How Long Does Spousal Maintenance Last After Divorce?

by Tycha Kimbrough

Publication Date December 23, 2025 in Divorce

If you are the minority wage earner in your marriage, you may be concerned about how you are going to support your family once you and your ex-spouse are divorced. We understand your concerns, but you can rest assured knowing that many spouses are awarded temporary support while they work to become self-sufficient.

However, this financial assistance does not last forever, so you should be prepared to find your own source of income as soon as possible. Our attorneys at Kimbrough Legal, PLLC, are here to explain how long spousal maintenance lasts after a divorce.

How Does Long Spousal Support Last?

After a divorce, a Texas family court judge may award spousal maintenance to one spouse, and how long it lasts depends primarily on the duration of your marriage. For instance, if you were married between 10 and 20 years, support could last up to five years. However, if you said your vows 20 to 30 years ago, payments may last a maximum of seven years. A spouse with a marriage of longer than 30 years could collect maintenance payments for up to 10 years.

The court typically sets the shortest time frame possible for the supported spouse to become self-sufficient, unless other factors are up for consideration. You must demonstrate that you need support either because you are not able to meet your basic needs or because there is a factor prohibiting you from earning your own income.

Additional Factors for Consideration

In addition to the duration of your marriage, certain other factors may influence how long your spousal maintenance will last. Caring for a disabled child may prolong support payments, but only if the parent is unable to work due to the child’s needs. An award may also be extended if you, as the recipient, are disabled.

Could Spousal Maintenance Be Terminated Early?

There are circumstances where spousal support does not last as long as expected after a divorce. Being married for 28 years does not guarantee you will receive payments for a full seven years, so working toward financial independence during this time is important.

If you move in with a love interest or get married, your support would likely be terminated. If your income increases significantly, you may be deemed self-sufficient, and your support would end in that circumstance as well.

Learn About How Long Spousal Support Lasts After Divorce

Now that you know the basics of how long spousal maintenance lasts after divorce, it is time to reach out to our Austin-based family law firm. Our legal team is dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community, and we are not afraid to leverage advanced technology to our clients’ advantage. Reach out today to manage the present and secure your future.