Will I Have to Pay Alimony During My Texas Divorce?(Sometimes)

It is possible that a court will order alimony payments from one spouse to the other. If you agree with your spouse that you will pay alimony to help your spouse get back on his/her feet during the case, then you can pay it by agreement.  If you do not agree, then we generally see courts order temporary alimony payments (that last only during the pending divorce case) if these circumstances apply:

• One spouse paid for the other spouse’s bills during the marriage;
• One spouse is supporting children and cannot work;
• One spouse cannot cover the bills, but the other spouse can

Temporary alimony (spousal support) is not generally ordered in cases where both parties can support themselves and cover the bills during divorce,

Outline of Our Page on Temporary Spousal Support:

Part 1:  Why we provide information on temporary spousal support

Part 2:  What does the judge take into account when deciding on alimony during a pending divorce?

Part 3:  Tell your lawyer about your temporary support factors here

Part 4: Exhibit for hearing to remind the court (or your spouse during negotiation) the factors that may be considered

Part 5:  Collecting information for evidence in court regarding your bills, and take home pay (Which is the most important factor in determining spousal support during pending divorce)

Part 1:  Why We Are Telling You About Temporary Support

Temporary spousal support is alimony that is paid by one spouse to the other during a pending divorce case, to assist the other spouse financially until the divorce is over.

We at Cook & Cook advocate for the amicable, agreed divorce.  In Texas, you can agree to have an arrangement where one spouse is paying the other temporary support, to help him/her get back on his feet during the divorce case.

When working with your spouse on the type of agreement you can come to, it is helpful to be empowered with information.  What would the court consider when deciding on whether to award temporary support, if you were to bring this issue to a hearing?

The purpose of this page is not to inspire you to fight with your spouse about temporary support.  Rather, approach things the way the court would.  Simply, what are the monthly bills, and how can both parties’ resources be allocated so that for the several coming months, those bills will be met.

Part 2:  The Factors

12 Things the Judge May Consider When Deciding on Temporary Alimony in Texas:

Part 3: Tell Your Lawyer About Your Case

To efficiently communicate with your lawyer regarding your temporary spousal support factors, please submit this form.

Part 4:  Use This Exhibit to Remind Spouse, Mediator, Judge or Counsel About the Factors

During a hearing for temporary spousal support, this chart can be used as a demonstrative exhibit.  The lawyer can check boxes and make notes as evidence comes up that is applicable to either spouse.  This can be used in closing argument, or if approached properly, may be admitted as evidence.

Download:

temporary spouse maintenance pdf

Part 5: Evidence Regarding Bills and Take Home Pay

This download can be used to enter evidence as to monthly bills of the person seeking support.

Download word version of temporary spousal support exhibit:

Financial Information Statement (for Temporary Orders Hearings)

Financial Information Statement form (PDF)

Temporary spousal support and spousal maintenance are different.  Temporary support is what is paid during the pending divorce case to help the other spouse for a short period of time.  Spousal maintenance is payments that one spouse makes to the other for several years after the divorce case is over.  Read more about spousal maintenance law here.