Round Rock Spousal Support Lawyer

Divorce is not just the end of a relationship—it is also the end of a legal financial status that brings changes to the financial future both spouses had expected. Spousal support in Texas is designed to address these financial challenges brought on by divorce, and a skilled family attorney can help you navigate it all.

During marriage, the financial goals of a couple become intertwined, and one spouse may end up in a position to earn substantially more income than the other. With the help of a Round Rock spousal support lawyer, you can learn more about your eligibility for financial support during or after the divorce and the steps you can take toward financial security.

Understanding the Difference Between Spousal Support and Spousal Maintenance

In Texas, the term alimony has been replaced by spousal support and spousal maintenance. However, these two terms are not interchangeable to describe the same court order.

Spousal Support

Spousal support is temporary assistance provided during the divorce process to ensure the lower-earning spouse can maintain their standard of living and meet basic needs while the official separation is pending. Eligibility for spousal support is more likely than for spousal maintenance because it is limited to the duration of the divorce proceedings.

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance is financial support paid by the higher-earning ex-spouse after the divorce is finalized. This type of support has strict standards for eligibility and is limited to individuals who are unable to earn enough income to meet their minimum reasonable needs.

For spousal maintenance to be state-approved, one or more of the following must be proven:

• The marriage lasted for 10 or more years, and the lower-earning individual cannot reasonably pay for their own basic needs
• The receiving ex-spouse has a mental or physical disability that prevents them from earning a gainful income
• The receiver is responsible for a child with physical or mental disability that requires significant and special care
• The paying ex-spouse was convicted of domestic violence during or after the divorce filing

A skilled lawyer in Round Rock can provide advice regarding the spousal alimony process and the evidence required to prove eligibility.

When Does Spousal Support End?

While divorce can disrupt your source of income and financial stability, spousal maintenance and support do not last forever and have set endpoints.

Spousal support is generally paid while your divorce is pending to allow reasonable time for the lower-earning spouse to obtain additional education and/or training to re-enter the workforce. The duration of spousal maintenance in Texas depends on the length of the marriage as follows.

• 10-20 years of marriage: Up to five years of maintenance payments
• 20-30 years of marriage: Up to seven years of maintenance payments
• 30+ years of marriage: Up to 10 years of maintenance payments

The maximum duration of spousal support allowed in Round Rock is not guaranteed, but a skilled divorce attorney can help you understand your eligibility for support and the steps you can take to protect your financial future.

Contact a Round Rock Spousal Support Attorney to Learn More Today

During a marriage, one spouse often makes sacrifices so the other can achieve financial goals. As a result, divorce could be a threat to that spouse meeting basic needs and building a secure financial future. Because it is not guaranteed and subject to strict eligibility requirements, a Round Rock spousal support lawyer could be your advocate to help you achieve financial stability after divorce. Let the skilled attorneys from Kimbrough Legal, PLLC, help you explore your legal options and prepare for your future. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.