Divorce and child support

[JassidyN]

I live in Florida spouse lives in Georgia, I havent lived with her since 1988, i am filing for a divorce now , no minor children, but i do owe some arrears in child support which i am paying on now, she wants a lump sum for the full amount or she will not sign the papers so i had her served with papers, what are the chances of a judge making me pay a lump sum or will i have to continue with the payments that the state is having me pay now. We both have children outside of our marriage so there is no getting back together and have been living our separate lives for over 20 yrs, Also will she be able to get any alimony payments?

[Attorney Dawn Jackson]

As long as you are making payments towards the child support arrears, it is unlikely a judge would order you to pay off the balance as a lump sum. As far as alimony goes, your spouse would need to prove that she has a need for alimony and that you have the ability to pay. Based upon the significant length of your separation, I do not believe alimony will be an issue in your case.