Texas first adopted spousal maintenance, also commonly known as spousal support or alimony, in 1995. The purpose of spousal maintenance is to provide temporary and rehabilitative support for a spouse after divorce. Originally spousal maintenance was intended to provide for the support of long-term homemakers. The laws of spousal maintenance have since been expanded to protect disabled spouses, spouses who care for disabled children and spouses who have been the victims of family violence.
Beginning on September 1, 2011, some important changes took effect with respect to laws regarding spousal maintenance. One of the more significant changes relates to the monthly amount of spousal maintenance one spouse can be required to pay to the other spouse.
As of September 1, 2011, in situations where post-divorce maintenance has been found to apply, a spouse who is ordered by the court to make monthly spousal maintenance payments to his or her ex spouse may now be required to pay up to $5,000.00 or 20 percent (whichever amount is less) of his or her average monthly gross income. This is a significant increase from the earlier statutory language which provided for a maximum award of $2,500.00 or 20 percent (whichever amount is less) of a spouse’s monthly gross income. The increase applies to divorce cases that have been filed after September 1, 2011.
Spousal maintenance is not available in every divorce case. Whether you or your spouse may be entitled to receive or will be required to pay spousal maintenance will be determined based upon your individual fact scenario.
For more information, please visit our website at http://www.meganrachel.com or call our office at 972-424-6069.
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