Alimony & Spousal Support Lawyer in Burleson 

Counsel for Alimony Matters in Johnson County & Greater Fort Worth

If you need spousal support to maintain your standard of living and have been denied, a spousal support attorney in Burleson from Coontz Cochran can help. We also advise those who believe their ex-spouse is requesting excessive support that strains their finances.

Need help with spousal support? Start with a free initial consultation. Call (888) 858-0536 or reach out to us online to get started with our Burleson alimony lawyer.

What is Alimony?

During a divorce, the court aims to prevent a sharp decline in either spouse’s lifestyle after finalization by arranging alimony payments. Alimony, often called spousal support, may require the higher-earning spouse to provide monthly payments to the dependent spouse for a fixed period.

Texas law does not provide automatic alimony. Courts evaluate the circumstances and financial details unique to each case, such as marriage length and contributions from both spouses. Judges serving Burleson apply the relevant statutes for Johnson and Tarrant counties, and depending on your residence, local procedures or timelines may differ from those in other Texas cities.

Am I Eligible for Spousal Support in Texas?

Texas law has detailed requirements for spousal support eligibility. You must demonstrate need, and the court will review both your financial situation and your ex-spouse’s finances. A proper review considers both parties' living standards, income, and other circumstances.

Eligibility often depends on showing genuine need and efforts to earn income or build new skills. For Burleson residents, courts also consider child custody, medical challenges, and past employment. Johnson County and Tarrant County courts may have local expectations that further influence qualifying under the Texas Family Code.

The court will consider several factors to set a fair alimony amount, such as:

• Debilitating mental or physical disabilities
• Child custody rights
• Criminal records
• Employment histories
• Educational accomplishments

When your former spouse earns much more, you may have good odds of seeking support. There’s no predetermined amount, and working with a spousal support lawyer in Burleson ensures your interests are considered at every stage.

How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

There are several types of alimony awarded to meet different needs during and after divorce.

Our experienced attorneys at Coontz Cochran can help you identify which type may apply to your situation:

• Temporary alimony: Courts may grant this during divorce proceedings to provide support until the divorce concludes.
• Rehabilitative alimony: This supports a spouse who needs time to retrain or gain education to become self-sufficient.
• Permanent alimony: Courts award this in some long-term marriages, providing ongoing financial support until remarriage or death.
• Lump-sum alimony: Instead of ongoing payments, this type requires a one-time payment to settle the obligation.

Texas law limits how long spousal support awards last. Most alimony is temporary, ending when the recipient gains employment, completes job training, or the youngest child becomes an adult. The marriage duration and post-divorce circumstances for each spouse shape these timeframes. In Burleson, the presiding district court will set a specific review period or duration based on county and local practices.

Factors Considered in Alimony Decisions

Courts weigh several factors when deciding whether to award alimony and how much support one spouse owes. These considerations ensure a fair evaluation of needs and financial resources for both parties.

Some of the key considerations include:

• Length of the marriage: Longer marriages increase the likelihood that spousal support may be granted. Texas courts often award support in marriages lasting over 10 years, especially where the lower-earning spouse cannot achieve self-sufficiency.
• Financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage: Judges consider career sacrifices, homemaking, or raising children as valuable contributions when determining support amounts.
• The financial resources and earning capacity of the spouse seeking support: The court reviews the requesting spouse's ability to support themselves, including their education and earning potential. Limited earning capacity may weigh in favor of receiving support.
• The ability of the paying spouse to provide support: The judge reviews the paying spouse’s financial means and expenses to confirm the payments are feasible.
• The physical and mental health of both parties: Judges may grant alimony if one spouse cannot work due to a health condition and the other has resources to cover support.
• The standard of living during the marriage: Courts look at the lifestyle established and try to limit any drastic change post-divorce.
• The age and physical condition of the spouse seeking support: Older or less healthy spouses who cannot maintain financial independence may qualify for alimony.

Judges in Johnson and Tarrant counties may interpret these guidelines slightly differently, so full, accurate financial disclosure becomes critical. Courts often require detailed documentation and may call for testimony about specific needs or expenses.

Modifying or Terminating Alimony in Texas

Alimony awards may change over time with significant changes in circumstances. Modifications require a formal court review for approval.

The process for changing a support order differs by county. In Burleson, depending on your address, your case could be heard in either the Johnson County Courthouse or the Tarrant County Family Court. Both courts follow Texas law but maintain different expectations for filings and hearing timelines. Participating in court processes with clear documentation increases your chances of a fair result.

