Spousal Support
Balancing Financial Support and Fairness
Spousal Support and Maintenance is complicated. We help you sort it out.
In Texas, spousal maintenance – commonly erroneously referred to as alimony – is limited and often contested. Spousal maintenance under Texas law has different rules from what is called alimony in other states.
Determining eligibility and amount can be complex, particularly when income streams include bonuses, investments, or self-employment earnings.
Spofford Law helps clients navigate these rules, whether seeking support or defending against excessive demands, always working toward a fair outcome that reflects the realities of both parties.
Key Considerations in Spousal Maintenance
Spousal Maintenance is frequently a hotly contested issue in a Texas divorce. Courts consider many factors when determining whether spousal maintenance support should be awarded, how much is appropriate, and how long it should last. Spofford Law brings decades of experience helping clients understand their rights and build strategic cases—whether seeking fair support or defending against excessive demands.
Eligibility under Texas law
Duration and limits of support
Contractual alimony and negotiated solutions
Modifying or enforcing support orders
Our philosophy
A Strategic, Client-Focused Approach
Spofford Law takes the time to understand your circumstances, your goals, and what matters most to you, allowing him to craft strategies that are practical, cost-effective, and tailored to achieving the best possible outcome.
Negotiation First, Litigation If Necessary
Many support disputes can be resolved through negotiation, preserving privacy and reducing cost. If litigation is required, Chris Spofford is a strong advocate in court, backed by decades of experience with contested financial matters.
Clear Guidance at Every Step
Divorce and family law matters can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Spofford Law ensures you always know what to expect next—from the first consultation to final resolution—helping you make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
Recent Success
Case Dismissed! Statute of Limitations Defense Prevails in $400,000 Alimony Claim.
A former spouse waited 16 years to demand over $400,000 in alimony and threatened jail time. Chris Spofford identified a statute of limitations defense and had the case dismissed.
FAQ about Spousal Support in Texas
Spousal support—often called spousal maintenance in Texas—is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to the other after divorce. It’s designed to help a financially disadvantaged spouse meet basic needs while becoming self-sufficient.
No. Texas law does not provide traditional alimony as seen in other states. Instead, Texas offers spousal maintenance, which has stricter eligibility requirements and limitations on the amount and duration of payments.
A spouse may qualify if:
- The paying spouse was convicted of family violence against the other spouse or the other spouse’s child, within two years of filing for divorce or while the divorce is pending, or
- They lack sufficient property or income to provide for their basic needs, and
- The meet one of the following conditions:
- The marriage lasted 10 years or longer, and they cannot earn enough to meet basic needs.
- They have an incapacitating physical or mental disability that makes the spouse unable to earn sufficient income to provide for their minimum reasonable needs.
- They care for a child of the marriage who requires substantial care and personal supervision because of a physical or mental disability that prevents them from earning sufficient income to provide for their minimum reasonable needs.
Unless certain requirements are met, Texas law caps the duration of spousal maintenance based on the length of the marriage and specific circumstances:
- 5 years: If married 10–20 years or if family violence was involved.
- 7 years: If married 20–30 years.
- 10 years: If married 30+ years.
Courts expect the receiving spouse to become self-sufficient as soon as possible.
Spousal maintenance can continue for a longer period than the statutory minimums if certain requirements are met, such as the spouse being unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental disability, duties of a custodian of an infant or young child of the marriage or another compelling impediment to earning sufficient income.
The monthly amount cannot exceed the lesser of:
- $5,000, or
- 20% of the paying spouse’s average monthly gross income.
Yes. Courts may reduce or terminate maintenance if:
- The receiving spouse remarries or cohabits with a romantic partner.
- There’s a significant change in financial circumstances for either spouse.
- After the divorce the paying spouse is unable to provide for their minimum reasonable needs due to an incapacitating physical or mental disability.
No. The court may not increase the amount or duration of the original order.
Yes. Couples can create a contractual alimony agreement during divorce negotiations. This is often used in high-income cases to create more flexible or longer-term arrangements than Texas law would otherwise allow.
Failure to comply with a court-ordered maintenance or contractual alimony agreement can lead to enforcement actions, including wage garnishment and court sanctions.
Yes. Because spousal maintenance laws are complex and outcomes depend on income, property division, and individual circumstances, having experienced counsel is critical. Chris Spofford has decades of experience negotiating and litigating fair support arrangements for clients on both sides of the issue.
Schedule A Confidential Consultation.
If you’re facing divorce, custody, or complex family issues, let’s talk. We’ll listen, offer honest feedback, and help you understand your next steps — with no pressure.
Schedule an AppointmentCall Today