Texas Spousal Maintenance Calculator
Strict • Accurate • Professional
Calculate Texas spousal maintenance with the nation's most restrictive eligibility requirements. Comprehensive assessment under Family Code § 8.051.
Calculate Your Texas Spousal Maintenance
Complete the eligibility assessment to determine if you qualify for spousal maintenance under Texas law.
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Texas Spousal Maintenance Calculator
Real-time calculation based on Texas Family Code requirements
Complete all questions to see your maintenance calculation
Required information:
- Property sufficiency assessment
- Qualifying condition selection
- Paying spouse income
- Marriage duration
Complete all questions for the most accurate calculation
Why Choose Our Texas Spousal Maintenance Calculator
Family Code Compliant
Accurate calculations based on Texas Family Code § 8.051 eligibility requirements and statutory limitations.
Two-Step Assessment
Comprehensive eligibility test covering insufficient property requirements and qualifying conditions.
Professional Accuracy
Used by Texas family law attorneys and professionals for reliable maintenance estimates and case planning.
Instant Results
Real-time eligibility assessment and maintenance calculations with detailed explanations and duration limits.
Why Texas is Different from Other States
Strictest Requirements
Most restrictive spousal maintenance laws in the US. Must meet specific eligibility conditions under Family Code § 8.051.
$5,000 Maximum
Statutory cap of $5,000/month or 20% of paying spouse's income, whichever is less (Family Code § 8.055).
Duration Limits
Specific maximum time periods: 5 years (10-20 year marriage), 7 years (20-30 years), 10 years (30+ years).
Court Discretion
Even if eligible, courts may deny or award less based on circumstances and the goal of self-sufficiency.
Texas Spousal Maintenance Law
Texas strongly favors property division over ongoing spousal maintenance. The state assumes each spouse should achieve financial independence after divorce, with maintenance serving only as a temporary bridge in very limited circumstances.
Texas Philosophy
- • Property division favored over alimony
- • Financial independence expected
- • Maintenance as temporary bridge only
- • Court discretion to deny even if eligible
Legal Framework
- • Family Code § 8.051 (Eligibility)
- • Family Code § 8.055 (Amount limits)
- • Family Code § 8.054 (Duration)
- • Two-step qualification process
Texas Two-Step Eligibility Test
Both Requirements Must Be Met
Texas requires meeting BOTH insufficient property AND one qualifying condition. This makes Texas one of the most difficult states to obtain spousal maintenance.
1Insufficient Property Test
Must lack sufficient property (including separate property and community property share) to provide for minimum reasonable needs.
2Qualifying Conditions
Must meet at least one of four specific conditions:
- 10+ year marriage + lack earning ability
- Family violence conviction within 2 years
- Incapacitating physical/mental disability
- Custodian of disabled child from marriage
Amount Calculation
Maximum Monthly Amount
Lesser of: $5,000 OR 20% of paying spouse's average gross monthly income
Court Discretion
May award less than maximum based on specific circumstances
Duration Limits
- 10-20 years:Max 5 years
- 20-30 years:Max 7 years
- 30+ years:Max 10 years
- Disability cases:May be indefinite
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Texas spousal maintenance so restrictive?
Texas strongly favors property division over ongoing spousal maintenance. The state philosophy emphasizes financial independence after divorce, with maintenance serving only as temporary support in very limited circumstances under Family Code § 8.051.
What is the $5,000 monthly cap?
Texas limits spousal maintenance to the lesser of $5,000/month or 20% of the paying spouse's average monthly gross income under Family Code § 8.055. This cap applies regardless of income level or standard of living during marriage.
How does marriage duration affect maintenance duration?
Texas sets specific maximum durations: 5 years for marriages lasting 10-20 years, 7 years for 20-30 year marriages, and 10 years for marriages over 30 years. These are maximums - courts may award shorter periods.
Can I qualify even if I meet the requirements?
Meeting the eligibility requirements doesn't guarantee maintenance. Courts have discretion to deny awards or award less than the maximum based on circumstances, with the overriding goal of the seeking spouse becoming self-sufficient.
What if my marriage was less than 10 years?
You can still qualify if your spouse was convicted of family violence within 2 years before filing, you have an incapacitating disability, or you care for a disabled child from the marriage requiring substantial care.
Legal Resources & References
Official Legal Resources
Spousal maintenance requirements and limitations
Eligibility requirements for maintenance
Official court forms and procedures
Related Calculators
Percentage model with income cap guidelines
Compare with California county formulas
2023 reform duration-based calculations
Ready to Calculate Your Texas Spousal Maintenance?
Complete the two-step eligibility test and get accurate estimates based on Texas Family Code requirements with strict $5,000 monthly cap.
Calculate Maintenance Now - It's FreeImportant Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on Texas Family Code requirements and should not be considered legal advice. Actual court orders may vary significantly based on specific circumstances, judicial discretion, and factors not captured in this calculation. Even meeting all eligibility requirements does not guarantee a maintenance award. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult with a qualified Texas family law attorney.