Alimony & Spousal Maintenance Lawyers in Southlake

Compassionate Counsel for Spousal Support Matters in Tarrant County

One of the main concerns a divorcing spouse may worry about is having the financial support they need after the divorce. For someone who is not accustomed to working or doesn’t have the ability to learn a career, it can be terrifying to navigate life on your own. Thankfully, Texas law permits spousal maintenance payments where an earning spouse supports their ex, either permanently or until they can develop a skill and enter the workforce.

Spousal support, also known as spousal maintenance, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another. The goal of spousal support is to ensure that a spouse who is unable to support themselves after a divorce can maintain a standard of living similar to what they enjoyed during the marriage. Spousal support is not automatically awarded in a divorce case and may be awarded for a limited time or indefinitely.

At the Law Office of Dana L. White, PLLC, we are here to help you understand the various factors that may affect your eligibility for spousal support and the amount of spousal support you may be awarded. We can also help you understand the modification of spousal support payments and the enforcement of spousal maintenance orders. We are available to protect paying spouses from unfair spousal maintenance orders.

How Does Spousal Support Work in Southlake & Tarrant County?

In Southlake, navigating spousal support can be particularly challenging due to the unique dynamics of our community. With the presence of local government entities like the Tarrant County Family Court, residents often find themselves facing complex legal processes that can be overwhelming. Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, understanding your rights and options regarding spousal support is crucial.

Many individuals in Southlake experience anxiety over financial stability post-divorce, especially when children are involved. The cost of living in our area can be high, and making sure that both parties can maintain a reasonable standard of living is essential.

At the Law Office of Dana L. White, PLLC, we recognize the specific pain points faced by Southlake residents, including the need for clear communication and understanding of the legal landscape. We are committed to helping you explore your options for spousal support, whether you are seeking to receive or modify payments. Our goal is to provide you with the guidance you need to make informed decisions that align with your financial and emotional well-being.

How is Spousal Support Determined in Texas?

When determining whether to award spousal support and the amount of spousal support to be awarded, the court will consider several factors, including:

The financial resources of the spouse seeking maintenance, including the community property and any separate property he or she has
The education and employment skills of the spouse seeking maintenance, and the time, expenses, and effort required for the spouse to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the spouse to earn sufficient income
The duration of the marriage
The age, employment history, earning ability, and physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking maintenance
The effect on each spouse’s ability to provide for that spouse’s minimum reasonable needs, while also providing periodic child support payments if the spouse is the custodian of a child of the marriage
Any acts of domestic violence by the spouse seeking maintenance against the other spouse or a child of one of the spouses

Additionally, the court may consider whether the spouse seeking maintenance has made diligent efforts to obtain sufficient employment and whether the court has given the spouse the opportunity to develop the necessary skills through education, training, or other means.

What Types of Spousal Maintenance Are Available in Texas?

Texas spousal support orders are typically temporary. However, in some rare cases, a divorcing spouse may be awarded permanent spousal maintenance payments. Finally, some couples use a contractual form of spousal support.

Temporary Spousal Maintenance

The most common form of spousal support occurs when one spouse needs temporary help following the divorce. This financial support allows them some time to get an education or learn a skill that makes them eligible for the workforce. The idea is for the spouse to have help until they become self-supporting. A judge may award temporary spousal support to assist the receiving spouse during this critical period.

Permanent Spousal Maintenance

Alternatively, some individuals may require permanent support. These cases may be based on physical or mental disability or age. The receiving spouse may have a severe disability, be a victim of abuse, or have been married for a long period of time. An experienced spousal support attorney like those at our law firm can help you seek permanent alimony in Texas if you require it.

Contractual Spousal Support

Contractual alimony occurs when a couple has a legal document like a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that prescribes the terms for how to proceed after a divorce. In these cases, the court may enforce the terms of the document as long as they are fair. However, some couples experience changes that may nullify the contract. If the contract is legally binding and the paying spouse becomes delinquent, the receiving spouse may seek compensation in a civil court.

