Houston Alimony Attorney

Practical Guidance for Spousal Support Involving Significant Assets Across Greater Houston, TX

When divorce involves substantial wealth, property, or business interests, the financial picture can become complicated. At Bastine Law Group, we help individuals and families throughout Houston, Fort Bend County, and Harris County navigate spousal support matters with clarity and confidence.

Our knowledge of the local courts, judges, and the Harris County Family Law Center allows us to provide advice grounded in the realities of divorce in Houston. We stay up to date with changes to the Texas Family Code and how they affect local support calculations. Every situation is different, so we listen closely, assess your goals, and guide you through every available route for seeking or responding to spousal support claims.

Since 1995, we have guided high-net-worth clients, business owners, and professionals to protect their financial interests during divorce. Whether you request support or respond to a claim for maintenance, our team provides steady, straightforward guidance every step of the way.

Have questions about spousal support? Contact Bastine Law Group at (832) 864-5524 to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced Houston spousal support lawyer.

How Bastine Law Group Helps You Navigate Spousal Support

Our team has earned clients' trust by providing reliable legal support in divorce and family law. We focus on delivering clear communication, realistic strategies, and a commitment to protecting your long-term interests.

We take a hands-on approach with every case, making sure you understand your rights and obligations under Texas law. Because Houston is such a diverse city, we are prepared for a wide range of circumstances, from high-net-worth divorces with complex property holdings to situations that include contested maintenance. Our presence in the local courts and our familiarity with evolving trends in spousal support give us the tools to address challenging cases with confidence. We regularly discuss how Houston courts evaluate income, assess the needs of each spouse, and factor in issues unique to local families—such as oil and gas asset division or international property interests.

Here’s what you can expect when working with us:

• Led by Attorney Ronique Bastine Robinson, Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
• Decades of combined legal experience with complex family and financial matters
• Payment plans and virtual consultations available for your convenience
• Thousands of family law cases handled across Houston and surrounding areas

Understanding Spousal Maintenance in Texas

In Texas, spousal maintenance—often called alimony—refers to payments one spouse makes to another after divorce. These payments may be temporary or ongoing, depending on the circumstances.

Understanding the difference between court-ordered spousal maintenance and contractual alimony is vital for anyone facing divorce in Houston. A judge may award maintenance only under specific qualifying circumstances outlined in the Texas Family Code, but parties can negotiate broader or more customized agreements through contractual alimony. This is especially relevant for high-net-worth individuals or families with businesses, as private agreements can address tax consequences and asset liquidity in ways that meet both parties’ needs. Many clients in Houston benefit from proactive negotiations to establish a stable financial path forward, often reducing the stress associated with contested litigation.

The court may award spousal maintenance in situations such as:

• A marriage lasting at least 10 years, with one spouse unable to meet basic needs
• A spouse with a mental or physical disability
• One spouse caring for a child with special needs
• Cases involving domestic violence during marriage

For couples with considerable resources, spousal support can also be addressed through contractual alimony agreements. These arrangements often provide more flexibility and are designed to reflect the specific financial realities of each individual.

How Houston Courts Calculate Alimony & Spousal Support

Houston courts follow the Texas Family Code when calculating alimony and spousal support. Judges review the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning potential, educational background, and ability to meet their financial needs after divorce. The court also looks at the roles both spouses played during the marriage, including careers sacrificed or time spent raising children. In Harris County, judges closely review bank statements, tax records, and business documents during the process.

Texas law limits the amount and duration of court-ordered spousal maintenance, capping payments at either $5,000 per month or 20% of the paying spouse’s average monthly gross income, whichever is lower. These standards provide certainty, yet judges retain some discretion based on the details of each case. Houston courts may set shorter or longer payment periods depending on a spouse's health, child care obligations, or work readiness.

The Houston area often sees high-net-worth families in divorce proceedings. Judges here consider asset liquidity and ongoing business interests, especially in cases involving oil and gas, international property, or major local companies. In these scenarios, courts may recommend creative solutions aligned with state law to ensure fair treatment and continued financial stability for both parties after divorce.