Dallas Spousal Support Lawyer
Spousal Maintenance in Divorce
During the divorce process, the court will have the ability to order one partner in a marriage to pay the other for monthly spousal support. Also known as maintenance or alimony, spousal support is often one of the most concerning, impacting, and serious issues in family law.
As your financial circumstances will be greatly affected by spousal support orders, you need to be certain that the firm you choose to work with has the experience, insight, and determination to protect your interests, no matter which side of the courtroom you are on. At the Mathur Law Offices, P.C., our talented Dallas spousal support lawyers are here to meet your needs as you navigate through every aspect of your divorce.
When Is Spousal Maintenance Required?
Unless you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement outlining the terms of spousal support, the courts will typically order one spouse to pay the other if he or she lacks sufficient income to meet basic needs.
Some circumstances that may require spousal maintenance include:
- If one spouse has custody of a child with physical or mental disabilities requiring substantial care.
- If the marriage lasted over 10 years and the spouse is struggling to provide for basic living needs despite efforts to obtain employment or job training.
- If one spouse has a physical or mental disability that occurred during the marriage preventing him or her from earning enough income.
How Do Courts Decide on Spousal Support in Texas?
In Texas, a former spouse will be eligible for spousal support when it is determined by the court that they lack sufficient property or the financial means to meet minimum reasonable needs.
A number of factors will be considered when determining spousal support, including:
- Each spouse's financial circumstances, including debts and assets
- The education and employment skills of each spouse and the time needed to acquire education or training to earn a sufficient income
- The length of the marriage
- Age, employment history, earning abilities, and physical or emotional conditions of each spouse
- Marital misconduct, including issues of domestic violence
- Contributions of spouses as homemakers
- Issues involving children, including child custody
Each party will have the opportunity to present evidence that supports their case and their interests in securing or limiting spousal support. Having an attorney by your side is essential to preparing your case and maintaining the best possible chances of obtaining the order you need.
The duration of any spousal support order will also be influenced by similar considerations, particularly the length of marriage. The amount of time is takes for a spouse to become financially independent will also play an important role.
Dallas Divorce Attorneys Guide You Through the Process
At the Mathur Law Offices, P.C., we know that financial concerns are among the most pressing matters during a divorce. As part of the comprehensive services we provide, our legal team always fully addresses these issues and makes it a point to clarify all applicable laws and how they relate to your situation.
When cases involve additional matters, complex financial situations, or high-net-worth partners, the need for seasoned legal representation is elevated. Do not delay in learning more about the ways in which spousal support will be determined in your specific case.
Contact a Dallas divorce lawyer from our firm today.