Spousal Support

El Paso Spousal Support Lawyer in TX

Divorce isn’t just an emotional separation. It’s also a financial turning point, and for many people, the question of spousal support is one of the most stressful parts of the process. Divorce and spousal support are among the most challenging family law legal matters people face in their lives. Whether you are concerned about how you will make ends meet after your marriage ends, or you’re being asked to pay support and want to understand your rights, it’s important to have the proper guidance.

In Texas, spousal support laws are specific, and not everyone qualifies. However, for those who do, support payments can provide critical financial stability during a time of major transition. At Nava Law Texas, experienced El Paso family law attorney Siobhan Weathers helps clients in El Paso navigate the legal standards, build a strong case, and work toward fair outcomes that reflect both short-term needs and long-term goals.

Why Choose Nava Law Texas for Your Spousal Support Case

When your financial stability is at stake, you need more than generic legal advice. You need a dedicated advocate who understands both the law and the realities of your situation. At Nava Law Texas, Siobhan Weathers offers focused, personalized legal representation to individuals in El Paso dealing with spousal support concerns.

Siobhan takes a hands-on approach to every case. You won’t be passed off to an assistant or left wondering who is handling your legal matter. When you hire Nava Law Texas, you work directly with Siobhan from the very beginning. That level of access and attention can make all the difference in complex support cases. Clients receive personal attention throughout their case.

She brings experience from her time working inside a child support agency, which gives her an edge when navigating financial support systems. She knows how judges evaluate support claims, what documentation matters most, and how to present a strong case whether you’re seeking support or defending against it. Siobhan's approach helps bring peace of mind to clients facing many issues in family law.

Clients choose Nava Law Texas because they value:

  • Direct communication with their attorney
  • Honest, realistic advice grounded in Texas law
  • Strategic thinking tailored to each individual’s goals
  • Courtroom experience and strong negotiation skills
  • Clear explanations of legal rights and responsibilities

Siobhan understands that spousal support decisions can shape your future. Whether you need protection from financial hardship or want to ensure you’re not overpaying, she’ll guide you with clarity, respect, and a strong legal strategy. Siobhan is dedicated to representing her clients' best interests at every stage of the process.

expertise.com badge for 2025
Avvo Badge
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Credibility Badge
El Paso Bar Association Badge
expertise.com badge

What Is Spousal Support and How Does It Work in Texas?

Spousal support, also called spousal maintenance or alimony, is a court-ordered payment that one spouse may be required to make to the other after a divorce. The purpose of spousal support is to provide financial assistance to a spouse who may not have the means to support themselves immediately after the marriage ends.

In Texas, spousal support is not automatically granted. Unlike some states, Texas places strict limitations on when support can be awarded and for how long. Courts consider support to be a safety net in specific situations—not a guaranteed outcome in every divorce. Alimony payments in Texas generally have several requirements that must be met, and are subject to specific legal exceptions, including tax implications, termination conditions, and the duration of support post-divorce.

There are two common types of spousal support in Texas:

  • Court-ordered spousal maintenance: Awarded by a judge as part of a divorce decree if certain legal conditions are met.
  • Contractual alimony: Agreed upon by both spouses during divorce negotiations and included in the final divorce order.

Spousal support may be temporary or long-term, depending on the facts of the case. Judges evaluate whether the spouse seeking support truly needs it and whether the other spouse has the ability to pay. Support may also be limited to a specific timeframe to give the recipient time to become financially self-sufficient.

Who Qualifies for Spousal Support in Texas?

Not every spouse is eligible to receive spousal support under Texas law. Understanding these qualifications is essential for anyone seeking to obtain spousal support in Texas. Courts apply specific legal standards when determining whether support is appropriate. Understanding these qualifications is essential for anyone going through a divorce in El Paso who is considering requesting or opposing support.

In general, a spouse must show they lack the ability to meet their basic financial needs after divorce. In addition to demonstrating financial need, one of the following conditions must be met:

  • The marriage lasted 10 years or longer, and the requesting spouse is unable to support themselves.
  • The requesting spouse has a disability that prevents full-time work.
  • The requesting spouse is the primary caregiver of a disabled child, making employment difficult or impossible.
  • The paying spouse was convicted of family violence against the other spouse or child within the two years before the divorce was filed.

