Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Heller v. Heller

The appellant contends that the trial court erred by ordering income withholding for contractual alimony. A promise to pay contractual alimony creates nothing more than a debt, not a legal duty imposed by Texas law. The garnishment of current wages violates the Texas Constitution. The trial court's judgment is reversed and rendered. Beaumont Court of Appeals, No. 09-11-00551-CV

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
OPINION

In a final divorce decree, Steven Clark Heller agreed to pay contractual alimony to Desiree Cheyenne Heller. When Steven failed to make payments, Desiree sought a wage withholding order. Steven filed a motion to stay issuance of the order. The trial court denied Steven‟s motion and entered a wage withholding order. In his sole appellate issue, Steven contends that the trial court erred by ordering income withholding for contractual alimony. We reverse the trial court‟s order of wage withholding.

The Texas Constitution provides that current wages for personal service are not subject to garnishment, except for the enforcement of court-ordered child support or spousal maintenance. Tex. Const. art. XVI, § 28. Likewise, section 8.101 of the Texas Family Code allows a trial court to order income withholding to enforce spousal maintenance. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 8.101 (West 2006). The Family Code allows a trial court to enter a wage withholding order to enforce either spousal maintenance or contractual alimony if the contract permits income withholding or if payments are not timely made under the contract‟s terms. Id. § 8.101(b). Whether a trial court may order income withholding for alimony payments is a question of law that we review de novo. Kee v. Kee, 307 S.W.3d 812, 813 (Tex. App.-Dallas 2010, pet. denied).

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Texas Legal Awards 2025
September 25, 2025
Dallas, TX

The Texas Lawyer honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in Texas.


Learn More
Complex Claims & Litigation Forum 2025
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards 2025
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Legal Administrative Assistant

Legal Administrative AssistantRivkind, Margulies & Rivkind, P.A.Miami, FL, USAEmployment Type: Full-TimeBenefits Offered: Medical, Retir...


Apply Now ›
Risk Management and Litigation Associate Counsel - 23849

Position Type:Administrative and Central Office Office Title/Functional Title:Risk Management and Litigation Associate Counsel - 23849Civil ...


Apply Now ›
Agency Attorney, Enhanced Rate Equitable Services Unit, OGC

Process enhanced rate equitable services requests, response to filers and NYSED Inquiries. Receive, file, coordinate, and review ...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs