Is alimony modified if the recipient becomes self-supporting?

Yes, alimony in Texas is generally modifiable in the event the recipient becomes self-supporting. Alimony is an amount of money one former spouse pays the other former spouse after a divorce is finalized. It may be paid in a lump sum or in installments and is generally based on a court order. Under Texas law, the court may modify a prior alimony order when there has been a material and substantial change in the needs, resources, or circumstances of a party to the divorce. This includes when the recipient has become self-supporting. This means that the recipient’s ability to support him or herself financially has significantly increased. When modify or terminating an alimony order, the court will consider the earning ability of both parties, their financial resources, economic circumstances, and the needs of both parties. In the event the recipient has become self-supporting, the court will likely take into consideration what the recipient’s self-support was prior to the modification. This means that the court will consider if the recipient is able to support him or herself with a job that pays nearly the same as what the alimony was covering. In order for the court to consider a modification to an alimony order, an application must be filed and a hearing must be held. The court will then determine if the recipient is self-supporting or not. If the court finds the recipient is self-supporting, it may modify the alimony order.

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