Texas Alimony Laws 2026

In Texas, alimony (also called spousal support or spousal maintenance) is financial support paid by one spouse to the other following a divorce or separation. Texas has one of the most restrictive alimony statutes in the country.

Texas courts generally consider the following factors when determining alimony:

• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse's income and earning capacity
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• Each spouse's age, health, and employability
• Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking)
• Child custody arrangements and their impact on earning capacity
• Marital misconduct or fault (in some cases)

Types of Alimony in Texas

Duration of Alimony

In Texas, the duration of alimony awards is: Up to 5 years (0-10 yr marriage), 7 years (10-20 yr), max 10 years. Texas has some of the most restrictive alimony statutes in the country. To qualify, the receiving spouse must typically be unable to meet minimum reasonable needs and either have a disability, be the custodial parent of a disabled child, or the paying spouse must have been convicted of family violence.

Modifying or Terminating Alimony

In most cases, alimony in Texas can be modified or terminated upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances, such as:

• Significant increase or decrease in either party's income
• Recipient spouse's remarriage
• Recipient spouse's cohabitation with a new partner (in many states)
• Either party's retirement
• Death of either party