How to protect myself from having to pay spousal support?
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How to protect myself from having to pay spousal support?
I have been separated from my wife for about a year. She has agreed to a uncontested divorce but she is stalling until our 10 year anniversary because she feels she will get spousal support then. I don’t know what to do. How can I proceed without her help so that I won’t have to pay this support?
Asked on September 7, 2011 under Family Law, Texas
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Spousal support is not automatic in Texas. The 10 year rule is just a first step in qualifying. Based on the limited info you have provided (i.e. no details about kids and any unusual medical conditions that your wife may have), you have two pretty strait forward options. The first is go ahead and file the divorce before the 10 year anniversay. You don't have to have her permission to file. Texas is a "no-fault" divorce state which means you do not have to an agreement from the other spouse to get a divorce. Your second option is to make her support herself which she's stalling for the 10 year anniversary. If your wife wants spousal support, she will have to demonstrate that she cannot take care of herself. If you quit footing the bills and she is still able to take care of her minimum needs, her "success" will also be your success. These two suggestions are really based on the absence of informtion in your question. You may have other ways to protect yourself depending on other facts specific to your case. If you are concerned about paying spousal support for several years, you should invest in a consultation with an experienced family law attorney.
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