The purpose of Texas spousal maintenance is to give a spouse temporary rehabilitative support after deterioration of their ability to support themselves while taking care of the home and family during the marriage. Spousal maintenance is only available if the spouse meets certain statutory requirements. A former husband recently challenged a spousal maintenance award.
The wife petitioned for divorce after about 28 years of marriage and sought spousal maintenance. In the final decree, the trial court ordered the husband to pay her $2,000 per month for five years.
The husband appealed, challenging the wife’s eligibility, as well as the amount and duration of maintenance ordered. The wife argued there was an agreed decree and the husband had waived his right to challenge it.