Does a Husband Have to Support His Wife While the Divorce is Pending?

You’re getting a divorce in Texas, and you’re concerned that you’re going to have to support your wife during separation. Although you know that oftentimes, one spouse will support the other after the divorce, you’d like to know whether it applies to separation as well. By finding out the answers to your questions, you can decide how to proceed.

Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, LLC in Houston, Texas are certified in mediation, take a collaborative approach with their clients to ensure that their clients reach solutions that work for their families, and are devoted entirely to the practice of family law. We are fierce advocates for our clients and we’d be happy to assist you with your divorce. Reach out to us today for an initial consultation.

The Definition of Spousal Support in Texas

 Spousal support is a temporary support payment made to help the receiving spouse pay their monthly expenses while the divorce is pending.  The spousal support can be in the form of a monthly cash payment, or it could be in the form of one spouse paying the bills for the other spouse.

There are different reasons why one spouse may be ordered to pay support. One common reason is that one spouse put their career on hold and supported the other spouse in theirs, so now, they don’t have income and need some extra help. Another reason may be to help one spouse maintain their standard of living whle the divorce is pending, if they had a high standard of living while they were together.

Note: It’s a stereotype that only wives receive spousal support. A husband or wife can receive support. It all depends on their role in the marriage.

Does Texas Have Legal Separation?

 Texas does not have legal separation. But, there are legal tools you can use called “temporary orders” during your divorce proceedings to cover your bills and provide you with spousal support. Temporary orders can also include child support and custody and who gets possession of property throughout the proceedings.

Does a Husband Pay Spousal Support in the Divorce Process?

A husband may be ordered to pay spousal support during the divorce – or a wife may be ordered to pay spousal support to her husband. If it’s a same-sex marriage, the same rule applies. This type of support is called temporary spousal support.

It’s important to try to get temporary support if you need it because you don’t know how long the divorce proceedings will last. What if they go on for months or years on end? You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you can’t pay your bills for all that time.

By working with an experienced divorce lawyer, you can request temporary spousal support and know that you won’t have to worry throughout the proceedings.

Can I Modify Spousal Support?

If you lose your job or your financial situation changes, you can request to modify your temporary spousal support. However, don’t just stop paying it, because you could get into trouble. Tell your divorce lawyer ASAP what’s happening so they can advise you on what to do.

Proving That You Need Spousal Support in Texas

 Let’s say you are seeking to receive spousal support. The court is going to decide whether or not you will receive spousal support during your divorce proceedings. However, if you and your spouse have a friendly relationship, then you could come up with an agreement for support and see if the court will approve it. This would be the least time-consuming, least expensive way to figure it out. Going to mediation with an experienced and compassionate divorce lawyer would be a good idea.

Contact Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, LLC

 If you need help with spousal support during your divorce, you can reach out to Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, LLC for help. We’ll work hard on your child custody agreement and be your source of support in your time of need. Make sure you get in touch online or by calling us at (713) 333-4430. We look forward to hearing from you.

Shannon Boudreaux

Attorney Shannon Boudreaux at Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, LLC in Houston, TX offers the extensive experience and supportive guidance clients need to get through their divorce or other family matter as favorably as possible.