Fort Worth Spousal Maintenance Attorney

Helping With Your Alimony Needs in Texas

In Texas, alimony is called spousal maintenance and often becomes a central issue in a divorce proceeding. Spousal maintenance allows a dependent spouse to continue the lifestyle they enjoyed during the marriage for a specific period after the divorce. 

Whether you are the paying or dependent spouse, it is normal to have concerns about your upcoming spousal maintenance agreement. At OWLawyers®, we know how vital it is to reach a spousal maintenance outcome that works for your circumstances. We make sure your concerns are clear to the court and respond to any arguments that arise regarding your claims in these matters.

It is possible to face this process with confidence. Contact us by calling (214) 348-6723 today to speak with our compassionate Fort Worth spousal maintenance attorney.

How Spousal Maintenance is Determined

Two of the most frequent questions clients ask about spousal maintenance in Texas are, “How much will it be?” and “How long will it last?” The amount of monthly spousal maintenance depends on a judge’s review of each spouse’s finances and circumstances. Texas caps payments at the lesser of $5,000 or 20% of the paying spouse’s gross monthly income.

Our alimony attorneys review every available financial record, such as income statements, tax returns, and personal asset documentation. Tarrant County courts may also factor in local property values and living costs when deciding on support amounts. We walk you through each step, ensuring you understand how the court will weigh different forms of evidence specific to this area.

The duration of spousal maintenance depends on the length of the marriage:

• Marriages of less than 20 years – 5 year maximum
• Marriages between 20 and 30 years – 7 year maximum
• Marriages of more than 30 years – 10 year maximum

Certain factors, such as caring for children with special needs or a history of family violence, can significantly impact the final outcome. If you are starting the divorce process and have questions about your alimony options, we invite you to reach out for guidance that takes every relevant consideration into account.

Get started by requesting a confidential consultation with our spousal maintenance lawyers in Fort Worth by calling (214) 348-6723 today!

Contractual Alimony & Court-Ordered Spousal Maintenance: What’s the Difference?

In Texas, “alimony” and “spousal maintenance” mean different types of post-divorce support. Contractual alimony refers to a voluntary agreement in the divorce settlement, enforced just like any other contract. Court-ordered spousal maintenance is only awarded under specific criteria set by the Texas Family Code and determined by a judge.

When a court issues spousal maintenance, payments must meet statutory limits and are enforced through the legal system. By contrast, contractual alimony gives both sides flexibility to set the payment amount, schedule, and length. If someone violates the terms, the other party might need to file a separate claim to enforce the contract. In Tarrant County, judges observe these boundaries closely, so anyone considering spousal support must understand all consequences before finalizing a divorce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you modify a spousal support order in Texas?

To modify a spousal maintenance order, you must prove a significant and lasting change in circumstances to the court. Judges in Tarrant County require documentation—such as evidence of job loss, income reduction, or health challenges—to consider adjustments.

Does spousal maintenance end automatically if the recipient remarries?

Yes, Texas law provides that court-ordered spousal maintenance ends when the recipient remarries. If the recipient enters a permanent, cohabiting relationship, maintenance may also end, but the court will review the facts first.

Is spousal maintenance taxable income in Texas?

Following the 2019 federal tax law changes, new spousal maintenance payments are usually not deductible for the payer, and the recipient does not report them as taxable income. Older agreements may be subject to different rules based on their terms and when they were signed.

Want to learn more about how we can help you? Contact our team at (214) 348-6723 to speak with our Fort Worth spousal maintenance lawyer today.