Get the Best Representation for Your Spousal Maintenance Case in Texas
Spousal Support Representation
Spousal support, also known in Texas as spousal maintenance, is a regular payment made by one spouse to another after a divorce or separation. Generally, spousal support is awarded when the assets and property awarded in a divorce do not cover one of the spouse’s living expenses. If you are seeking spousal support or would like to modify your current arrangement, our experienced Fort Worth lawyers can help you achieve your goals.
What’s the Difference Between Spousal Support, Spousal Maintenance, and Alimony?
Nothing. Once referred to exclusively as alimony, the act of paying money to a spouse during or after a divorce is now more commonly referred to as Spousal Support or Spousal Maintenance.
Am I Eligible for Spousal Maintenance?
In Texas, there are strict rules to determine if you’re eligible for court-ordered spousal support. To qualify for payments, you need to meet one of the following criteria:
- You were married to your spouse for at least 10 years and cannot earn sufficient income.
- You cannot earn sufficient income due to an incapacitating mental or physical condition.
- You are the custodial parent of a child with special needs.
- The payer committed family violence within 2 years of the divorce filing.
Quality Legal Services at a Price You Can Afford
The spousal support lawyers at Sean Lynch, PLLC, are pleased to offer some of the most affordable legal services in Fort Worth and Arlington. Unlike other law firms in DFW, we are up-front about our pricing, so that you know exactly what you’ll pay.
We are able to offer the majority of our services for an initial retainer of $2500; however, some cases, like uncontested matters or enforcement cases, might be less. Likewise, some cases might require additional upfront funds.
What sets us apart from other attorneys is that we do not bill hourly. Rather, we bill out of the initial retainer based on a flat-rate, per event price structure, which is outlined in your contract. This way, you know exactly what to expect on your monthly bill based on what work has been done in your case. No hidden fees, only up-front pricing.
Does Texas Have Contractual Maintenance?
Yes. Contractual maintenance is spousal support that both parties agree to themselves in a divorce decree when a receiving party might otherwise not qualify for payment under the Texas Family Code. The court still must approve the agreement as part of the divorce.
Is There a Limit to How Much Spousal Support I Can Receive?
Yes. In Texas, the maximum amount a judge can order a spouse to pay involuntarily is 20% of their average monthly gross income. This number is capped at $5,000 a month.
In addition to how much, there are also limits to how long a person can be ordered to pay spousal maintenance. These limits recently increased as a result of changes to the law.
| Basis for Payment | Marriage Length | Maximum Duration |
| Family Violence | Less than 10 years | 5 years |
| Married 10+ years | 10-20 years | 5 years |
| Married 10+ years | 20-30 years | 7 years |
| Married 10+ years | 30 years or more | 10 years |
| Disabled spouse | N/A | No maximum |
| Disabled child of marriage | N/A | No maximum |
Can I Modify My Current Court-Ordered Spousal Maintenance Payments?
Yes. If your circumstances change and you’re now paying too much or receiving too little in spousal support, we can help you modify your arrangement. Contact our aggressive DFW spousal maintenance attorneys and we’ll fight to secure you a better deal.
Benefits of Hiring a Fort Worth Spousal Support Attorney
While the laws surrounding spousal support in Texas are well-defined, it is beneficial to have a Fort Worth spousal support lawyer in your corner. Our award-winning legal team will help you navigate the legal proceedings and bring home the best results.
If you have questions or would like assistance with your court-ordered spousal support arrangement, we are here for you. Schedule a consultation with us today.
