Spousal Support Attorneys in Denton County, Collin County, & Tarrant County
At Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers, we put more than 110 years of collective experience to work on behalf of each client we work with. We understand how difficult and emotional divorce proceedings are and how important it is to protect your rights at all times and ensure you are treated fairly. This is why we provide compassionate and personalized support when you deal with family law issues. We offer financing to help with retainer fees. Click here to see your options.
What is Spousal Support?
Spousal support is regular payments made to a spouse to provide support during or after a divorce. Divorcing spouses can agree to spousal support terms or have them determined by a court. When you are going through a divorce, our Collin County alimony attorney can help you determine if you are eligible for maintenance.
We have helped families just like yours through all types of divorce and family law-related matters. Find out how one of our Board-Certified Family Law Specialists can help you.
How Do You Calculate Spousal Support?
Calculating spousal support payments in Texas involves a process that takes into account various factors set forth by Texas law. Spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, is typically awarded to the spouse who is economically disadvantaged. The purpose is to provide financial support and help them maintain a reasonable standard of living after divorce.
Here is a general overview of how spousal support payments are calculated in Texas:
- Eligibility: First, it is important to determine whether spousal support is appropriate in your case. In Texas, the court may grant spousal support if the spouse seeking it lacks sufficient property to provide for their minimum reasonable needs and meets specific criteria. These criteria can include issues like disability, family violence, or a marriage that lasted ten years or longer.
- Calculating Minimum Reasonable Needs: Courts consider the minimum reasonable needs of the spouse seeking support. This includes essential living expenses, such as housing, food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. The court will analyze the specific financial needs of the recipient spouse.
- Ability to Pay: The court will also consider the paying spouse's ability to pay spousal support. This involves assessing their income, expenses, and assets. It is essential to accurately present your financial situation to the court.
- Duration of Support: The court will decide whether the support should be temporary or permanent. Temporary support is usually ordered for a specified period, often while the recipient spouse gains education or job skills. Permanent support, on the other hand, may continue until certain conditions are met, such as remarriage or the death of either spouse.
- Spousal Support Guidelines: Texas has statutory guidelines for determining the amount of spousal support. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the maximum amount a court can order is $5,000 per month or 20% of the paying spouse's average monthly gross income, whichever is less. This can change, so it is crucial to check the most recent laws and guidelines.
- Special Circumstances: In some cases, the court may deviate from the guidelines if special circumstances exist. Factors such as a spouse's disability, contributions made during the marriage, and other relevant factors can be considered.
- Negotiation and Mediation: In many cases, spouses can agree on the terms of spousal support through negotiation or mediation. This allows for more flexibility and customization of the support agreement. Courts often prefer when parties can agree among themselves.
- Court Decision: If the spouses cannot reach an agreement, the court will make the final determination based on the information presented, the law, and the judge's discretion.
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Thank you Lauren and team for the professionalism, diligence, and promptness with handling my divorce. Made a tough process much easier.- Alex
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- Megan H.
When I first contacted this firm, I was unsure. I was unsure on many things. I had a set of unique circumstances where I needed to seek a change for the safety of my son but due to something that is somewhat new territory. Shelby was upfront w/ me about both the positive & the negative possible outcomes but let me tell you – Shelby (and Rachel) fought for us.
There was NOT one moment in time that I felt ignored, dismissed or unimportant; Moreover, I have severe, high anxiety & rather than punish me for it, Shelby & Rachel were understanding, comforting, logical & proactive EVERY STEP of the way. It was like I showed up, threw everything I had on a table while being a sobbing mess – they looked at every piece, held my hand & told me it would be okay. The entire system is long & draining but when we got to our trial date, Shelby was ON FIRE. My faith in him never waivered but that day in court, when we were finally through, I could’ve flown. Shelby (of course w/ the help of his right hand, Rachel!) was absolutely in his element & he stood up for us in all the ways my spirit needed to protect my son. I have shed more tears than I will EVER admit during the entire process but even during my madness, Shelby & Rachel were kind, uplifting & our WARRIORS in the courtroom.
When I did my phone set up for a consultation, I told them I needed someone aggressive. When you first talk with them, they are so sweet! You’ll think: okay, these are not aggressive or mean people – BUT when the time comes, you can bet your bottom dollar they GO TO WORK. I cannot thank Shelby & Rachel enough for the things they’ve helped my son & I with. They have kept my son SAFE!!!! There aren’t enough descriptive words in our vocabulary to accurately portray what they mean to me. If you want a damn good team – YOU WANT THEM. Thank you Shelby & Rachel! Dax & I love yall!!
