Full question:
I am a divorcee living in Texas. My ex-husband has been providing me alimony per the court order which helps me take care of my living expenses. But since two weeks I have been having a romantic relationship with someone. We have not decided to get married yet. But can the court terminate the alimony order if I start seeing someone else?
- Category: Divorce
- Subcategory: Spousal Support
- Date:
- State: Texas
Answer:
Yes, Texas courts can modify or terminate alimony if the supported spouse enters into a romantic relationship with another person. In Texas, cohabitation is defined as living together on a continuous basis with someone you are dating or in a romantic relationship.
According to Texas Family Code § 8.056, alimony obligations end if the supported spouse begins to cohabit with another person. Specifically:
- (a) Alimony ends upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the supported spouse.
- (b) After a hearing, the court will terminate alimony if it finds that the supported spouse is cohabiting with someone they are romantically involved with on a continuous basis.
- (c) Termination of alimony does not affect any payments that were due before the termination date.
Therefore, if the court determines you are cohabiting or in a romantic relationship, it may order the termination of your alimony.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.