Houston Spousal Support Attorneys
Protecting Your Interests in Spousal Maintenance Disputes
The financial reality of divorce is underestimated by many people. However, for those who are suddenly required to re-enter the workforce after decades spent raising children and homemaking, the financial implication of divorce is a primary concern. Spousal maintenance can provide the necessary financial means these individuals need as they rehabilitate and become self-supporting. Other individuals may benefit from spousal maintenance in order to maintain the marital standard of living.
The determination of whether spousal maintenance shall be awarded — and, if so, to what extent — is an important decision. Courts consider a number of factors and make decisions on a case-by-case basis. It is important to seek qualified legal counsel to ensure your interests are protected, whether you are seeking support or contesting the amount being sought. Our attorneys at the Houston, Texas, law firm of Myres & Associates, PLLC, have the experience, knowledge, and diligence to preserve the interests of clients in spousal maintenance disputes.
Changes to Spousal Maintenance Laws May Affect Your Interests
Significant changes to spousal maintenance (also known as spousal support or alimony) laws went into effect September 1, 2011. Among other things, these changes affect how support is determined, the allowable duration of support, and the allowable caps on the amount of support ordered. In short, changes to Texas spousal maintenance laws can offer considerable benefits to those who are entitled to receive spousal maintenance following divorce.
- Maximum spousal maintenance/support payment amounts increased from $2,500 to $5,000 (or 20 percent of the payer's income, whichever is less).
- Maximum duration of spousal maintenance increased from three years to up to 10 years, depending on the length of the marriage.
- Employment counseling is no longer required for the spouse who is seeking support to prove he or she is unable to support his or her minimal and reasonable financial needs.
Our Houston spousal support lawyers stay abreast of changes to Texas family laws in order to ensure we provide optimal advice given the most current state of the law. With our comprehensive knowledge of the law and our vast experience in negotiating, mediating and litigating difficult divorce matters, we offer skilled guidance in cases where spousal maintenance is appropriate.
We understand the significance of properly calculating all sources of income of each party, especially when one party has multiple income sources, is self-employed or has income from a personal business. As with determining child support, appropriate investigations to identify and quantify undisclosed or overstated income can be an important element in determining spousal support. Our lawyers have specialized experience in business and finance — enhancing our ability to efficiently and effectively address complex finance issues with respect to property division and spousal maintenance. We have particular experience handling cases involving high net worth divorce as well as those involving significant assets as well as considerable debt.
Contact Our Texas Alimony Lawyers
We offer experienced and sound guidance, whether you have questions about alimony in the context of a new divorce or have concerns about modifying an existing support order. To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Houston spousal maintenance attorney, call 713.581.8167 or toll-free 866.506.1221 or contact us online.