Types of Alimony in Texas

 Posted on August 11, 2023 in Divorce

Alimony, or spousal support or maintenance, is a financial arrangement designed to assist one spouse after a divorce financially. In Texas, alimony isn't as common as in some other states. However, family courts may still award it in certain situations. If you are going through a divorce in Texas, it's essential to be aware of the various types of alimony that could come into play. When you hire an experienced Frisco spousal support attorney, they can help you understand the different types of alimony in Texas and the factors that courts consider when awarding it.

Temporary Alimony 

Courts sometimes award temporary alimony to a lower-earning or financially disadvantaged spouse during the divorce proceedings. This support is meant to help the recipient spouse maintain their standard of living until the divorce is finalized. 

To be eligible for temporary alimony in Texas, the requesting spouse must demonstrate financial need and meet specific criteria, such as having been married for at least ten years or being a victim of family violence. If you have such a need, your Frisco spousal support attorney can help you establish it with the court.

Contractual Alimony

In Texas, couples can negotiate and include contractual alimony provisions in their divorce settlement. Both parties agree upon this type of alimony, and it's enforceable through the terms of the divorce decree. Contractual alimony can take various forms, such as lump-sum payments or regular monthly installments, and it allows the divorcing couple to customize the terms of the support arrangement to their specific needs.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony aims to support the lower-earning spouse for a limited time to help them acquire the education or job skills necessary to become self-supporting. The purpose of this type of alimony is to assist the recipient spouse in becoming financially independent, allowing them to reenter the workforce or obtain additional education to enhance their earning potential.

Reimbursement Alimony

Reimbursement alimony is awarded when one spouse financially supports the other during their education, training, or career development. This type of alimony is designed to compensate the supporting spouse for the investment made in the recipient spouse's future. Reimbursement alimony may be appropriate when one spouse puts their career on hold to allow the other to pursue education or career advancement.

Permanent Alimony 

Unlike some other states, Texas rarely awards permanent alimony. As the name suggests, permanent alimony is ongoing financial support provided to a lower-earning spouse until certain events occur, such as the recipient's remarriage or death. In Texas, permanent alimony is typically only awarded in exceptional circumstances, such as long-term marriages where the recipient spouse can't support themselves due to age, disability, or other significant factors.

Consult With a Frisco Spousal Support Attorney

While alimony is less common in Texas than in other states, it can still play a significant role in certain divorces. When determining whether to award alimony and its type and duration, the court considers various factors, including:

• The length of the marriage

• The financial need

• The ability to pay

If you are going through a divorce in Texas and have concerns about alimony, consulting with an experienced Frisco spousal support attorney as soon as possible is in your best interest.

At The Law Office of Linda Risinger, we can provide you with guidance during the divorce process and ensure your rights and financial interests are protected. To schedule a no-obligation case evaluation, call us today at 972-294-6533 or contact us online.