ALIMONY /SPOUSAL SUPPORT

1) Does Texas have provisions for spousal support or alimony?

Answer:

Texas does NOT have alimony. However, the Texas Legislature provides

for money paid from one spouse to the other for a limited period of time

if the earning capacities of the spouses is very different. Its purpose is to

give time for the spouse who has not been in the job market or lacks

skills to earn a livable wage to retrain.

2) Is every spouse who earns a lot less then the other spouse eligible to get Spousal Support?

Answer:

NO! To be eligible to receive spousal support, you must be married for a

minimum of 10 years.

3) How long can a spouse get spousal support?

Answer:

The court determines the length of time spousal support is provided,

however, spousal support may never last more than three years.

4) What is the earliest that spousal support can begin?

Answer:

Spousal support may be awarded during temporary orders while the final

divorce is pending. It is in the court's discretion to award spousal

support.

5) Is Spousal Support instead of Child Support, or can I get both?

Answer:

Spousal Support and Child Support are independent of each other.

You may receive both Spousal Support and Child Support at the same time.

6) Can the court order my spouse to pay some of our bills?

Answer:

Yes, the court may order as a form of spousal support that one spouse pay

certain expenses, such as insurance premiums, mortgage or rent, utilities

or automobile payments.