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Mr. Pax did an excellent job with my divorce from the consult to final disposition. He made the process easier than I expected, since I was moving during the divorce process. He always had time to answer questions and set appropriate expectations. He and the staff worked around my sometimes odd schedule to get things done. I found everyone I interacted with to be friendly, professional and courteous. I would recommend them to anyone else needing a divorce attorney.- Patricia
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Shelby Hart was my lawyer during my divorce. During one of the hardest parts of my life, Shelby was nothing short of kind and professional. He was supportive and honest with me throughout the entire process, and always made me feel comfortable/well informed of every option available to me. Everyone at Coker Legal was easy to talk to and easy to trust. I'm so glad that I was recommended to Coker, and lucky enough to have Shelby as my lawyer. If you're in need of a compassionate law firm/lawyer, this is the place to go!- Kristie H.
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My legal matters were challenging. The team at Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers was compassionate, they took the time to listen, and helped guide me through the process. I would definitely recommend.- Anne L.
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5 out of 5. Jackie and the team were patient and understanding throughout the entire process. Jackie was always available for questions and concerns. She is very knowledgeable and offers great guidance.- Virginia L.
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I have only been through a divorce once in my life and I thought I would hire a "big name" lawfirm in Dallas to handle my case. Well long story short, all the "big name" lawfirm did was rake me over the coals for money then dropped me like a bad habit after they sucked me dry! I immediately started looking for another lawyer locally in the Denton area and was referred to Duane Coker. I was reffered to Duane by another lawyer that doesn't specialize in divore or family law and was told he would treat me right. Well they were right! He made me feel very comfortable and told the the honest truth about things. He saw what my previous lawyer did to me and what my wife's attorney was doing to me. I am so glad he took my case and got my divorce finalized! He was very up front with things and kept me in loop on everything. The only regret I have is I should have used Duane from the begining! It would of had saved me thousands of dollars and a lot less headaches. I can't say enough good things about Duane and his staff. What a "true" lifesaver they were to me!- Kelly
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- Aekta A.
I’m not sure what your family law needs are, but I am sure that Coker, Robb & Cannon can help you. And if you’re looking for a divorce lawyer that won’t add to the stress and anxiety of the situation, then definitely go with Shelby Hart, I couldn’t be more grateful for how he helped me.
I reached out online, and they got back to me the same day. I think it was Rachel that reached out and interviewed me and after discussing my situation she paired me with Shelby, who was also a new parent, and that was amazing! I don’t know if this is standard practice, but it should be. It should also be mentioned that Rachel worked with me throughout the process: on my case as a paralegal, to help me schedule time and figure out documents, and she was incredibly kind, patient and thoughtful in every interaction.
Shelby was invaluable, in that he not only made me feel less stressed out about getting divorced, he also gave me advice on what the different outcomes would be depending on the path I chose. He helped me negotiate a decree that would not only be in the best interest of my child and myself, but one that would stand up in court. His advice kept me grounded, and he tailored his approach to my now ex-husband perfectly. That may not seem important on the surface, but when you are living with the person you are divorcing, it makes a huge difference in your day-to-day life and interactions with that person.
I was fully divorced within 3 months of contacting Coker, Rob & Cannon, and I plan on using them for my will and any other family law needs I may have in the future. Shelby, sincerely, I appreciate everything you did and cannot thank you enough.
How is Spousal Support Determined in Texas?
Texas courts have a variety of factors to consider when determining the amount and duration of Spousal Support to be paid.
Factors include:
- Duration of the marriage
- Existence of any children with physical or mental disabilities
- Marital misconduct or family violence
- The ability to be employed and the ability to provide for minimum financial needs
- The contribution as a homemaker
- The ability of the supporting spouse to provide for the other spouse and pay child support
- Unnecessary expenditure of community property by either party
Even if the other spouse has been convicted of domestic violence, courts usually assume that an order for spousal support is not appropriate and therefore must be convinced otherwise based on the above criteria.
How Long Do You Have to Be Married to Get Spousal Support?
In Texas, spousal maintenance is generally awarded in divorce cases where the marriage lasted 10 years or longer. Cases involving domestic violence during or soon after the divorce may also qualify for spousal support, as can cases where the parties simply come to an agreement about spousal maintenance. Wondering if you qualify for spousal support in Texas? Consult a spousal maintenance attorney at Coker, Robb & Cannon today!
Why Choose Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers?
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Video Consultations & Meetings Available
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Voted Best Family Law Firm & Best Law Firm in Denton County
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Working Hard to Achieve the Best Results Possible
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Deeply Committed to Listening & Helping You
Trusted Representation in Denton, Collin, and Tarrant County
It may be necessary for our Collin County spousal maintenance lawyer to show the court you have made a good-faith effort to earn income on your own or develop skills to provide for basic needs during the separation and divorce proceedings.
Our job as your legal representative is to provide reliable advocacy and negotiate with the other side for the best outcome possible. Speak with Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers to ensure your rights are respected throughout the entire maintenance process.
Contact us online or call us at (940) 293-2313 to discuss your situation with an attorney. We have offices in Denton, Frisco, and Little Elm and offer video consultations!
