Alimony & Spousal Support Lawyer, Austin TX

Texas recognizes three distinct forms of spousal support:

• Temporary spousal support provides financial assistance during divorce proceedings, helping maintain stability while the divorce case moves forward.
• Court-ordered spousal maintenance offers long-term support after divorce finalization, following specific state guidelines and requirements.
• Contractual alimony allows spouses to create their own support agreement outside of court orders, providing flexibility to meet both parties’ needs.

Section 8.051 of the Texas Family Code defines who is eligible to receive spousal maintenance.
The most common way to qualify requires a marriage lasting 10 years or longer, combined with
proof that the requesting spouse cannot meet minimum reasonable needs independently. You
may also qualify if you have a physical or mental disability that prevents self-support, or if you
care for a disabled child from the marriage who requires substantial supervision.
If your spouse received a conviction for family violence within two years before filing for
divorce, you may qualify for support regardless of the marriage length. This provision protects
victims of domestic violence who need financial assistance to establish independence.

If a court determines that a spouse is eligible to receive spousal maintenance, that court is
required to determine the nature, amount, duration, and manner of the maintenance payments by
considering the factors in Section 8.052 of the Texas Family Code, including each spouse's
financial resources, education level, employment history, marriage duration, homemaker
contributions, age, health condition, marital misconduct, child support obligations, family
violence history, the efforts of the spouse requesting alimony to develop employment skills
during separation, and all other relevant factors.

Courts examine multiple factors when determining support arrangements. They evaluate each spouse’s education level and ability to earn income, including time needed to gain necessary job skills or education. The court considers age, physical health, and emotional condition of both parties. They also look at child custody responsibilities, available financial resources after property division, and contributions to the marriage, including homemaking duties.

After the court orders spousal maintenance, both parties must comply with the order. If circumstances change significantly, either spouse may request modifications to the support amount. Our attorneys can help you enforce existing orders or pursue necessary modifications based on substantial changes in income or other circumstances.

At Thompson Salinas Londergan, LLP, we believe in clear communication throughout your case. Our attorneys explain your legal options in straightforward terms and keep you informed at every stage. We focus on achieving fair resolutions while protecting your financial future.

Whether you seek support or need to respond to a support request, our experienced legal team will protect your rights under Texas law. We handle both simple and complex spousal support cases, including those involving business ownership, professional practices, and substantial assets.

Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation with an Austin alimony attorney. We will evaluate your situation and help you understand your options.

With over 15 years of family law experience in Central Texas, our legal team understands the nuances of these cases. We take time to understand your specific situation and financial needs. Our attorneys prepare thorough documentation of your income, expenses, and qualifying factors to present a strong case for support.

We recognize that each case brings unique challenges. Our team-based approach ensures you benefit from our combined expertise in family law. We help you gather necessary financial documentation, present compelling evidence to support your position, and negotiate fair agreements that protect your interests.