Spousal Support in Texas


Although in Texas, alimony is not recognized, the Texas Family Code does allow for limited spousal support under certain circumstances. In order to qualify for spousal support in Texas, a claiming spouse must show that either the spouse from whom support is requested was convicted or that the duration of the marriage was 10 years or longer.

Sec. 8.051. ELIGIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE; COURT ORDER.

In a suit for dissolution of a marriage or in a proceeding for maintenance in a court with personal jurisdiction over both former spouses following the dissolution of their marriage by a court that lacked personal jurisdiction over an absent spouse, the court may order maintenance for either spouse only if:

(1) the spouse from whom maintenance is requested was convicted of or received deferred adjudication for a criminal offense that also constitutes an act of family violence under Title 4 and the offense occurred:
    (A) within two years before the date on which a suit for dissolution of the marriage is filed; or
    (B) while the suit is pending; or

(2) the duration of the marriage was 10 years or longer, the spouse seeking maintenance lacks sufficient property, including property distributed to the spouse under this code, to provide for the spouse's minimum reasonable needs, as limited by Section 8.054, and the spouse seeking maintenance:
    (A) is unable to support himself or herself through appropriate employment because 
    of an incapacitating physical or mental disability;
    (B) is the custodian of a child of the marriage of any age who requires substantial care and personal 
    supervision because a physical or mental disability makes it necessary, taking into consideration the 
    needs of the child, that the spouse not be employed outside the home; or
    (C) clearly lacks earning ability in the labor market adequate to provide support for the spouse's 
    minimum reasonable needs, as limited by Section 8.054.