When a marriage ends, one person’s health can make a big difference, especially if they have a disability or a long-term sickness. In Texas, the law allows spousal support to help make things fair when one person can’t earn enough to live on. A serious health problem often makes this situation more complicated.
When one spouse has a disability
If one spouse has a severe disability that keeps them from earning enough money, the court might order long-term spousal support. A judge looks at many factors when making this decision. They consider the disabled spouse’s ability to work and their medical needs. They also look at how long the marriage lasted, the age and work history of each person and their contributions to the home.
If a permanent disability stops someone from working, support helps cover daily expenses and medical bills.
When the paying spouse gets sick
What if the person paying support gets sick? If their health problems make it hard to work and earn money, they can ask the court to lower or stop payments. In Texas, the law allows changes to spousal support only when there’s a material and substantial change in someone’s situation. This means the change must be significant, such as a new serious illness, major medical bills or a considerable drop in income.
Balancing care and costs
A long-term illness often brings high medical bills and health insurance changes. A court reviews how these costs affect both people. If the spouse receiving support loses health insurance after the divorce, they may be eligible for additional financial support. But if the paying spouse faces expensive medical treatments, they might pay less.
Getting help
Every situation is different and often emotional. If you’re unsure about your rights or options, consider speaking with a family law professional. They may help you understand what Texas law says about spousal support and help you make choices that protect your health and financial future.