Even if these conditions are met, the court still has discretion in deciding whether to award support. Judges consider each spouse’s income, education, job history, and financial contributions to the household. They also look at whether one spouse sacrificed career opportunities to support the other or care for children.

Review StarReview StarReview StarReview StarReview Star
ORBITWAN K.

Very good attorney she did the impossible for me to get my charges dismissed I had got charges for something I didn’t do and she was able to prove my innocence...

Review StarReview StarReview StarReview StarReview Star
BRIANNA H.

She was appointed to me for a trespassing ticket and she went above and beyond the normal duties for a lawyer...

Review StarReview StarReview StarReview StarReview Star
PAUL B.

Attorney Nava was extremely professional & dedicated to me as a client. She was able to get both my cases dismissed in a timely manner...

Review StarReview StarReview StarReview StarReview Star
ALEXIS F.

I was at the wrong place at the wrong time that lead to a very hard case and needing a lawyer ASAP! This is my first time being represented by Alyssa Nava and my experience was a BLESSING!

Review StarReview StarReview StarReview StarReview Star
JOSE M.

Awesome! Great service, straight to the point. Highly recommend. Thanks Ms. Nava

Review StarReview StarReview StarReview StarReview Star
JAMES F.

Review StarReview StarReview StarReview StarReview Star
DELL D.

Review StarReview StarReview StarReview StarReview Star
SAVANNAH A.

I can't even begin to tell you how much of a blessing it was to be introduced to Alyssa, she was extremely attentive and genuinely concerned for me and my case...

How Spousal Support Is Calculated

Texas courts do not use a fixed formula to calculate spousal support. Instead, judges consider a wide range of factors to determine how much support should be awarded, for how long, and whether one spouse will be required to pay spousal support. The focus is on fairness for both the person requesting support and the person who may be ordered to pay it.

Some of the key factors that influence spousal support decisions include:

  • The length of the marriage
  • Each spouse’s education, work history, and earning potential
  • Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and childcare
  • Financial resources available to each spouse after the divorce
  • Any history of family violence
  • Whether one spouse contributed to the other’s career or education
  • Efforts made by the requesting spouse to become self-supporting

Even if a judge determines that support is appropriate, Texas law places a cap on the amount that can be awarded. Typically, spousal support is limited to $5,000 per month or 20% of the paying spouse’s average monthly gross income—whichever is less.

In most cases, spousal support is also time-limited. The duration usually depends on the length of the marriage:

  • 5 years for marriages lasting 10 to 20 years
  • 7 years for marriages lasting 20 to 30 years
  • 10 years for marriages lasting 30 years or more

At Nava Law Texas, careful attention is given to the financial details that matter in court. We work with clients to prepare the right documentation, evaluate realistic support amounts, and build a strategy that protects their long-term financial well-being. Whether you are seeking support or responding to a claim, having a clear picture of what is fair and legally supported is key to a successful outcome.

Modifying or Terminating Spousal Support

Spousal support orders are not always permanent. Life changes, and Texas law allows for support to be modified or terminated under certain conditions. Whether you are receiving support or making payments, it is important to understand your rights if circumstances change after the divorce.

Common reasons to request a modification include:

  • A significant change in income for either party
  • Loss of employment
  • Disability or health problems that affect earning ability
  • A substantial change in financial needs or obligations

Spousal support may also be terminated entirely if:

  • The recipient remarries
  • The recipient begins living with a romantic partner
  • Either party passes away

To change or end a support order, you must file a formal request with the court. Simply agreeing with your ex-spouse outside of court is not enough. The court must approve any modifications, and failure to follow proper procedures can result in legal and financial penalties.

Representing Both Sides of Spousal Support Cases

Spousal support can be one of the most contested issues in a divorce. Some clients are seeking support to maintain financial stability after years of contributing to the household in non-financial ways. Others are being asked to pay support and want to ensure that the arrangement is fair and reflects both parties’ real financial situations. Nava Law Texas is equipped to represent either side of these cases with clarity, preparation, and focus. Our firm has extensive experience handling family law cases involving spousal support, ensuring clients receive knowledgeable representation in these complex matters.

