Some Texas marriages may end with a court order for an ex-spouse to provide spousal maintenance. If your marriage lasted for at least 10 years, a judge may award financial support under Chapter 8 of the Texas Family Code.
An individual who cannot earn enough income due to a disability, for example, may request spousal support. To decide how much to award, a judge typically reviews each spouse’s financial resources at the time of the divorce.
Certain factors could influence spousal maintenance
When a spouse did not earn income during the marriage, he or she may need to receive training to find a new job. If you did not work during your marriage, a judge may review your education and skills to estimate how long it could take you to begin working.
The contributions you made to your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s education, career or business could influence spousal maintenance. If you gave up a job to care for your children, the court may consider the value you provided when determining support payments.
A divorce requires a review of your financial assets
As reported by Brides.com, a divorce in Texas includes dividing real estate and financial accounts. If your name does not appear on an account statement or property title, the law nonetheless recognizes you as owning half.
Divorce may require negotiating ownership of shared properties. You may, for example, give up your share of a residence’s equity to receive regular spousal maintenance. The procedure may also include changing a title or deed to one spouse’s name to show a sole owner.
Under the Lone Star State’s divorce statutes, assets acquired during marriage belong to your community property. Judges generally divide property values in half. You and your spouse may, however, discuss financial support and taking ownership of specific assets to reach a fair settlement.
