What used to be known as “alimony” is now more commonly referred to as spousal maintenance or support, and it is no longer an automatic part of the divorce process. In order to be awarded spousal maintenance by the Court, a spouse must meet the criteria as outlined in the Texas Family Code. The criteria include, among other things, earning potential of the spouse, disability, whether the spouse has been a victim of domestic abuse by the other person, and several other things. It is not an easy issue to contemplate or negotiate, especially when you are in the middle of the divorce process with all of its other attendant emotional difficulties. A Carrollton spousal support attorney can help you navigate this difficult situation.