When Will a Spousal Support Order Terminate?
If you are contemplating filing for divorce in Texas and there’s a likelihood that the court may order spousal maintenance, you may have questions about how long alimony is typically paid in the Lone Star State. It’s not as common as it used to be and there’s a greater expectation that the recipient take steps to become self-sufficient. Can the court order permanent alimony in Texas? Are the circumstances where spousal support will automatically terminate?
Spousal Support Declining But Still Relevant
The payment of a regular stipend to an ex-spouse, known alternately as alimony, spousal support or spousal maintenance, has taken on a new face over the last half century, since the U. S. Supreme Court ruled that the principle had to be applied equally to men and women. Studies show that women are still the primary beneficiaries of alimony orders, with less than five percent of all recipients being male.
How Long Will a Person Be Entitled to Alimony in Texas?
Whereas permanent alimony used to be somewhat common, it’s typically rare in the 21st century, customarily ordered only when the receiving spouse has some type of permanent disability that prevents gainful employment or is caring for a physically disabled or challenged child of the marriage. In those circumstances, alimony typically remains in force as long as the condition warranting it does.
In all other marriages where spousal maintenance may be appropriate, the length of time payments will be made depends on the length of the marriage:
- For marriages that lasted between 10 and 20 years, the receiving spouse will typically be entitled to five years of support. There is an exception, though—if the paying spouse was convicted of family violence, the innocent spouse may receive five years of support even though the marriage did not last 10 years
- For marriages that lasted between 20 and 30 years, alimony may be paid for up to 7 years
- For longer marriages, the payment of alimony is capped at 10 years
An alimony order, once in place, remains in effect until the termination date set forth by the court, until either party dies, or until the receiving party remarries or cohabitates with another person.
Contact DTX Family Law for Sound Advice Regarding Alimony in a Texas Divorce
At DTX Family Law, we built our reputation and practice by focusing on the needs and best interests of our clients. We have an extensive knowledge and understanding of Texas divorce laws and procedures. We’ll carefully explain your rights and options, as well as your chances of success, so that you can make good decisions for you and your family. Chrysandra is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor earned by less than one of every ten family law attorneys in the state. To schedule an appointment with a proven and effective Texas family lawyer, visit our website or call our offices at 940-566-0606.
Handling Divorce and Family Law Matters throughout Denton and the surrounding communities, including Denton, Collin, Wise, Tarrant and Cooke counties and the municipalities of Keller, Euless, Hurst, Colleyville, Bedford, Crowley, Lake Worth, Benbrook, Haslet, Saginaw, Watauga, Richland Hills, White Settlement, River Oaks, Forest Hill, Kennedale, Westover Hills, Lakeside, Pelican Bay and North Richland Hills