Under Texas spousal support laws, how long your alimony will last depends on the length of the marriage and the ability of the spouse awarded alimony to earn a sufficient income to support his or her minimum reasonable needs.
The Impact of Length of Marriage
Except in cases where the spouse or child has a continuing disability, Texas spousal support laws place the following ceilings on the duration of alimony awarded:
- marriages for at least 10 years but not more than 20 years — not more than 5 years of spousal support;
- marriages for at least 20 years but not more than 30 years — not more than 7 years of spousal support; and
- marriages of 30 years or more —Not more than 10 years of spousal support.
The Impact of the Spouse’s Ability to Earn an Income
In determining the duration of alimony, the court considers the following extenuating circumstances that may substantially or totally diminish the spouse’s ability to find gainful employment in the foreseeable future:
- a physical or mental disability;
- the need to care for an infant or young child of the marriage; and
- any other compelling impediment to earning sufficient income.
Periodic Review and Modification
Periodic review and modification of the support order may be requested by either spouse or on the court’s own motion. An alimony lawyer can assist in determining if you have a change in circumstance that would entitle you to modification of the maintenance order under Texas spousal support laws.
Contact a Texas Alimony Lawyer
For more answers to your questions about spousal support, including questions regarding the nature, amount, and manner of periodic payment, contact an alimony lawyer with the law firm of Warren & Migliaccio LLP at 888-584-9614. We are ready to answer your family law questions today.