The most common reasons for modifying spousal support include:

• Change in financial circumstances: When the paying spouse’s income changes or the receiving spouse’s financial situation improves, either party can request a review of support payments.
• Remarriage: If the spouse receiving support remarries, payments usually end. Cohabitation with another person can also end support.
• Disability or health issues: A change in the health status of either party can prompt a court to review and adjust support payments.

To ensure you do not overpay or receive too little, pursue legal action with guidance from a spousal support lawyer in Burleson at Coontz Cochran.

Understanding the Emotional Impact of Spousal Support

Spousal support cases often weigh heavily on the individuals involved. Beyond the legal details, spousal support awards can shape your financial future and affect your well-being for years to come. At Coontz Cochran, we support both your legal and emotional needs throughout this transition.

Long-term legal issues create stress that affects work, parenting, and family relationships. For families in Burleson, local support systems in Johnson and Tarrant counties, such as counseling centers or area programs, can provide emotional relief. When you receive trustworthy legal guidance and have a clear plan, you gain stability for yourself and your family.

Here are some key emotional considerations to keep in mind:

• Stress management: Uncertainty over spousal support causes stress. Our team guides you through each step, answering questions and offering support.
• Empowerment: Knowing your rights and legal options helps you make informed, confident decisions as your case moves forward.
• Future planning: Spousal support affects your finances and long-term goals. Our legal team advises on strategies so you can move forward with certainty.
• Support network: We encourage you to turn to friends, family, and local resources when you need additional help during these transitions.

At Coontz Cochran, we recognize that spousal support involves life changes. We combine strong legal counsel with real support to help you meet the moment with confidence.

Enforcement of Spousal Support Orders in Burleson

If a former spouse refuses to pay despite a court order, you have options for enforcement through courts serving Johnson or Tarrant counties. Courts may hold hearings to understand missed payments and then issue enforcement orders to secure payment. These may involve wage garnishment or asset liens, depending on your circumstances.

Texas law empowers local courts to impose penalties for ongoing violations. If payments lapse, track each missed instance and keep communication records. Judges respond quickly when the owed party supplies organized documentation and follows proper filing rules in the relevant county.

Coontz Cochran provides local guidance on what to expect during enforcement hearings and how courts in Burleson typically handle unpaid support cases. By communicating openly and collecting evidence, you improve your chances of recovering past due payments.

Tax Implications & Financial Planning for Spousal Support

Spousal support shapes your finances beyond the monthly payment. Before 2019, those paying alimony in Texas could deduct the payments from federal taxes, but new laws ended these deductions for most recent orders. If you receive support under current law, you likely do not pay tax on it—and if you’re the payer, you cannot claim a deduction. These rules affect how you handle your budget and provide court-required financial disclosures.

Johnson and Tarrant County courts require honest disclosure of income and expenses, factoring in both obligations and how tax status impacts your cash flow. Sometimes, parties use the after-tax impact to negotiate payment amounts or arrangements. Our team in Burleson offers guidance on court expectations and regulatory changes so you understand how these financial issues may impact your agreement.

Besides tax considerations, planning helps you avoid future disputes. Review cash flow, evaluate the intersection of state and federal policies, and clarify terms to move forward with certainty and financial stability.

Seek a Fair Alimony Agreement in Burleson with Our Help

Since 1990, Coontz Cochran has represented clients in Burleson, Johnson County, and across Greater Fort Worth in a broad range of family law cases. Our attorneys share over 50 years of combined legal experience, tailoring representation to each unique situation.

Local families often face complex court procedures and overlapping jurisdictions. We guide clients at each step, from the initial county filing to preparing disclosures and facilitating settlement discussions. Our deep understanding of Burleson's courts helps anticipate local hurdles and build compelling cases that reflect area judges' perspectives on support requests. We remain available for your questions so you can proceed confidently and focus on your next chapter.

FAQs

Which courts handle spousal support cases in Burleson?

Based on your home’s location, courts in either Johnson County or Tarrant County may hear your case. The courthouse location impacts the exact process and timeline for requesting, changing, or enforcing spousal support.

Does spousal support end automatically if I remarry?

In most cases, court-ordered spousal support ends when the recipient remarries. Notify the court after a remarriage so the order reflects the change and you avoid unneeded payments.

What happens if my former spouse stops making alimony payments?

You can request enforcement from your county court, which may order wage garnishment or other collection methods. Document all missed payments to support your case and get the court’s help efficiently.

Start today by taking advantage of a free initial consultation with our spousal support lawyers in Burleson. Call (888) 858-0536 or contact us online to get started.