When a married couple begins the divorce process in Texas there are usually several issues to resolve prior to achieving a mutual agreement to finalize the divorce. Spousal and child support are two vital areas that generally are agreed upon as part of the divorce negotiations. When the parties cannot come to an agreement on any particular subject, the ultimate decision will be determined and ordered by the family law judge after court hearings.
A former “housewives” reality star and her ex-husband recently agreed on terms for a divorce. The settlement includes agreement on issues of child support, spousal support and property division. The agreement, reflected by divorce documents filed with the court, calls for Jim Bellino to pay Alexis Bellino the sum of $10,000 per month in spousal support and $6,000 per month in child support for three children. The settlement calls for $2,000 per child while a child remains under age 18.
Alexis is a former participant in the show “Real Housewives of Orange County.” With respect to property division, the husband will take two of their California properties while Alexis will keep the couple’s mansion in San Juan Capistrano. Upon final signing of the divorce judgment, Alexis will receive a lump-sum payment of $250,000. News articles regarding this divorce do not describe Jim’s sources and amounts of income.
It is also unknown if Alexis is currently employed. Child support is usually based on somewhat strict guidelines in each state, including here in Texas, that take into account numerous financial factors, including the ability of the parties to pay and the needs of the children. Spousal support that continues to be paid after the divorce is generally referred to as alimony. It is negotiated and determined by its own set of financial factors, and in this case, it appears that the husband has an earning capacity significantly greater than the wife to justify the monthly spousal support payment.