Can she get alimony?
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Can she get alimony?
My ex-wife and I have been separated 12 years now but we are still legally married. We have 2 children together, of whom I have primary custody. My current girlfriend and I have been together 11 years and have an 8 year old daughter together. My ex-wife was recently ordered to pay child
support and is upset about it. She says that she’s filing for divorce and is going to try and get alimony and play the
Asked on January 20, 2018 under Family Law, Texas
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Texas is not an alimony state. A person can only get alimony in the state of Texas if the parties contractually agree to it.
Because you and her have been married over ten years, she can make an application for a similar thing called "marital support." However, she is not likely to get it. "Marital support" is not based on whether one side has committed adulterly. It's sole purpose is to help one spouse get back on their feet if they are affected by the divorce. (For example, a wife having to rebuild a career after being a stay at home mom, or a husband traumatized by physical abuse) Considering that you and her have been separated for 12 years, she can't claim that you 'suddenly leaving her' has created a hardship that would justify marital support. She's watched a little too much TV.
With regard to the "adultery" card, if both parties have moved on, then the Court is not likely to care about the adultery issue. They will view the divorce as just a procedure to put to bed what was already resolved years ago. Texas is a no-fault divorce state. One spouse can allege a basis, however, it only affects property distrubtion---not alimony or marital support. Even when parties are successful in an adultery claim, the court still do not give one party a windfall over the other, especially when both spouses are engaged in the conduct.
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