For those requesting spousal support, our firm works to:

  • Build a clear and compelling case for financial need
  • Document contributions made during the marriage, such as child-rearing or supporting a spouse’s career
  • Present strong evidence of efforts to become financially self-sufficient
  • Create a realistic plan that supports long-term stability

For those responding to a support request, our firm helps to:

  • Evaluate the actual ability to pay based on income and expenses
  • Challenge exaggerated claims or incomplete financial disclosures
  • Advocate for limits on duration or amount where appropriate
  • Ensure that support orders reflect what is fair under Texas law

Spousal support is not about punishing one spouse or rewarding the other. It is about protecting financial independence and fairness after a marriage ends. 

Spousal Support and Military Families

Military families in El Paso, especially those stationed at or near Fort Bliss, often face unique challenges during divorce. Spousal support in these cases can involve additional factors that are not always present in civilian divorces. Frequent relocations, interrupted careers, and the complexity of military benefits can all influence how support is calculated and awarded.

For military spouses, it is common to experience career disruptions due to relocations or long periods spent managing the home while a service member is deployed. These sacrifices can impact long-term earning potential, making spousal support a necessary step toward financial independence after divorce.

Key considerations in military spousal support cases include:

  • Accounting for non-traditional income sources such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and other military benefits
  • Addressing the impact of relocations on career advancement and employment history
  • Coordinating spousal support with the military retirement division and benefits planning
  • Navigating housing transitions when leaving base housing

Nava Law Texas understands how military service can affect both spouses in a divorce. We work diligently to ensure that these unique factors are presented clearly and accurately, helping the court understand the full picture. Whether you are an active-duty service member or a military spouse, Nava Law Texas is prepared to protect your financial future and help you move forward with confidence.

What to Expect in Your Consultation

A consultation at Nava Law Texas is designed to give you more than just general advice. Consultations take place at our firm's El Paso office, where clients receive personalized legal assistance tailored to their needs. It is a focused, one-on-one conversation that helps you understand your legal position, your options, and the likely outcomes based on your specific situation. Whether you are requesting support or defending against it, the goal is to bring clarity to a complicated issue.

During your consultation, you can expect:

  • A full review of your financial circumstances and the facts of your case
  • A breakdown of your best and worst-case scenarios under Texas spousal support laws
  • An outline of the next legal steps, whether you are negotiating support or preparing for court
  • A clear explanation of the fee structure and what to expect in terms of cost and billing

By the end of your meeting, you will have a practical understanding of what to expect moving forward. You will know where you stand, what your rights are, and how Nava Law Texas can help you take action. The consultation is your opportunity to make informed decisions with the guidance of a firm that prioritizes honest advice and high-quality legal strategy.

Why Local Experience in El Paso Matters

Spousal support cases are shaped not only by Texas law but also by how those laws are applied in local courts. That is why having a law firm with deep experience in El Paso can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

Nava Law Texas understands how local judges interpret spousal support statutes and what they expect to see in court. Our firm is familiar with the patterns, preferences, and practical details that are unique to the El Paso legal system. This local knowledge helps anticipate how arguments will be received and ensures that your case is prepared and presented with precision.

Local experience also means understanding the broader context, such as how financial needs, career opportunities, and cost of living vary across the region. Whether you live on-post at Fort Bliss or in the surrounding El Paso community, Nava Law Texas takes your real-life circumstances into account and crafts a strategy that reflects your goals and environment.

Speak With a Spousal Support Attorney in El Paso Today

Spousal support is one of the most important financial decisions that can come out of a divorce. Whether you are seeking support to regain financial stability or responding to a request for payments, the decisions you make now can affect your life for years to come. Having the right legal guidance is essential.

At Nava Law Texas, clients receive personalized attention, honest advice, and a legal strategy built around their specific needs. We don't rely on guesswork or vague promises. Every case is handled with care, professionalism, and a commitment to doing what is right for each individual client.

If you are facing a divorce or already have a spousal support order in place that needs to be modified or enforced, now is the time to get the information and help you need. Contact Nava Law Texas today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your financial future.

Why Clients Choose Alyssa
1
Former Prosecutor
2
Skilled Negotiator
3
Jury Management
4
Trial Attorney
5
Compassionate
Why Clients Choose
Nava Law
1
Reasion 1
2
Reasion 2
3
Reasion 3
4
Reason 4
5
Reason 5
Request a FREE CONSULTATION
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Nava Law Texas's legal team is licensed to practice law in Texas. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Accessibility