What is Spousal Support (Maintenance) in Travis County in Austin, Texas?
In many dissolution of marriage cases, spousal support becomes a central issue, particularly when one spouse has spent significant time as a stay-at-home parent. In Texas, spouses may seek financial support during divorce proceedings, but specific eligibility requirements must be met. It’s also important to understand that Texas law distinguishes between “alimony” and “spousal support.” Alimony typically involves ongoing payments after a divorce, while spousal support (also called spousal maintenance) is temporary financial help aimed at assisting the receiving spouse in becoming self-sufficient.
Having a knowledgeable attorney who is familiar with local laws is crucial to protecting your financial interests. At Stange Law Firm, we assist clients throughout Travis County from our Austin office in a wide range of spousal support matters. Whether you are seeking support or contesting a request, our team is committed to pursuing a fair and favorable resolution on your behalf.
Spousal Support in Travis County, Texas in Austin
In Texas, either spouse may qualify for spousal support depending on the specific facts of the case. However, the spouse requesting support (the obligee) must meet certain legal requirements. Courts evaluate spousal maintenance on an individual basis, and it may be granted under one of the following four primary circumstances:
- Family Violence: The paying spouse (obligor) has been convicted of or received deferred adjudication for a family violence offense against the other spouse or a child within two years prior to or during the divorce.
- Long-Term Marriage: The marriage lasted at least 10 years, and the obligee lacks adequate resources to meet their basic needs and is either disabled, the full-time caretaker of a disabled child, or unable to earn sufficient income.
- Mutual Agreement: Both spouses voluntarily agree to a spousal maintenance arrangement for a specified duration.
- Sponsored Immigrant: A spouse who is a sponsored immigrant may enforce the Affidavit of Support, requiring the sponsoring spouse to provide financial support (125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or earns 40 qualifying work quarters.
Texas law also allows for the modification of spousal support if a substantial change in circumstances occurs. These changes might involve shifts in income, health, or living conditions. If both parties agree to revise the terms, such as the amount or duration of support, they may jointly request a court-approved modification. Any proposed change must be supported with legally admissible evidence.
Handling Spousal Support in Austin, Texas in Travis County
To speak with a spousal support attorney in Austin, Texas, call Stange Law Firm at 855-805-0595 or schedule a consultation with us online.
If you want to learn more about the Travis County Family Court, please visit the following links:
- Travis County Court Information: Discover more information and specific guidelines for the Travis County Courts here.
- Travis County Family Law Forms & Information: This link provides you with important family law forms in Austin, Texas.
- Travis County, Texas Family Courthouse: Get the address and directions to the Travis County Civil Courthouse in Austin from Google Maps by clicking here.
Contact Our Spousal Support Attorneys in Austin, Texas in Travis County Today
If you’re seeking a dedicated domestic litigation attorney to assist with your spousal support matter in Austin, contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.
Travis County (Austin), Texas Office: 512-616-0730 | 2021 Guadalupe St, Suite 260, Austin, TX 78705 (Opening July 2025)
