Alimony to non-custodial parent

What is the name of your state? New Jersey

My friend was married 8 years, 2 of which he has been separated from his wife. He got married in NJ, where his wife still is and now lives in GA and will be getting divorced on 2/24/04. His wife is bi-polar and has been in and out of mental institutions over the past few years, which led to the delay in his divorce. She did not want custody of their 3 children and he has full custody and they live with him in GA. She also has rarely been in contact with them the 2 years that she has not lived with them. As part of the divorce proceedings he will not be able to get child support from her, and will have to pay alimony and take the children up to see her 4 times a year. Because of her mental illness, she would not keep a job, and he worked 2-3 jobs during the marriage while she stayed home with the children. The children have all been affected by her illness and have either learning, mental or social difficulties. She is currently receiving SSI from NJ.

Is it common for a non-custodial parent to receive alimony and the custodial parent to be forced to take the children to visit her? His funds are very limited and this would create a hardship on him, because he would have to take time off from work and school to take them up to see her.

[stealth2]

Well, if he chose to move away with the kids, why should he NOT be responsible for transporting them back to their other parent for visitation?

As for the alimony, it generally depends on the specifics of the situation, but it is not unheard of for a CP to pay alimony to the NCP.

[stephenk]

Spousal support is completely separate from child support.