This research guide provides resources and information for spousal maintenance, sometimes referred to as alimony in other states, as part of a divorce case. Spousal maintenance is decided on a casebycase basis.Tarrant County, TX. Spousal Maintenance. Texas does not have alimony in the traditional sense. Section 8.052 of the Texas Family Code establishes a list of factors that court must look at to determine the extent, duration, and type of spousal maintenance. Payments are made under a divorce or separation instrument to a spouse or former spouse. Permanent alimony becomes effective upon the final dissolution of the marriage. Additionally, it can come in various forms: Periodic payments (often monthly) Generally, there are two broad categories of spousal support: short-term and long-term alimony. The most important form is probably your FL 150, called the income and expense declaration.