In Texas, an individual may be entitled to spousal support payments as part of a final divorce settlement. Whether a person ultimately receives this type of financial assistance depends on a number of factors such as the length of the marriage and the earning potential of each party to the marriage. However, gender is generally not a factor when it comes to deciding if someone is eligible for spousal support.
Men may receive support payments
A man may receive spousal support payments if he stayed home to take care of a child or to otherwise run the household while his spouse worked. Men may also be entitled to financial assistance from their spouses after their divorces are finalized if they worked during a marriage but don’t earn enough to maintain a reasonable lifestyle.
Support payments may be temporary or permanent
People can receive support payments permanently after a divorce if there is reason to believe that they can’t provide for their own needs. For example, someone who is over the age of 65, is disabled or otherwise has difficulty obtaining or retaining a job may be entitled to payments for life. However, those who are deemed capable of working may only receive payments until they are able to finish a degree program or earn enough money to support themselves.
Payments may end upon remarrying
An individual is no longer entitled to alimony after remarrying. In fact, alimony may be terminated if it can be shown that an individual is cohabitating with another person. This is because that person now has access to shelter, money and other resources that might be needed to live a comfortable lifestyle.
If your marriage comes to an end, you may be entitled to spousal support payments regardless of your gender. You may also be entitled to a share of the marital estate, which may mean that you retain a family home or obtain money inside of a joint bank account.