Texas courts are statutorily empowered to enforce their orders by contempt. However, a divorce decree that awards a sum of money, payable in a lump sum or in future installments, is generally not enforceable by contempt, unless either:
1. Payment is to be made from a fund that exists at the time of the decree; or
2. The decree awards the right to receive installment payments or a lump-sum payment due on the maturation of an existing vested or non-vested right to be paid in the future; or
3. The award is for temporary spousal maintenance, as when, following a long term marriage, a spouse lacks the ability to work and earn money to be self-support
Spousal support, also known as alimony, refers to a legal obligation in Texas for one spouse to provide financial assistance to the other after a divorce. It aims to ensure that the lower-earning or non-working spouse can maintain a similar standard of living that was enjoyed during the marriage. As of 2022 in Texas, there are different types of spousal support awarded depending on the circumstances: 1. Temporary Spousal Support: During the divorce process, a court may grant temporary spousal support to help the recipient spouse meet their immediate financial needs until a final settlement is reached. 2. Rehabilitative Spousal Support: This type of support is awarded to assist the receiving spouse in acquiring education, training, or employment skills necessary to become financially self-sufficient. It is usually granted for a fixed period, after which the spouse is expected to be capable of supporting themselves. 3. Permanent Spousal Support: In certain cases where the receiving spouse cannot achieve self-sufficiency due to age, disability, or other factors, a court might order permanent spousal support. This type of support continues until the death of either party, remarriage of the recipient spouse, or a significant change in circumstances. 4. Lump-Sum Spousal Support: Instead of monthly payments, a court may award a one-time lump-sum payment as spousal support. This option may be chosen when there is a desire to avoid ongoing financial ties or when the paying spouse does not wish to make periodic payments. 5. Contractual Spousal Support: In Texas, spouses have the option to negotiate and create their own agreement regarding spousal support. This type of support is included in a formal contract, commonly known as a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of financial support in case of a divorce. It's important to note that spousal support in Texas is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account various factors such as the duration of the marriage, the financial capacity of both spouses, custody arrangements, and the contribution of each spouse to the marriage. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney is crucial to understand the specific guidelines and requirements regarding spousal support in Texas in 2022.Spousal support, also known as alimony, refers to a legal obligation in Texas for one spouse to provide financial assistance to the other after a divorce. It aims to ensure that the lower-earning or non-working spouse can maintain a similar standard of living that was enjoyed during the marriage. As of 2022 in Texas, there are different types of spousal support awarded depending on the circumstances: 1. Temporary Spousal Support: During the divorce process, a court may grant temporary spousal support to help the recipient spouse meet their immediate financial needs until a final settlement is reached. 2. Rehabilitative Spousal Support: This type of support is awarded to assist the receiving spouse in acquiring education, training, or employment skills necessary to become financially self-sufficient. It is usually granted for a fixed period, after which the spouse is expected to be capable of supporting themselves. 3. Permanent Spousal Support: In certain cases where the receiving spouse cannot achieve self-sufficiency due to age, disability, or other factors, a court might order permanent spousal support. This type of support continues until the death of either party, remarriage of the recipient spouse, or a significant change in circumstances. 4. Lump-Sum Spousal Support: Instead of monthly payments, a court may award a one-time lump-sum payment as spousal support. This option may be chosen when there is a desire to avoid ongoing financial ties or when the paying spouse does not wish to make periodic payments. 5. Contractual Spousal Support: In Texas, spouses have the option to negotiate and create their own agreement regarding spousal support. This type of support is included in a formal contract, commonly known as a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of financial support in case of a divorce. It's important to note that spousal support in Texas is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account various factors such as the duration of the marriage, the financial capacity of both spouses, custody arrangements, and the contribution of each spouse to the marriage. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney is crucial to understand the specific guidelines and requirements regarding spousal support in Texas in 2022.
