General
Who says there’s no alimony in Texas?

For divorces filed after September 1, 2011, Texas law increased the amount and length of time alimony can be awarded by the Court. The amount of alimony can be as much as 20% of the spouse’s average gross monthly income up to $5,000/month (increased from $2,500 max). For 10-20 year marriages, alimony is available for up to 5 years; 20-30 year marriages: up to 7 years; and over 30 year marriages: up to 10 years (increased from 3 years max). Alimony is only available to allow the receiving spouse to earn sufficient income to provide for his/her own minimum reasonable needs. Of course, the parties can always negotiate an agreement to pay alimony as part of the financial settlement of their case beyond what the Court is authorized to award. This is called Contractual Alimony. Bottom line, alimony should always be considered, especially in a long-term marriage.

For help with possession and access and other child custody and visitation matters in an Austin divorce or custody case, contact Lazar Law at 512-477-1600.
Divorce & Custody: Achieving Harmony

Divorce & Custody: Achieving Harmony

As an established family law firm, we've learned that effective co-parenting, not conflict, helps children thrive during a divorce. It's all about envisioning a future where you work together as parents, despite the end of your romantic relationship. Adapting to your...

read more
Wake Up to Joy

Wake Up to Joy

FROM JODI And just like that, it’s June. We are 12-weeks post heart attacks, Dennis will complete his cardio rehab in two weeks, and we will say goodbye to Dallas as our home base at the end of the month and return to Austin. Waking up this morning, I remembered...

read more