Offering Spousal Support Services in North Texas

At GoransonBain, we understand you have a lot at stake in a divorce. The threat of losing your financial position from a divorce can quickly cause emotions to spiral out of control. Our firm's lawyers seek to alleviate anxieties without adding fuel to the fire.

Since 1987, our law firm has handled many types of divorces throughout North Texas. We are committed to helping you address your spousal support concerns with collaborative law services.

Outlining Spousal Support Parameters

We clearly understand that financial concerns can cause emotions to flare. Our law firm seeks to foster a constructive environment to minimize disputes. Texas has two types of spousal support options. Contractual alimony is based on a contract between you and your ex-spouse, rather than being court-ordered. Court-ordered spousal maintenance generally has a three-year limit and a cap on the amount that can be ordered, except in the case of disability.

The Texas Legislature enacted an alimony statute in 1995, but it is very restrictive and difficult to obtain court-ordered alimony. The statute provides that alimony is not warranted unless the spouse seeking maintenance (alimony) has diligently tried to seek suitable employment or develop the necessary skills to become self-supporting during the couple's separation period. Under the Texas Family Code, alimony is intended to assist a divorced spouse who was out of the job market for many years, lacks job skills, and does not have enough assets to provide for his or her own reasonable minimum needs.

If a spouse has no assets and no skills, and has been married for at least 10 years, the spouse may be entitled to alimony for a period not to exceed three years, up to a maximum of $2,500 per month or 20% of the payor spouse's average monthly gross income.

Irrespective of the statute, parties can and often do agree to pay their ex-spouses contractual alimony for many reasons, including the need for future support. Under the Internal Revenue Code, alimony payments are a deduction from the gross income of the payor spouse and are income to the spouse receiving the money.

Position Yourself With Experience

We are seasoned family law attorneys focused on helping you secure your interests with minimal conflict. Put our law firm to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a convenient consultation.