Spousal Support Attorneys in Hays County, Austin, Bastrop, and New Braunfels

Spousal support is financial assistance paid by one spouse to the other following a divorce or legal separation. The purpose of spousal support is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living similar to what they experienced during the marriage. It’s important to note that spousal support is separate from child support and can be awarded to either spouse, depending on the circumstances.

In Texas, there are two main types of spousal support:

Temporary Spousal Support

This type of support is typically awarded during the divorce process and is meant to provide financial assistance until the divorce is finalized. It helps ensure that both spouses can maintain their day-to-day living expenses during the separation.

Post-Divorce (or Permanent) Spousal Support

Post-divorce spousal support is awarded after the divorce is finalized. It can be either temporary or long-term, depending on factors such as the length of the marriage, the recipient spouse’s needs, and the paying spouse’s ability to pay. In Texas, long-term spousal support is typically awarded only in specific situations, such as:

• The marriage lasted 10 years or more.
• The spouse seeking support is unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental disability.
• The spouse seeking support is the primary caregiver of a disabled child.

The amount and duration of spousal support are determined on a case-by-case basis. Texas courts consider several factors when deciding whether to award spousal support, including:

• The length of the marriage: Longer marriages are more likely to result in the awarding of spousal support.
• The financial resources and earning capacity of both spouses: The court will consider each spouse’s income, financial resources, and ability to support themselves post-divorce.
• The recipient spouse’s needs: This includes the recipient spouse’s ability to meet their financial needs and standard of living after the divorce.
• The paying spouse’s ability to provide support: The paying spouse’s financial situation and ability to pay spousal support are important factors.
• The contributions made during the marriage: This includes both financial and non-financial contributions, such as raising children, managing the household, and supporting the other spouse’s career.