Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce
Following a divorce, it may be necessary for monetary arrangements to be made if one spouse was previously dependent on the other. When a couple is married, it is quite common for one spouse to earn the majority of the money, so a divorce can cause significant financial hardship for the spouse who performed household and other family duties. If the spouses are not able to reach an agreement, it may be necessary for the court to order spousal support. There are divorce lawyers in Houston, Texas who can help you to understand your rights and what to expect.
You Gave Years To Your Family. Your Future Still Matters.
If you stepped back from your career to raise children or run the household, the thought of supporting yourself after divorce can feel overwhelming. Our Texas family law team will listen, help you understand where you stand, and work toward a financial arrangement that gives you room to rebuild.
Schedule A ConsultationQualifying for Spousal Support
The court may order spousal maintenance if the spouse who is seeking alimony is not able to meet his or her reasonable and necessary needs, and one of the following circumstances also exists:
The spouse seeking support has a mental or physical disability that prevents them from being able to provide for basic needs (food, shelter, etc)
- The spouses were married for at least 10 years, and the spouse seeking support is not able to meet his/her reasonable and necessary needs
- The spouse seeking support has a child or children who require special care (such as a mental or physical disability), which prevents the spouse from being able to earn a living
- Physical violence was inflicted upon either the spouse seeking support or his/her child within 2 years of the court proceedings
Key Takeaways
How Spousal Support Works in Texas: What You Should Know
Spousal support in Texas, called spousal maintenance in court-ordered cases, is not automatic. Here is what Houston-area spouses should understand before asking for support or being asked to pay it.
- Spouses can agree on support themselves. A court only orders maintenance when they cannot reach an agreement.
- To qualify for court-ordered maintenance, the requesting spouse must show they cannot meet their minimum reasonable needs on their own.
- They must also meet a qualifying condition, such as a disabling illness, a marriage of 10 years or longer, caring for a child with a disability, or a recent history of family violence.
- The amount and length depend on factors like each spouse’s financial resources, earning ability, age and health, how long the marriage lasted, and how property was divided.
How Much is Due?
Once the court has determined that the spouse is indeed eligible for spousal support, there are a number of factors that will need to be considered in order to determine the amount and duration of the payments. Of course, there are unique circumstances in each that need to be considered which is why consultation with divorce lawyers in Houston, Texas is essential. Common considerations include the following:
- The financial resources of both spouses at the time of divorce, which will determine each spouse’s ability to meet basic needs
- Education, previous work skills, and the ability to gain new skills in order to earn a living
- The duration of the marriage
- Employment history, age, physical and emotional health, and earning ability of the spouse seeking spousal maintenance
- Child support paid to one spouse
- How joint property was divided
- Property and assets that the seeking spouse brought to the marriage
- Acts of adultery or cruelty
- History of family abuse
Paying Or Requesting Support? Know Where You Stand First.
Whether you are asking for maintenance or being asked to pay it, the details of your marriage, income, and property all shape the outcome. Talk with our attorneys before you agree to anything. We’ll review your situation and help you move forward with a clear plan instead of uncertainty.
Schedule A ConsultationSeek Expert Legal Advice
As you can see, seeking spousal support can be a very complicated and nuanced process. That is why it is essential to hire divorce lawyers in Houston, Texas to get the best possible outcome. Seeking spousal support is a complex process that should be handled by experienced legal professionals like the lawyers at the Ramos Law Group, PLLC. Widely regarded as the best divorce lawyers in Houston, Texas, Ramos Law Group, PLLC is the go-to source for those who require a reputable divorce lawyer. Call the Ramos Law Group, PLLC today.
Ramos Law Group, PLLC
Questions About Spousal Support? Talk With A Texas Family Law Attorney Near You
Every spousal maintenance case turns on its own facts, from the length of your marriage to each spouse’s income and needs. Ramos Law Group has five offices across Houston, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Find the location nearest you, then schedule a consultation to talk through your options.
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Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Mary E. Ramos
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