Domestic Violence and Alimony

Also known as spousal support, alimony is financial support that one spouse may be ordered to pay to another during separation or after divorce. It is treated as income that helps to support one spouse after the marriage has been dissolved so that the spouse can remain financially stable while adjusting to single life. Typically if alimony is granted, the husband is ordered to pay alimony to the wife. However, in some cases where the wife was the primary income earner of the household, the wife may be ordered to pay alimony to the husband.

Domestic violence can have a major impact on whether alimony is court ordered and how much financial support the abusive spouse will have to give the other. Traditionally in domestic violence cases, the husband has been emotionally and/or physically abusive towards his wife, inflicting physical and psychological damage. The abuse may have interfered with the woman’s professional life in such a way that she was not able to work. In destructive cases such as these, the wife may be entirely dependent on the husband and may feel that she has no power to escape or pursue legal action against her husband.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, consider contacting a domestic violence and divorce lawyer immediately. If you do not feel safe consulting with a lawyer yourself, consider having a trusted loved one or friend accompany you. You have the right to pursue divorce and to take action against your abusive spouse.

In domestic violence cases, the abused wife is frequently granted alimony to help her adjust to supporting herself and may even be granted funds to complete her education and find a job. As a victim of domestic violence, you do not have to face your abusive spouse alone. There are people and resources ready to help you secure a fresh start.

Contact Us

For sound legal advice on divorce and alimony for individuals in abusive relationships, don’t hesitate to contact the compassionate, experienced Austin divorce lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP today at 512-472-2431.