Defending Yourself Through Spousal Support Issues

Last updated on June 12, 2024

Spousal support, also known as spousal maintenance or alimony, is not awarded in every divorce. Determining spousal support In Texas involves several factors, and understanding these parameters can help you navigate this complex issue. To ensure your spousal support agreement reflects your needs, let a skilled family law attorney defend your best interests throughout your spousal support needs.

At the Law Office of Matt Sossi, we are here to guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are protected as either the spouse who pays or receives spousal support. As our lawyer represents you, we will help you understand how the spousal support system works and how we can help you earn the results you deserve in your unique situation.

How Spousal Support Is Determined

Spousal support is meant to give divorced people the resources they need to make ends meet after their divorce. Before they can qualify for this income, they need to meet specific legal criteria, including:

• Having been married at least 10 years
• The spouse seeking payment needs to have substantially fewer assets or income than the other spouse
• The receiving spouse must not be able to earn sufficient income on their own, either because of disability, caretaking obligations or lack of employment capabilities

The court will review these factors, and if they confirm spousal support is due, they will determine the value of it based on the unique factors in the marriage, such as:

• The financial resources and earning capacity of both spouses
• The duration of the marriage
• The age, employment history, and health of the spouse seeking support
• The ability of the paying spouse to meet their own needs while providing support
• Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and childcare
• Any marital misconduct or fault in the breakup of the marriage

Our goal as your legal representation is to present the truth of all relevant factors to ensure the outcome of your spousal support needs is fair and just. We can also help you seek a support arrangement that lasts as long as you need it to.

Temporary Vs. Permanent Spousal Support

Spousal support arrangements can either be temporary or permanent. Temporary spousal support is commonly awarded in situations that can help the receiving spouse pay bills and other costs of living until the divorce ends. This arrangement commonly finalizes when the divorce decree takes effect.

For permanent support payments, these typically last until the receiving spouse gets remarried. These kinds of arrangements are only common for marriages that have lasted a long time, and the receiving spouse will never be able to achieve the same standard of living without them.

No matter what kind of support arrangement suits your unique situation, our attorney is prepared to help you earn the outcome you deserve in your family law needs.

Secure A Fair Support Agreement

At the Law Office of Matt Sossi, we understand the complexities involved in spousal support cases. We are here to advocate for your needs, whether you will be paying or receiving spousal support. Call our San Antonio office at 210-686-6193 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today.