Sugar Land Spousal Support Lawyer

Sugar Land Spousal Support Attorney

In Texas, spousal support is not an automatic part of every divorce settlement. The law actually presumes that it is not needed, and that it is up to the spouse seeking it to prove to the court that it is justified under Texas law. Our Sugar Land spousal support lawyer can help those who are either seeking or challenging an award of spousal maintenance in the Sugar Land area.

Understanding What Spousal Support Is in Sugar Land

When a couple gets a divorce, one spouse may be required to make court-ordered payments to the other for a set period of time. These payments go by a few different names, such as spousal support, spousal maintenance, or alimony. In Sugar Land, it is called spousal maintenance.

Spousal maintenance can be temporary or permanent, but temporary payments are the most common. Payments can be made in a lump sum or through monthly payments. Most of the time, maintenance is a monetary payment, but it could also be a property transfer. If the support is made in a lump sum or through a property transfer, the order can’t be modified once it is issued. If it is being made in monthly or periodic payments, it can be modified.

How Is Spousal Support Decided?

The District Courts in Fort Bend County look at certain factors when determining and calculating spousal support. Some of the key ones are:

• The length of the marriage.
• The age and health of each spouse, as well as their impact on their ability to work or earn a living
• Income and earning potential
• Professional skills and educational background of the receiving spouse
• The standard of living they had within their marriage
• Marital assets
• Whether or not there are children and any potential child support payments

Given the higher-than-average median household income of $137,511 and a median property value of $406,600, many Sugar Land residents might have spousal support become an issue in their divorce matters. A skilled Sugar Land spousal support attorney can help you determine if this may affect you.

Challenging Spousal Support Orders

When people are going through a divorce, spousal support can be one of the most contentious topics. The spouse who may have to pay spousal support usually wants to challenge it, and the judge might deny a claim for spousal support if the marriage included:

• Marital misconduct like cruelty, domestic violence, or any other acts that made the marriage unbearable
• Adultery or bigamy
• Abandonment
• Felony convictions

Ultimately, if a couple is not able to come to an agreement on spousal support, a judge may make the final decision. And once a judge signs a spousal support order, it becomes legally enforceable.

How Spousal Support Is Enforced

The method of payment is usually outlined in the order itself. In most spousal support cases, the payment may be automatically deducted from the paying spouse’s paycheck and sent directly to the receiving spouse.

If the paying spouse fails to make any of their payments, they can be found in contempt of court and could face fines and other penalties, such as jail time. The receiving spouse can petition the court to schedule a hearing to address the non-payment. This could mean the paying spouse has their personal property seized or sold to pay their past-due spousal support.

Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer in Sugar Land

When you hire a spousal support lawyer in Sugar Land, Texas, you have someone who can evaluate your eligibility for either receiving or paying spousal support and assist you in navigating the legal process. When you choose to have legal representation in your corner, you can protect your and your family’s financial future.

About D. Marie Family Law

D Marie Family Law is led by Attorney Donnica Marie Blackful with a history of success in family law. She is a fierce advocate who can fight for you and your family when it comes to child support, divorce, paternity, child custody, and other family law issues. She understands that your family’s well-being is non-negotiable and can provide a strong legal defense with an unwavering commitment.

D Marie Family Law understands the ins and outs of the local justice system and the Sugar Land spousal support laws. She can help you guide you through the necessary proceedings at the Fort Bend County District Courts.

FAQs

How Do I Qualify for Spousal Support in Sugar Land?

To qualify for spousal support in Sugar Land, a spouse needs to lack sufficient property to meet their reasonable needs following the divorce. You may also need to meet one of four criteria: a marriage that lasted 10+ years with an inability to earn an adequate income, a qualifying disability, being the custodian of a disabled child, or a history of family violence by your spouse. The court may also consider factors such as your age or health.

Can Spousal Support End Early in Texas?

Yes, spousal support can end early in Texas. It can automatically terminate if the receiving spouse remarries or dies, but the paying spouse may also petition the court to end support. This could be done if the recipient cohabits with a new romantic partner or there is a significant change in circumstances, such as an employment change.

What If the Spouse Refuses to Pay Court-Ordered Spousal Support?

If a spouse refuses to pay court-ordered spousal support, they may be looking at serious consequences. The receiving spouse can file a motion to enforce the order, and the court can choose to enact wage garnishments, rule the spouse is in contempt of court, or order the seizing of the assets of the unpaying spouse to the receiving spouse.

How Long Does Spousal Support Last in Sugar Land?

The duration of spousal support can vary. Typically, it is limited to the shortest reasonable period for the receiving spouse to become self-sufficient. For marriages lasting 10-20 years, support can last up to 5 years, while longer marriages may last up to 10 years. There may even be indefinite support if the receiving spouse is permanently disabled or unable to provide for themselves.

Contact D Marie Family Law Today

If you are facing a divorce in Sugar Land that might involve spousal support, you need an attorney who understands your needs. Donnica Marie Blackful of D Marie Family Law takes the time to understand each client’s situation and provide the support and solutions they need. Contact us today to discuss your next move.