Financial support provided from one spouse to another following a marital dissolution in Texas is governed by specific legal statutes. This support, sometimes referred to as spousal maintenance, aims to assist a spouse who lacks sufficient property or income to meet their minimum reasonable needs after the conclusion of the marriage. For example, a long-term marriage where one spouse primarily managed the household and raised children may result in a court ordering the other spouse to provide financial assistance.
The purpose of such support is to address potential economic imbalances created during the marriage. It offers a mechanism to help a less financially secure spouse become self-sufficient after the divorce. Historically, the provision of this support reflected societal expectations around gender roles and economic dependence within marriage. Modern statutes, however, focus on need and ability to pay, with the goal of promoting fairness and independence for both parties involved.
