What is Spousal Support and How Does It Work?

Posted May 23, 2014 by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce

Following a divorce, it may be necessary for monetary arrangements to be made if one spouse was previously dependent on the other. When a couple is married, it is quite common for one spouse to earn the majority of the money, so a divorce can cause significant financial hardship for the spouse who performed household and other family duties. If the spouses are not able to reach an agreement, it may be necessary for the court to order spousal support. There are divorce lawyers in Houston, Texas who can help you to understand your rights and what to expect.

Qualifying for Spousal Support

The court may order spousal maintenance if the spouse who is seeking alimony is not able to meet his or her reasonable and necessary needs, and one of the following circumstances also exists:

• The spouse seeking support has a mental or physical disability that prevents them from being able to provide for basic needs (food, shelter, etc)
• The spouses were married for at least 10 years, and the spouse seeking support is not able to meet his/her reasonable and necessary needs
• The spouse seeking support has a child or children who require special care (such as a mental or physical disability), which prevents the spouse from being able to earn a living
• Physical violence was inflicted upon either the spouse seeking support or his/her child within 2 years of the court proceedings

How Much is Due?

Once the court has determined that the spouse is indeed eligible for spousal support, there are a number of factors that will need to be considered in order to determine the amount and duration of the payments. Of course, there are unique circumstances in each that need to be  considered which is why consultation with divorce lawyers in Houston, Texas is essential. Common considerations include the following:

• The financial resources of both spouses at the time of divorce, which will determine each spouse’s ability to meet basic needs
• Education, previous work skills, and the ability to gain new skills in order to earn a living
• The duration of the marriage
• Employment history, age, physical and emotional health, and earning ability of the spouse seeking spousal maintenance
• Child support paid to one spouse
• How joint property was divided
• Property and assets that the seeking spouse brought to the marriage
• Acts of adultery or cruelty
• History of family abuse

Seek Expert Legal Advice

As you can see, seeking spousal support can be a very complicated and nuanced process. That is why it is essential to hire divorce lawyers in Houston, Texas to get the best possible outcome. Seeking spousal support is a complex process that should be handled by experienced legal professionals like the lawyers at the Ramos Law Group, PLLC. Widely regarded as the best divorce lawyers in Houston, Texas, Ramos Law Group, PLLC is the go-to source for those who require a reputable divorce lawyer. Call the Ramos Law Group, PLLC today.

Last Updated on October 4, 2019 by Mary E. Ramos

Mary E. Ramos

Mary E. Ramos is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is recognized and respected throughout the Houston legal community for dedication in effectively representing clients’ rights and interests. Mary understands the emotional side of divorce and brings a special compassion to each and every case.