Spousal Support Lawyer in Burleson 

Counsel for Alimony Matters in Johnson County & Greater Fort Worth

If you believe you require spousal support to continue living comfortably and you are being denied it, a Burleson alimony attorney from Coontz Cochran can help you. We can also assist you if you feel your ex-spouse is demanding too much from you and payments are crippling your finances.

Need help with spousal support? Start with a free initial consultation. Call (888) 858-0536 or reach out to us online to get started.

What is Alimony?

During a divorce, the court attempts to prevent either spouse from feeling a dramatic change of lifestyle once things are finalized by arranging alimony payments. Alimony, also known as spousal support, may be established to provide monthly payments to the dependent spouse for a set amount of time.

Am I Eligible for Spousal Support?

According to Texas law, there are detailed requirements to determine whether or not you are eligible for spousal support. It will not be granted immediately and first requires a proper review of your and your ex-spouse's financial and living situations.

The Court will consider various factors to establish a fair amount of alimony, such as:

• Debilitating mental or physical disabilities
• Child custody rights
• Criminal records
• Employment histories
• Educational accomplishments

If your ex-spouse makes significantly more than you, the odds of you winning spousal support may be high. There is no set amount, however, and you may be shorted if you do not approach the situation with an experienced Burleson spousal support attorney at your side.

How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

There are several types of alimony, each serving different purposes based on individual circumstances. Our experienced attorneys at Coontz Cochran can help you identify which type may be applicable to your situation:

• Temporary Alimony: This type is awarded during the divorce proceedings and is intended to support one spouse until the divorce is finalized.
• Rehabilitative Alimony: Designed to support a spouse who needs time to gain education or training to become self-sufficient.
• Permanent Alimony: This may be awarded in long-term marriages, providing ongoing financial support until one spouse remarries or passes away.
• Lump-Sum Alimony: Instead of ongoing payments, this type provides a one-time payment that settles the alimony obligation.

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Factors Considered in Alimony Decisions

When the court determines whether to grant alimony and the amount of spousal support, they consider several factors. These factors are used to assess the financial needs of the requesting spouse and the paying spouse’s ability to provide support.

Some of the key considerations include:

• Length of the Marriage: The longer the marriage, the more likely it is that spousal support may be granted. Texas law allows for spousal support in marriages lasting 10 years or more, particularly if the requesting spouse cannot support themselves or has a disability.
• Financial and Non-Financial Contributions to the Marriage: Courts will consider the financial and non-financial contributions each spouse made during the marriage. For example, if one spouse supported the family financially while the other maintained the home or cared for children, the court may consider these contributions when determining the amount of support.
• The Financial Resources and Earning Capacity of the Spouse Seeking Support: A court will assess whether the requesting spouse has the ability to support themselves after the divorce, considering their education, job experience, and earning potential. If the spouse has the ability to become self-sufficient, the court may not grant long-term support.
• The Ability of the Paying Spouse to Provide Support: A court will also evaluate whether the paying spouse has the ability to make support payments. This includes considering their income, expenses, and overall financial situation.
• The Physical and Mental Health of the Parties: The court will examine the physical and mental health of both spouses. A spouse who is physically or mentally unable to support themselves may be awarded spousal support, especially if the other spouse has the financial means to pay.
• The Standard of Living During the Marriage: Courts will look at the standard of living established during the marriage and may try to ensure that the spouse seeking support can maintain a similar standard of living after the divorce.
• The Age and Physical Condition of the Spouse Seeking Support: The court will also consider the age and physical condition of the requesting spouse. A spouse who is older or in poor health may be granted alimony if they are unable to support themselves adequately.

Modifying or Terminating Alimony in Texas

As your needs change over the course of time, the amount you are rewarded can either increase or decrease. Modifications will require a court's review.

The most common reasons for modifying spousal support include:

• Change in Financial Circumstances: If the paying spouse’s income increases or the receiving spouse’s financial situation improves, either party may request a modification of the support payments.
• Remarriage: If the recipient spouse remarries, spousal support payments are usually terminated. However, if the recipient spouse cohabits with another person, spousal support may also be subject to termination.
• Disability or Health Issues: A change in the physical or mental health of either spouse may result in a modification of support payments.

To ensure you are not getting too little or paying too much, take legal action with the assistance of a Burleson alimony lawyer from Coontz Cochran today.

Seek a Fair Alimony Agreement in Burleson with Our Help

Since 1990, Coontz Cochran has represented clients in Burleson, Johnson County, and across Greater Fort Worth in all sorts of family law cases. Our attorneys share more than 50 years of combined legal experience, and we tailor our legal representation according to each unique situation.

Start today by taking advantage of a free initial consultation with our spousal support lawyers in Burleson. Call (888) 858-0536 or contact us online to get started.