Spousal Support Attorneys
When you and your spouse divorce, there are many decisions to make that will significantly impact your future quality of life. One critical decision often made by Texas courts is whether one spouse must provide the other with financial support, known as alimony, spousal support, or spousal maintenance.
Texas Alimony Attorney Ensuring Your Interests Are Protected
We are a family law attorney at Ilarraza Law, P.C., in Flower Mound, TX. We have been guiding clients through Texas alimony and divorce cases since 2010. We understand the stress involved in any divorce and know that dealing with financial matters often makes the process more difficult.
Whether you are the recipient of support or must pay it, we offer compassionate counsel and tireless advocacy in guiding you through the divorce process and toward an equitable result that protects you and your family. Alimony is one of the most frequently fought-over issues in a Texas divorce. And, while courts and lawyers strive to split marital assets equitably, “equitable” does not necessarily mean “equal.”
Flower Mound family lawyer assists divorcing couples with spousal support
At Ilarraza Law, P.C., we know and understand the Texas laws governing spousal support and the courts tasked with making support decisions. Whether your divorce is amicable or contentious, we strive toward a fair agreement that has your best interests in mind.
Texas divorce attorney experienced in negotiating and litigating alimony agreements
Texas family law requires judges to weigh certain factors in divorce cases to determine if alimony should be granted, how much should be awarded, and how long alimony payments should continue.
How Is Alimony Determined in Texas?
When it comes to a contested divorce – when the divorcing couple cannot reach an out-of-court settlement – one spouse may include a demand for alimony in his or her terms for the divorce. Should this occur, the judge will decide whether or not they will award alimony based on several factors. These factors include:
- Duration of the marriage
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Division of assets and debts
- Relative income of both parties
- Reasonable needs of both parties
- Which parent will receive custody of the children
- Economic resources and earning power of each spouse
- Contributions rendered as a homemaker or stay-at-home parent
Retaining a trusted and experienced divorce attorney can help you convince the court of your need for support, thereby increasing the chance the court will order alimony. Alternatively, we can also work to convince the judge that your ex-spouse does not need spousal support or needs less than he or she asked for.
Whether you are anxious to ensure that you will receive spousal support or you are worried that you may be ordered to pay alimony, you can turn to Ilarraza Law P.C. for help.
What are the four types of alimony agreements?
In Texas, there are four types of alimony agreements:
- Temporary alimony – This type of spousal support provides support during the course of the divorce proceedings and may include attorney fees and other relevant costs.
- Rehabilitative alimony – This type of spousal maintenance provides support for a dependent spouse while they become self-reliant and may end when that spouse has found a job or completed his or her education.
- Reimbursement alimony – This type of alimony is awarded to the spouse who worked to support the family while the other spouse pursued professional training or career development. It may end or the payments may decrease once the receiving spouse has been compensated.
- Permanent alimony – This type of support is awarded to a spouse who is seriously ill or demonstrates economic need. This can be modified due to changing financial needs or other circumstances.
We take the time to evaluate your divorce case to determine which type of alimony is best for your current and future situation.
Pre-Nuptial Agreements and Spousal Support
In some cases, you may have a pre-marital agreement or even a post-marital agreement. If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in place that includes a provision for spousal support in the event of a divorce, then it’s not uncommon for there to be a dispute regarding the agreement.
In some situations, alimony may be dependent on the specific grounds for divorce. While, in most cases, the agreement will stand, there are certain circumstances where the terms of the agreement may not have been met. For example, if the agreement states that alimony payments will occur in the event that one spouse commits adultery or domestic abuse, then the accusation will need to be proven. In these situations, having skilled alimony lawyers in your corner can make a significant difference in your case.
Caring advocate striving for your peace of mind
At Ilarraza Law, P.C., we represent clients who are seeking alimony as well as those who will be required to pay it. Our clients are often concerned about whether they are required to pay alimony if their circumstances change. Others come to me when they are not receiving spousal maintenance payments specified by the divorce agreement. We can help you present evidence to the court as to why the amount you pay should be decreased, or request that the court properly enforce the existing alimony agreement.
Our goal is to ensure a fair result that protects your standard of living.
Call Ilarraza Law today at (214) 646-3253 for more information or for a free Texas family law attorney consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
January 7, 2025
