When two people are getting divorced, the topic of spousal support or alimony may be discussed, particularly when one spouse makes a request to receive it. Following this request, courts may examine certain factors and determine if the requesting party will receive spousal support or not. Oftentimes, when spousal support is awarded to one spouse, it is to help the one who is the lower or non-wage earner maintain the standard of living that they had during the marriage.
Although alimony may be awarded, there is often a specific length of time that one spouse will make payments to the other. The spouse who is awarded spousal support may not need to receive these payments for very long because this type of support is often only seen as rehabilitative. What this means is that it may be ordered long enough for the recipient to be able to support his or herself.
The duration of payments varies and there are things that can affect its length. For example, payments are to continue until the date specified in the divorce decree, but if there is no date, payments are to continue unless the court orders them to stop. Alimony may also be ordered to stop if the spouse receiving the payments is remarried or they become self-supporting.
If you are going through a divorce and plan to request alimony, a Texas divorce attorney may be able to assist. You deserve to receive payment until you are able to support yourself. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to get the money needed to help you do what is necessary for you to become self-supporting.
