Alimony Question

[remleos]

I have been married for almost 18 yrs. My husband worked for 13 yrs and after moving to FL. When our baby was born, he decided for us to move to florida and live on my income as he wanted to start his own business. That didn't work out but he still didn't get a full time job. He used to make 90+K before moving to the state. I have been supporting my household and just recently (2 yrs ago) he started to pay for daycare as I needed to put some pressure for him to get employee. He still relying on my income and efforts to get a job even in another state, are not consistent. Is he entitle to alimony? He said that he will seek it as he needs to have a proper place to have our daughter if that include alimony plus child support even if we are agreeing on a 50% custody. Any advice?

[Attorney Cheri Hobbs]

alimony is based on the length of the marriage and the needs of one spouse compared to the ability to pay of the other spouse. There are other conditions as well that the court will consider. You have a long term marriage. It appears that he has a need for support and you have the ability to pay. However, you might hire a vocational expert to address his ability to work/refusal to work. Even with a 50/50 split time sharing, there still might be child support exchanged.

Attorney Cheri Hobbs