Here's how to qualify for alimony in Texas, a couple has to have been married for at least 10 years, and the spouse requesting alimony cannot reasonably meet their needs financial (about $18,0000 per year).
Texas is one of the most difficult states to win alimony in a divorce. While it is possible to win alimony or spousal support in court, it is much more likely to receive alimony through a private contract created as part of the divorce settlement.
Texas does have alimony, but Texas law favors alimony payments that are decided in private contracts as a part of divorce settlements over court ordered alimony. Texas does, however, allow for alimony or spousal support payments to be ordered, but there are very strict requirements that determine who is eligible.
After a divorce, it's common for one spouse to make payments to the other as part of the divorce agreement. These payments can be alimony, child support or a mix of both.
In Texas, some things can disqualify you from spousal support. These include: Cohabitation: If you live with someone else in a marriage-like relationship, you may be disqualified for spousal support. Remarriage: If you remarry before your spousal support obligation ends, you may be disqualified for further payments.
Texas law sets forth general guidelines for calculating spousal maintenance, including limitations on the amount and duration of payments. The court-ordered monthly amount of spousal maintenance can be at most $5,000 or 20% of the paying spouse's average monthly gross income, and whichever is lower of those two.