Schedule a Meeting
(833) 553-4251
Schedule a Meeting
(833) 553-4251
When couples in Austin face divorce, financial stability can become a pressing concern. Alimony—or spousal maintenance—may provide support to a spouse in need during or after the dissolution of a marriage. However, navigating the complexities of alimony laws in Texas can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions and financial concerns intersect. An experienced attorney could help you understand the nuances of alimony laws and determine your eligibility for spousal support.
Working with a private firm like Kimbrough Legal, PLLC ensures personalized attention to your case. Their innovative, tech-savvy approach helps clients build strong strategies tailored to their needs, delivering bold representation in family law matters. Whether you are seeking spousal maintenance or defending against a claim, understanding the different types of alimony in Austin can empower you to make informed decisions.
During a divorce, one spouse may require immediate financial support to maintain stability. Temporary alimony, also known as spousal maintenance during pendency, is designed to address this need. A court may award temporary alimony to ensure one party can meet essential expenses, such as housing, utilities, and legal fees, while the divorce proceedings are ongoing.
Under Texas Family Code § 8.051, eligibility for temporary alimony depends on factors like the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, and their ability to provide for their own needs. An attorney in Austin could help you present compelling evidence to the court regarding your financial situation, ensuring that your interests are represented throughout the divorce process.
Rehabilitative support may be awarded in cases where one spouse needs help regaining financial independence. This type of alimony is typically granted to individuals who require additional education, job training, or time to reenter the workforce. Courts in Austin often limit rehabilitative alimony to a specific timeframe, encouraging the recipient to become self-sufficient.
When determining the amount and duration of rehabilitative alimony, courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, the contributions of the spouse seeking support (e.g., as a homemaker), and the financial resources of both parties. By working with an attorney experienced in Texas family law, you could build a case that highlights the necessity of rehabilitative alimony or defend against a claim that is unreasonable or excessive.
In some cases, long-term spousal maintenance may be necessary to address ongoing financial disparities between divorcing spouses. This type of alimony is less common in Austin and is typically reserved for situations where one spouse has a permanent disability, is the primary caretaker for a child with special needs, or cannot achieve self-sufficiency due to advanced age or other factors.
Texas Family Code §8.054 imposes strict limits on long-term spousal maintenance. Generally, support cannot exceed 20% of the paying spouse’s income or $5,000 per month, whichever is less. Additionally, courts often require evidence of significant need or hardship before granting this type of alimony. An attorney could evaluate your unique circumstances and provide guidance on pursuing or contesting long-term maintenance.
Divorce is a life-altering experience that brings unique challenges, including determining whether alimony is appropriate. By understanding the various types of alimony in Austin—temporary, rehabilitative, and long-term—you can approach your divorce with clarity and confidence.
If you are considering seeking alimony or need to contest a claim, our knowledgeable team could help you navigate the legal process while protecting your financial interests. Contact a spousal support attorney today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case.
N/a