When you make the decision to divorce your husband or wife in Texas, you may question whether you are going to be able to support yourself financially without your former romantic partner. If you think you might struggle to maintain the same quality of life you do now once your divorce becomes final, you may choose to seek spousal maintenance on your split.
Per the Texas Statutes, whether you are able to secure a spousal maintenance award in your Texas divorce depends on a number of key variables. Some of the considerations involved in determining whether you get alimony are as follows.
Your ability to provide for your own needs
Expect the courts to consider whether you have the ability to support yourself in the absence of your spouse. Your level of education and any special skills you may have may fall under the microscope here. Whether your partner has the financial ability to continue to support you to some degree is also an important consideration.
The duration of your marriage
You may find that your chances of getting spousal maintenance in your divorce improve if your marriage was a long one. In longer marriages, there is a higher chance that you made educational or professional sacrifices so that your spouse could excel in these areas.
Your contributions to the home and family
How much time and attention you devoted to raising children or running your household may also have a hand in spousal maintenance-related decisions.
Plan on Texas’ family court system reviewing these areas when deciding whether to award you spousal support. Please note, though, that this is not a comprehensive list of all areas the state’s court system may consider.