Spousal Maintenance / Alimony

Austin, Texas, Spousal Maintenance Agreement Lawyer

With few exceptions, to be eligible for spousal maintenance a spouse seeking spousal maintenance must have been married for at least a ten year period and that spouse is unable to provide for that spouse's minimum reasonable needs. In cases where family violence has occurred the eligibility requirements for maintenance are different. Once the eligibility determination is made, the court then looks at a number of factors to determine the amount and duration of this award.

Set up an appointment with the Law Office of James Piper, so that we may explain whether your case qualified for an award of spousal maintenance.

In addition Alimony may also be an effective tool to accomplish the goals of the parties in a settlement agreement. Let us explain the pros and cons of the tool and how it will affect your bottom line.

If your marriage has lasted less than 10 years, Texas law makes it tough to obtain alimony as part of your final divorce decree, absent a conviction, probation, or deferred adjudication for family violence. Spousal support is typically awarded in instances where it can be proved that one spouse relied on the income of the other spouse, while adding value to the marriage without compensation. Long-term marriages in which the wife passed up opportunities for further education in order to remain home to be homemaker and primary caregiver for children is an example of a situation in which alimony can be granted. However, there are restrictions on the amount and duration of alimony awards.

The Law Office of James W. Piper provides effective legal advice and representation for people involved in divorces in which alimony may become a factor. We handle complex divorce litigation cases, often involving tracing separate marital assets, complex property division and child support disputes.

Many of our clients are referred to us only after their divorce cases have become so complicated that their current attorney no longer has the resources to handle the matter. Our attorneys work with a team of independent professionals to help determine the appropriate levels of spousal maintenance. In addition, we provide sound advice about the affects of alimony on our client's financial circumstances. We understand how final divorce agreements can affect your tax obligations. For example, if your former spouse is the primary managing conservator, he or she may retain the child tax exemption. This may have an effect on your alimony obligation.

Whether you are fighting to receive alimony, or protecting yourself from paying spousal support, we are ready to help. Contact our offices to schedule an opportunity to meet with one of our attorneys.