What Are the Potential Risks of Living with Someone When You Are Receiving Spousal Support?
Your marriage has ended and you’ve been awarded some form of spousal maintenance or support. You’ve also become involved with a new romantic partner and you’re considering moving in together. What is the relationship between spousal maintenance and cohabitation in Texas? Can you risk losing spousal support payments by living with another person?
Understanding Spousal Maintenance in Texas
Though it’s not as common as it once was, alimony is still awarded in Texas at the discretion of the court, based on a variety of factors, including the length of the marriage, employment history, education and financial resources, among other things.
What Is the Potential Impact of Cohabitation on Eligibility for Spousal Support in Texas?
In Texas, as in most states, an award of spousal support will be terminated by the death of either party or by remarriage of the beneficiary. If, instead of remarrying, you choose to live with another person, your ex may petition the court to have spousal maintenance terminated. The law does not clearly identify what qualifies as “cohabitation.” Evidence that may be used to demonstrate cohabitation includes sharing expenses, staying overnight for a number of days continuously or leaving personal items in the shared space. Ultimately, however, if the court concludes that you are cohabitating, your spousal support may be terminated.
AT DTX Family Law, We Can Answer Your Questions about Spousal Maintenance and Cohabitation in Texas
At DTX Family Law, we always put your needs and concerns first. We have a comprehensive understanding of divorce proceedings in Texas, including all issues related to alimony, spousal support or spousal maintenance. 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 new 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