For many couples, income is not equal. During divorce proceedings, the spouse who makes more money may be required to pay spousal support, sometimes referred to as alimony or spousal maintenance. This form of financial assistance is paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce to ensure both parties are financially taken care of as they adjust to life after marriage.
If you are in the midst of a divorce and have questions about alimony, contact a knowledgeable spousal support attorney from Towson Law Firm, PLLC. During an initial consultation, our team could explain temporary vs. permanent spousal support in Frisco and how such decisions are made.
Spousal support is not guaranteed during the divorce process. To be eligible to receive spousal support in Texas, you must meet certain qualifications. Courts will generally determine whether someone is eligible for spousal maintenance on a case-by-case basis. Under state law, spouses need to have been married for at least ten years to qualify for alimony, and the spouse requesting support must not have sufficient income to meet their basic needs. In addition, the spouse in need of financial support must either have a disability themselves, be the primary caregiver of a child with a disability, or lack the earning capacity needed to provide for their minimum reasonable needs. Alternatively, the former couple may have a contractual agreement to instate spousal support in the event of divorce.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for permanent or temporary spousal support, reach out to a Frisco lawyer from Towson Law Firm, PLLC. Our team could detail the various requirements for receiving spousal maintenance and help you navigate the process of requesting financial assistance.
Under state law, the duration of spousal support is dependent on the length of the marriage. Generally speaking, spousal support must be paid for a maximum of five years following a marriage that lasted for more than 10 years or if one spouse was convicted or received deferred adjudication for a family violence offense. If the marriage lasted between 20 and 30 years, spousal support cannot be in effect for more than seven years. Lastly, if the marriage lasted more than 30 years, alimony can be paid for up to ten years.
However, a court can order spousal support to continue after these deadlines if the spouse receiving maintenance is unable to earn enough money to meet their basic needs due to a disability or caring for a child with a disability.
The divorce process is not only emotionally taxing but can become rather complicated, especially when spousal support is involved. Temporary vs. permanent spousal support in Frisco is largely dependent on you and your former spouse’s financial positions and where you are in the divorce process. Each kind of spousal support comes with its own set of requirements and conditions, and an experienced lawyer from our firm could help you determine your legal options. Contact our team at Towson Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule an initial consultation.
Our Law Firm’s approach to your case is based on individual circumstances. Whether it is a simple negotiated settlement, or it requires an aggressive approach, we will protect and defend your best interests.


