When one spouse earns much more than the other, spousal maintenance is often a key issue in a Texas divorce. If you are thinking about filing in 2026, talking to a Grapevine, TX divorce attorney early can help you understand what to expect, whether you will be paying or receiving support.
What Is Spousal Maintenance in a Texas Divorce?
Spousal maintenance is a court-ordered payment from one former spouse to the other after a divorce is final. Under Chapter 8 of the Texas Family Code, the main goal of spousal maintenance is to give the lower-earning spouse time to become self-supporting. It is not meant to be a permanent income source.
Even when one spouse receives a large property settlement, they may still qualify for maintenance if they still do not have enough property, including separate property, to meet their minimum reasonable needs.