How Do You Determine the Duration of Spousal Support?

The duration of spousal support payments is determined by Texas law. The duration is calculated based on the length of the marriage at the time the divorce is filed.

The following are some guidelines used in determining the duration of spousal support payments:

If the marriage lasted less than 10 years, the maximum duration of spousal support is 5 years
If the marriage lasted between 10 and 20 years, the maximum duration of spousal support is 5 years
If the marriage lasted between 20 and 30 years, the maximum duration of spousal support is 7 years
If the marriage lasted 30 years or more, the maximum duration of spousal support is 10 years
If the spouse receiving spousal support is disabled or caring for a child with a disability, the court may order the spousal support to continue indefinitely.

It is important to note that these time limits are the maximum duration of spousal support, and the court may order spousal support for a shorter period of time.

Can I Modify My Spousal Support Payments?

Yes, you may be able to modify your spousal support payments if there has been a material and substantial change in your circumstances, such as the loss of a job or a significant drop in your income. You may also be able to modify your spousal support payments if your spouse has experienced a material and substantial change in their circumstances.

It is important to note that you cannot modify your spousal support payments if your divorce order specifies that the spousal support is not modifiable. Additionally, you cannot modify your spousal support payments if you and your spouse agreed that the spousal support is not modifiable and your agreement is included in your divorce decree.

If you are unable to pay your spousal support, you should not simply stop making payments. Doing so can result in serious penalties, including fines and jail time. Instead, you should file a motion to modify your spousal support payments with the court.

What Is the Difference Between Spousal Support and Child Support?

Spousal support and child support are two different types of payments, but both are typically awarded in Texas divorce cases. The main difference between spousal support and child support is that spousal support is paid directly to a spouse, and child support is paid to the parent with primary custody of the children.

Child support payments are intended to help cover the costs of raising a child, including housing, food, clothing, and medical expenses. Spousal support payments are intended to help a spouse maintain a standard of living similar to what they enjoyed during the marriage.

How Can Your Experienced Southlake Spousal Support Lawyers Help Me?

An experienced Southlake spousal support lawyer can provide essential guidance and representation throughout the alimony process, helping you achieve a fair outcome that reflects your needs and rights.

Here’s how they can assist:

Evaluate Your Financial Situation: A lawyer assesses both parties’ incomes, financial contributions, and future earning potential to help determine a fair spousal support amount
Negotiate a Support Agreement: A skilled negotiator can help you establish terms that are fair and reasonable, whether you are asking for support or paying it
Prepare for Court Representation: If negotiations don’t lead to an agreement, an experienced lawyer can represent you in court, advocating for support that reflects your financial situation and contributions during the marriage
Modify or Terminate Support Orders: Significant financial changes, such as job loss or remarriage, may result in the need to modify or terminate support orders. Your attorney can help modify or terminate orders as circumstances evolve
Provide Objective Advice: Our lawyers who specialize in Texas spousal support laws can provide objective advice based on their legal knowledge, helping you protect your rights and preserve your financial stability in the long run

Why Choose the Law Office of Dana L. White, PLLC?

At the Law Office of Dana L. White, PLLC, we understand that divorce is a deeply personal and emotional experience. Our Southlake spousal support attorney is here to provide the compassionate and personalized legal guidance you need during this difficult time.

One of the most important factors in any divorce is ensuring you have the support you need until you can become self-supporting. Whether that means having your spouse pay spousal support or protecting you from an unfair spousal maintenance order, we’ll stand by your side to seek the results you need.

Our firm can help you understand the various factors that may affect your eligibility for spousal support and the amount of spousal support you may be awarded. We can also help you understand the modification of spousal support payments and the enforcement of spousal maintenance orders.

Call us now at (817) 512-1580 to speak with our compassionate, knowledgeable family law attorneys.