What is alimony?

Alimony, otherwise known as spousal support or spousal maintenance, is a payment made by one spouse to the other following divorce or separation. In Texas, alimony is typically awarded when one spouse has a greater need for financial support and the other has the ability to pay. Texas courts will consider both parties’ standard of living prior to the separation, earning capacity, age, health, and contributions to the marriage when awarding alimony. Alimony may be of either a temporary or permanent nature. Temporary alimony, also known as rehabilitative alimony, is designed to provide financial support to a spouse as they become financially independent. Permanent alimony is intended to provide long-term financial support to one spouse and may be awarded when there is no reasonable expectation of the receiving spouse becoming self-supporting or the marriage is of a long duration. Alimony payments vary in amount and duration, and can be paid in one lump sum, or in regular payments. In Texas, alimony payments may be modified or terminated by the court under certain circumstances, such as if the paying spouse loses their job or has a significant change in circumstance. It is important that all parties involved understand the implications of alimony payments and their rights and responsibilities under the law. A qualified family law attorney can provide further information on alimony law in Texas.

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What is alimony?

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