Texas Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support in Texas using the state's Formula with Judicial Discretion. Includes likelihood, amount range, duration, and the statutory factors that drive the result.
Texas divorces typically cost 21% less than the national average of $12,900.
Alimony in Texas
- Formula type
- Formula with Judicial Discretion
- Fault considered
- No
- Domestic violence factor
- Yes
- Equal parenting presumption
- No
- Waiting period before final
- 60 days (about 2 months)
Alimony Calculator in Texas: What You Should Know
Texas calls alimony 'spousal maintenance' and is one of the most restrictive states in the country for awarding it. Texas courts can only order maintenance if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and the recipient spouse cannot meet their minimum reasonable needs, the paying spouse was convicted of family violence within two years of filing, or the recipient has a physical or mental disability that prevents self-support. When maintenance is ordered for a 10-year marriage, it generally cannot exceed 5 years or 20 percent of the paying spouse's average monthly gross income, whichever is lower. These restrictions make Texas spousal maintenance rare and limited compared to most other states.
Key point: Texas spousal maintenance is capped at 20 percent of the paying spouse's average monthly gross income or $5,000 per month, whichever is lower. This is one of the lowest caps in the country.
Tell us the basics
Locked to Texas on this page.
Use your gross (before-tax) annual income.
Use their gross (before-tax) annual income.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Alimony in Texas - Frequently Asked Questions
How is alimony calculated in Texas?
Texas uses a formula as a starting point but allows judges to deviate based on the facts of the case. Courts weigh the formula result alongside statutory factors including marriage length, earning capacity, standard of living, domestic violence.
How long does alimony last in Texas?
Duration in Texas typically scales with marriage length. Short marriages (under 5 years) often produce limited rehabilitative support. Medium marriages (5 to 15 years) commonly produce alimony lasting roughly one third to one half of the marriage length. Long marriages (20+ years) may produce indefinite or permanent alimony, particularly when the recipient cannot reasonably become self-supporting.
Can alimony be modified in Texas?
Yes. Either spouse can ask the court to modify alimony based on a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, retirement, the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, or a serious health change. Texas courts typically require the change to be material and not anticipated at the time of the original order.
Does fault affect alimony in Texas?
No. Texas does not weigh marital fault in setting alimony. Courts focus on financial need, ability to pay, and the other statutory factors rather than blame for the divorce.
Is alimony tax deductible in Texas?
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is no longer deductible by the payer or taxable to the recipient under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This federal rule applies in Texas as it does in every state. Older orders entered before 2019 generally retain the prior tax treatment unless modified.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.