Dallas Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal Support Attorney In Dallas

During a Texas divorce, a leading concern is typically how a lower-earning spouse will be supported after separation, which is usually resolved through spousal support arrangements. Whether you are trying to get alimony payments or want to dispute an arrangement, working with a dedicated Dallas spousal support lawyer from the Law Office of Michael P. Granata can make all the difference. Together, we can help you fight for a fair and sustainable agreement.

The knowledgeable team of attorneys at our local firm has a demonstrated positive track record of helping individuals and divorcing couples in Dallas secure just, favorable outcomes during their spousal support proceedings. Whether your case involves a stay-at-home spouse, a long-term marriage, or domestic violence, we can help you navigate even the most complex of situations by providing the advocacy and dedication that you deserve.

Dallas Marital Trends Show Spousal Support Is a Common Issue

According to the most recent U.S. Census Data, 52% of adults living in the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metro area are married. This implies that thousands of folks in the Dallas community are working through the wake of a divorce—commonly with one spouse who limited or paused their professional development for the sake of the household.

With 11% of women and 8% of men being divorced, spousal maintenance continues to be a leading issue in Dallas family courtrooms. These figures show how hardships in the aftermath of a divorce and financial dependency can affect individuals in real-time in North Texas. State laws provide guide rails to protect people who are at risk of economic instability.

Who Can Obtain Spousal Support in Dallas?

According to Texas law, either divorcing spouse is entitled to request spousal support, but no one is automatically awarded it. To make a support request, the requesting spouse must clearly demonstrate that they have a financial need, in addition to one of the four following statutory grounds found in Texas Family Code § 8.051:

They have been married for 10 years or more, and they are making a sufficient effort to increase their income, but are still not able to meet basic needs.
They have a mental or physical disability that keeps them from earning a sufficient amount of money to sustain themselves.
The other spouse was convicted or given deferred adjudication as a result of domestic violence within two years of the divorce being filed.
The care of a disabled child from the marriage is keeping them from being able to earn an income.

By working with a diligent Dallas spousal support attorney, you can collect and demonstrate key evidence to show you meet the requirements for support.

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How Much Spousal Support Will Be Awarded?

The amount of maintenance that can be awarded each month, according to Texas law, is $5,000 or 20% of the average gross income that the paying spouse is making—whichever number turns out to be less. Spousal support amounts are determined by the courts by weighing factors like:

The length of the marriage
The contributions each spouse made to the marriage (including household labor)
The education, health, and age of each spouse
The professional history and earning capacity of each spouse
Any child custody and visitation arrangements
Whether there is a history of infidelity or family violence

Our Dallas Spousal Support Lawyer Breaks Down the Types of Alimony

The two major types of spousal support in Texas are contractual alimony and court-ordered spousal maintenance. Contractual alimony is based on a mutual agreement between two spouses, which is commonly negotiated as part of a greater divorce agreement. These terms have more leeway than court-ordered support, including regarding payment amount, duration, and rights to modify. Courts will approve these agreements if they are reasonable and fair.

If an agreement cannot be reached between the two spouses, the courts may decide to issue an order for spousal maintenance. This is only granted after the requesting spouse proves that they are unable to support themselves financially. A spousal support attorney from our firm can help you understand which option may be right for you and gather and present evidence in an optimal light to win your case.

FAQs

What Is Spousal Support in Texas?

Spousal support in Texas—also known as spousal maintenance or alimony—is a payment made by one spouse to another post-divorce. These payments are not awarded automatically and must be requested by the spouse in need of financial support. Texas spousal support can only be granted under certain conditions specified by Texas Family Code § 8.051.

Who Qualifies for Spousal Support in Dallas?

According to Texas Family Code § 8.051, a spouse may qualify for spousal support in Dallas if they can demonstrate that they are unable to financially sustain themselves in the wake of a divorce. They must also show that they were married for at least 10 years and are trying to become more self-sustainable, have a mental or physical disability, are caring for a child from the marriage with a disability, or suffered from family violence within two years of filing.

How Is the Amount of Spousal Support Calculated in Dallas?

In Dallas, the amount of spousal support in a payment is calculated by taking $5,000 per month or 20% of the average monthly gross income of the spouse making the payments—whichever is less. To decide on the amount for court-ordered payments, Dallas courts consider various factors, like the length of marriage and the ability of the requesting spouse to earn.

How Long Is Spousal Support Paid Out in Texas?

In Texas, spousal support is paid out only until the receiving spouse can support themselves financially, as it is only meant to be a temporary fix. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand and fight for a reasonable spousal support arrangement that aligns with the law and reflects the details of your case.