Maintenance - Not Alimony

Texas does not allow traditional "alimony" payments, or post divorce payments from one spouse for benefit of the other spouse.

"Maintenance" means an award in a suit for dissolution of a marriage of periodic payments from the future income of one spouse for the support of the other spouse.

With some minor exceptions, the basic requirements are that the party seeking alimony must have been married at least ten years and be unable to be self-supporting. The monthly payment is limited to no more than $2,500 or 20% of the payor's income, whichever is less.

Maintenance is generally limited to three years. However, if the former spouse is physically or mentally disabled, payments may be extended indefinitely. The obligation to pay future maintenance terminates on the death of either party or on the remarriage of the party receiving maintenance.

The Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin represents clients throughout Southeast Texas, including the cities of Houston, Galveston, Memorial, River Oaks, West University, Clear Lake, League City, Sugar Land, Pearland, Beaumont, Hempstead, Katy, Conroe, and all the communities in Brazoria County, Chambers County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Harris County, Jefferson County, Liberty County, Montgomery County, and Waller County.