In this article, learn about how spousal maintenance is ordered, the requirements to be eligible for spousal maintenance, and other important information. In most cases, the Texas Family Code provides that spousal maintenance may only be ordered for spouses that have been married for 10 years or longer.Learn how spousal maintenance (alimony) works in Texas, including who can get it, how judges decide, legal limits on the amount and duration of payments. There are two main ways that you may be eligible to receive spousal support in Texas, and either spouse can request spousal support during a divorce. This could include child support or spousal support. If you need a temporary order, it is always best to speak with an attorney for help. In Texas, spousal support is not guaranteed. Whether you will receive it (or have to pay it) depends on many factors, including the lenghth of the marriage. A spouse requesting post-divorce support in Texas must be eligible to receive spousal maintenance before a court can grant the request. This could include child support or spousal support.