When you and your spouse split up in Texas and your spouse was the main breadwinner in your marriage, you may decide to pursue spousal maintenance, or alimony, in your divorce. Whether you receive spousal maintenance depends on a variety of factors, and if you do secure a spousal maintenance award, you may question how long it might last.
According to Texas Law Help, the duration of your spousal maintenance is going to depend on the specifics of your situation. However, the information below should give you an idea of how long you might receive it.
When your marriage lasted between 20 and 30 years
When your marriage lasts more than 20 years but less than 30 years, you may be able to secure spousal maintenance for up to seven years.
When your marriage lasted 30 years or longer
If you and your former partner’s marriage lasted 30 years or more, you may have a good chance of securing spousal maintenance. However, it should not last longer than 10 years.
When your situation meets other circumstances
You may also be able to get spousal maintenance in Texas if your marriage lasted between 10 and 20 years. However, if so, the duration of the maintenance period should not exceed five years. You may also be able to get up to five years of spousal maintenance if your former partner received a conviction for a family violence offense within a certain timeline of you filing for divorce.
Not every divorce leads to an award of spousal maintenance. If you want to get it, prepare to plead your case about why you feel it is necessary.
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