Divorce is an emotional and financial challenge, and one of the biggest concerns many people face is the question of spousal support. Who pays? How long will it last? What happens if circumstances change? These are crucial questions for many couples in Houston navigating life after divorce.

When divorcing in Houston, having the right guidance can make all the difference. At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we are committed to helping families find clarity on matters such as spousal support, division of assets, and other critical financial issues. Our team of family law attorneys in Houston has the experience to help you understand your rights, obligations, and options.

This blog will break down what you need to know about spousal support after divorce, from determining eligibility to understanding how payments may change over time.

Understanding Spousal Support in Houston

Spousal support, or alimony, is a payment, ordered by court, from a spouse to their ex-partner following a divorce. The goal of spousal support is to ensure that neither spouse faces significant financial hardship after the divorce, especially if one was economically dependent on the other during the marriage. While each case is unique, spousal support is generally designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living after divorce.

How Is Spousal Support Determined?

Several factors influence how a court determines spousal support, and it’s not always a straightforward calculation. In Texas, courts will evaluate the following key elements when deciding whether to grant spousal support:

• Duration of the Marriage: In general, the longer the marriage, the more likely it is that spousal supportwill be awarded. Texas law sets different maximum limits on spousal support depending on the length of the marriage.
• Financial Need and Ability to Pay: Courts consider both the needs of the spouse requesting support and the other spouse’s ability to pay. If the spouse requesting support is capable of becoming self-sufficient quickly, support may be temporary.
• Age and Health: The health and age of both parties are also essential considerations. A spouse who is older or in poor health may be awarded longer support due to limited earning potential.
• Contributions to the Marriage: Contributions to the marriage, such as supporting a spouse through education or being a primary caregiver for children, can also play a role in support determinations.
• Employment History and Education: The employment history and education level of each spouse will impact the likelihood and duration of spousal support. If one spouse left a career to support the family or manage the home, courts may award support to allow time for retraining or education.

How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

In Houston, the length of spousal support is limited based on the length of the marriage and specific needs. Texas law generally caps spousal support as follows:

• Marriages of Less than 10 Years: If the marriage lasted less than 10 years, spousal support is usually not awarded unless there was family violence or special circumstances.
• Marriages of 10 to 20 Years: In these cases, support may be granted for up to five years.
• Marriages of 20 to 30 Years: Support could last up to seven years.
• Marriages Over 30 Years: The court may order up to 10 years of support for marriages lasting 30 years or more.

In most cases, spousal support is intended to be temporary, providing the lower-earning spouse time to gain financial independence. However, if the recipient spouse is unable to become self-sufficient due to age, health, or other significant factors, courts may allow for longer durations.

Factors That Can Modify or End Spousal Support

Spousal support isn’t necessarily set in stone. Under Texas law, spousal support can be modified or terminated if specific circumstances arise. It’s essential to stay informed about these conditions, as either party can petition for changes in payments if they experience a significant life event. Here are some common situations that may warrant a modification or termination:

• Change in Income: If the paying spouse loses their job or experiences a major reduction in income, they may petition the court to lower their support obligation.
• Remarriage: In Texas, spousal support typically ends if the recipient spouse remarries. If they enter a supportive, long-term relationship that mirrors marriage, support may also be reduced or terminated.
• Retirement: If the paying spouse retires and their income decreases, they may ask for a modification to their spousal support obligation.
• Medical Issues: A health crisis or disability impacting the recipient’s ability to work could justify extending support or increasing the amount.

Ready to Secure Your Financial Future?

Are you concerned about your financial future after a divorce? At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we know the challenges of navigating post-divorce financial matters, including spousal support. Our spousal support attorneys in Houston are here to offer guidance, whether you’re looking to secure fair support, modify existing terms, or ensure your rights are protected. We provide personalized support with the experience and dedication you need to achieve the best possible outcome.

Reach out to our family law attorneys in Houston today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you move forward confidently, knowing your financial future is secure.