What is Spousal Support (Maintenance) in Harris County in Houston, Texas?
In many dissolution cases, spousal support is a main focus, especially when one spouse has been a stay-at-home parent and has not worked in recent years. Under Texas law, spouses may request alimony during dissolution proceedings under specific conditions. In Texas courts, “alimony” and “spousal support” have different meanings. Alimony refers to ongoing monthly payments from one spouse to another, whereas spousal support (also known as spousal maintenance) is temporary financial assistance meant to help the receiving spouse become self-supporting. To be awarded spousal support in Texas, the receiving spouse must meet certain eligibility requirements.
It’s essential to have a dedicated attorney on your side who understands the local laws and will work hard to protect your interests. At Stange Law Firm, we represent clients throughout Harris County from our Houston, Texas office in all types of spousal support cases. Whether you’re on the requesting or defending side of the case, we are dedicated to doing everything we can to achieve the most favorable outcome for you.
Spousal Support in Harris County, Texas in Houston
In Texas, either spouse has the potential to receive spousal support, depending on the circumstances at hand. However, the spouse seeking support (the obligee) must meet specific eligibility requirements. Spousal maintenance in Texas is determined on a case-by-case basis and can be awarded in four primary situations:
- Family violence: If the paying spouse (obligor) has been convicted or received deferred adjudication for a family violence offense against the other spouse or their children within two years before or during the divorce.
- Long-term marriage: If the marriage lasted at least 10 years and the spouse seeking maintenance (obligee) lacks sufficient resources to meet their needs and is either disabled, the primary caretaker of a disabled child, or unable to earn enough for their minimum reasonable needs.
- Agreement: If both parties agree to a spousal maintenance arrangement for a specific period.
- Sponsored immigrant: If the spouse is a sponsored immigrant, they can enforce the Affidavit of Support and request the court to order the sponsor to provide 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines until the immigrant spouse becomes a U.S. citizen or earns 40 work credits.
Spousal support can be modified in Texas if there is a significant change in circumstances such as a change in income, health, or living situation. Modifications can also occur if both spouses agree to alter the terms of the support order, including the amount or duration. The modification must be approved by the court, and changes in the circumstances of either spouse must be proven using legal methods.
Handling Spousal Support in Houston, Texas in Harris County
To speak with one of our spousal support attorneys who can assist you in Houston, Texas, call us at 855-805-0595 or schedule a consultation with our law firm online.
If you are wanting to learn more about the Harris County Family Court, please visit the following links:
- Harris County Court Information: Discover more information and specific guidelines for the Harris County Courts here.
- Harris County Family Law Forms & Information: This link provides you with important family law forms in Houston, Texas.
- Harris County, Texas Civil Courthouse: Get the address and directions to the Harris County Civil Courthouse in Houston from Google Maps by clicking here.
Contact Our Spousal Support Attorneys in Houston, Texas in Harris County Today
Are you looking to hire a dedicated domestic litigation lawyer to assist with your spousal support matter in Houston? If so, contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.
Harris County (Houston), Texas Office (346-466-4901) | 12 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1147, Houston, Texas 77046
