Spousal Maintenance And Support: Understanding Your Options
Divorce can bring significant financial challenges, especially when there’s a disparity in income between spouses. In Texas, the law provides for both spousal maintenance (post-divorce) and spousal support (during the divorce) to address these challenges. Understanding the differences and eligibility requirements is crucial to protect your financial well-being. Our spousal maintenance attorneys can help answer your questions and help you get started.
Advocating For Your Financial Security
We recognize that divorce isn’t just about ending a marriage; it’s also about securing your future. With over 25 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Winnie A. Bates, Attorney at Law, provide candid advice and dedicated representation, helping you navigate the complexities of spousal maintenance and support.
Spousal Maintenance: Post-Divorce Support
Spousal maintenance, often called alimony, is financial support paid by one ex-spouse to the other after the divorce is finalized. In Texas, eligibility for spousal maintenance is limited. You must have been married for at least 10 years, and you must demonstrate a lack of sufficient property or the inability to earn enough income to meet your minimum reasonable needs.
The court considers various factors when determining whether to award spousal maintenance and its amount, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s earning capacity and education
- The contributions of each spouse to the marriage
- Any history of family violence
Spousal maintenance can give you the financial support you need to meet your needs. Our skilled spousal maintenance attorneys at Winnie A. Bates, Attorney at Law, can help you learn more about maintenance, support and other family law concerns.
Spousal Support: Temporary Relief During Divorce
Spousal support, unlike maintenance, is temporary financial assistance provided during the divorce process. It’s designed to ensure that the lower-earning spouse can maintain their standard of living and meet their basic needs while the divorce is pending. Eligibility for spousal support is generally broader than for maintenance, and the duration is limited to the pendency of the divorce.
Straightforward Guidance For Complex Issues
Whether you’re seeking spousal maintenance or support, we provide clear explanations and realistic expectations. Contact our spousal maintenance attorneys at Winnie A. Bates, Attorney at Law, today at 512-877-6255 or through our online contact page to schedule a consultation. Let’s discuss your situation and explore the best path forward to protect your financial interests.