skilled at negotiating favorable terms for our clients.
• Representing you in court: If your case goes to trial, we are prepared to represent you in court. Our team will present the facts of your case, argue your position, and fight for a favorable result.
• Modifying or terminating alimony: If there has been a change in circumstances that affects the amount or duration of alimony, we can assist you in requesting a modification or termination of the alimony order.

If you want to schedule a consultation with one of our divorce lawyers in Katy, please call (281) 990-6025 or send us an email.