Going through a divorce can be challenging for anyone. After all, when you decide to end your marriage, you must face the reality of beginning a new chapter in your life. Fortunately, in addition to receiving a share of marital assets, you may be able to secure spousal support from your ex-spouse to help you move forward.
Texas law caps court-ordered spousal support at whichever is lower, 20% of the paying spouse’s monthly gross income or $5,000 per month. If a judge has ordered your ex-spouse to make monthly payments, he or she must continue to do so according to the order’s terms. Nonetheless, if you enter into a new relationship, it may interfere with the alimony payments you receive.
Remarriage
In Texas, divorced spouses do not have to continue to pay spousal support to their remarried exes. Therefore, if you decide to walk down the aisle again, your ex-partner no longer must make alimony payments. Furthermore, he or she does not need to obtain a court order before stopping spousal support. Note, though, that if your ex-spouse missed payments before your remarriage, he or she is still on the hook for making them.
Cohabitation
Nowadays, many couples choose to live together before tying the knot. If you want to move in with your new partner, however, you risk losing your spousal support. That is, your cohabitation with a new love interest ends your ex-spouse’s obligation to pay alimony. Unlike remarriage, where your former partner can simply stop making payments, ceasing alimony because of cohabitation requires a court order. Until your ex-husband or ex-wife obtains one, he or she should continue making regular payments.
Spousal support may help you make ends meet after your divorce. If your post-divorce plans include meeting someone new, though, you should understand the potential risk a new relationship poses to the alimony you receive. Fortunately, with some information and a bit of planning, you can make proactive decisions for yourself and your new partner.