Spousal support in Texas can be confusing. It’s not automatic, and it’s not based on how long you were married alone. At Brandi Wolfe Law, we help clients figure out if support is realistic, how much is fair, and how to avoid one-sided agreements that don’t reflect the full picture.
Whether you’re worried about paying too much or need help getting the support you deserve, we’re here to run the numbers and back it with legal strategy.
When Is Spousal Support Awarded in Texas?
Texas has two types of financial support after divorce:
1. Temporary Spousal Support
This is support paid during the divorce process, often to help one spouse stay afloat while everything gets sorted out.
2. Post-Divorce Spousal Maintenance
This is support paid after the divorce is final. It’s harder to qualify for and only applies in certain cases, like:
- A spouse who can’t meet basic needs after the divorce
- Marriages lasting 10 years or longer
- Family violence within two years of filing
- A spouse caring for a disabled child
We’ll look at your specific situation and help you build a case based on the facts, not fear or intimidation.
How Much Support—and for How Long?
Texas sets limits on both the amount and duration of post-divorce support. It’s typically capped at 20% of the paying spouse’s income, up to $5,000 per month.
Length of support is tied to the length of the marriage:
- 10 to 20 years: up to 5 years
- 20 to 30 years: up to 7 years
- 30+ years: up to 10 years
But every case is different. If your divorce involves large disparities in income or earning potential, we help you negotiate terms that reflect financial reality.
Dividing property, too? Learn more about how we handle Property Division in divorce cases involving support.
Protecting Yourself on Either Side
Paying support doesn’t have to leave you broke. Receiving support shouldn’t mean begging for what’s owed. We help clients:
- Calculate realistic budgets
- Propose terms backed by financial evidence
- Push back against unrealistic demands
- Avoid temporary deals that turn into long-term problems
If you’ve been financially dependent or cut off from income during your marriage, visit our Contested Divorce page to understand how we handle imbalanced power dynamics.
Let’s Talk Through Your Options
Spousal support can impact your finances for years to come. Don’t guess your way through it. Brandi Wolfe offers free consultations for people who want clear answers and real solutions.
Call (210) 571-0400 or book a free strategy call to discuss support. We’ll help you figure out what’s possible and what makes sense for your future.