High-net-worth divorces in Texas come with complicated financial questions, and alimony often becomes one of the toughest topics to navigate. For families in Houston, The Woodlands, and throughout Montgomery County, it helps to understand how Texas approaches spousal maintenance and why these cases look different when significant assets are involved.
Understanding Spousal Maintenance in Texas
Texas calls alimony “spousal maintenance,” and courts award it far less often than many people expect. The law requires strict proof that one spouse truly needs financial support after the divorce. Even in high-asset cases, eligibility is not automatic. What matters is whether one spouse can meet basic needs without assistance and whether certain legal requirements are met.
Eligibility for Spousal Maintenance
A spouse may qualify for spousal maintenance in situations such as:
- Long-Term Marriages: The marriage lasted at least ten years and the lower-earning spouse cannot meet basic needs without help.
- Disability: A physical or mental disability limits their ability to work.
- Caregiving Responsibilities: They care for a child with special needs that prevent full-time employment.
In high-net-worth marriages, the question of “need” becomes more complex because lifestyle, responsibilities, and earning potential all factor into the analysis.
How Spousal Maintenance Amounts Are Calculated
Texas places caps on maintenance amounts, so the court balances several factors to determine what is fair:
- Income and Earning Power: Both spouses’ current and projected future earnings are evaluated.
- Lifestyle During the Marriage: In high-asset cases, maintaining stability for the lower-earning spouse is often a priority.
- Length of Support: Most awards last up to five years, but longer marriages or special circumstances may extend the duration.
Special Considerations in High-Net-Worth Divorces
High-net-worth divorces require more careful financial analysis, and that can affect spousal maintenance decisions.
Complex Asset Division: Your property division directly influences whether spousal maintenance is needed. High-value estates often include:
- Business or professional practice valuations
- Multiple real estate properties
- Investment portfolios
- Retirement and executive-compensation accounts
Sorting through these assets requires experience, precision, and knowledge of Texas community-property laws.
Tax Implications: While spousal maintenance is not tax-deductible or taxable under current federal law, large asset transfers, business divisions, and investment structures can have tax consequences. Reviewing these alongside any potential alimony award is an important step.
How Horak Law Can Help
Alimony in high-net-worth divorces is rarely straightforward. You need a lawyer who understands both the legal requirements and the financial realities at play.
At Horak Law, we combine the strength of decades of courtroom experience with the practical, personal approach of a small firm. Matt Horak has represented families across Texas for more than 20 years. He understands the financial pressure, the emotional weight, and the need for clear answers during a difficult transition.
You will not be handed off to a rotating team or pushed through a system. You will sit down with an attorney who listens, explains your options, and builds a strategy grounded in real experience in court and at the negotiation table.
Ready to Talk About Your Next Steps? Contact Horak Law Today
If you are preparing for a high-net-worth divorce in Texas and have questions about spousal maintenance (“alimony”), we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with Horak Law, and let us guide you through the process with clarity, respect, and proven experience. Contact us today to get started.