Endless Upward Mobility Alimoney

[suzanne1967]

Orlando, FL

I need help...my husbands divorce was final October 2005, we married December 2005. Because he was married for 18 years and his ex wife (then 42 years old) never worked and is not an American citizen was awarded alimonty - $36,000/year. My husbands salary at that time was $120,000/year. We purchased a home in 2006 and when the ex found out she took him back to court for upward modification. We submitted current W-2's which shows very little increase in salary, but the ex wife is convinced that he has "hidden" income and that she can't afford health insurance with the alimony payments. Please note that I am gainfully employed and because of my income we were able to afford to buy a house This is a grave concern to her because her mother died of ovarian cancer and she is convinced that she will subcome to the same fate. Therefore, she needs more money. The ex wife has never tried to gain employment, a good way to obtain health insurance, though an employment counselor was hired at the time of the divorce determine that the ex spouse would be able to obtain employment We have retained an attorney in Orlando who came highly recommended and is quite expensive. The short version is this - we went to court and even filed a counter petition to dismiss with prejudce and sactions because this law suit has no justification. The judge would not rule and has orded for discovery which we are in the process of completing. The problem with all of this is that we have paid $12,000 in attorney fees and court costs - I know it would of been easier just to pay the ex but this will never end, she will just keep filing these lawsuits to piss us off. Is there no justice for my husband or me?????? In the two years we've been married, we have never taken a vacation, or live a luxerious life style - we are barely getting by and have had to use credit cards to pay our court costs. I just can't believe that we are just screwed and there is nothing we can do. Our attorney has given us little to no hope. My husband is on the verge of a nervous breakdown with all this pressure. Does anyone have any advice that is legal? Any suggesions or advice will be appreciated - looking for peace of mind -What is the name of your state?

[CourtClerk]

Originally Posted by suzanne1967

Orlando, FL

I need help...my husbands divorce was final October 2005, we married December 2005. Because he was married for 18 years and his ex wife (then 42 years old) never worked and is not an American citizen was awarded alimonty - $36,000/year. My husbands salary at that time was $120,000/year. We purchased a home in 2006 and when the ex found out she took him back to court for upward modification. We submitted current W-2's which shows very little increase in salary, but the ex wife is convinced that he has "hidden" income and that she can't afford health insurance with the alimony payments. Please note that I am gainfully employed and because of my income we were able to afford to buy a house This is a grave concern to her because her mother died of ovarian cancer and she is convinced that she will subcome to the same fate. Therefore, she needs more money. The ex wife has never tried to gain employment, a good way to obtain health insurance, though an employment counselor was hired at the time of the divorce determine that the ex spouse would be able to obtain employment We have retained an attorney in Orlando who came highly recommended and is quite expensive. The short version is this - we went to court and even filed a counter petition to dismiss with prejudce and sactions because this law suit has no justification. The judge would not rule and has orded for discovery which we are in the process of completing. The problem with all of this is that we have paid $12,000 in attorney fees and court costs - I know it would of been easier just to pay the ex but this will never end, she will just keep filing these lawsuits to piss us off. Is there no justice for my husband or me?????? In the two years we've been married, we have never taken a vacation, or live a luxerious life style - we are barely getting by and have had to use credit cards to pay our court costs. I just can't believe that we are just screwed and there is nothing we can do. Our attorney has given us little to no hope. My husband is on the verge of a nervous breakdown with all this pressure. Does anyone have any advice that is legal? Any suggesions or advice will be appreciated - looking for peace of mind -What is the name of your state?

I know a lot of people who haven't taken a vacation in 2 years. In fact, I don't think my sister has had one in at least 4. She survives somehow.

Legal advise: talk to your attorney. If you don't like what your attorney is saying, get a second opinion.

[LdiJ]

You also may need to consider downsizing a bit. With both your incomes, even after paying out the alimony, you have to have over 100k a year in income. Many people live quite comfortably, and even get to take vacations, on half of that.

[Gracie3787]

Originally Posted by LdiJ

You also may need to consider downsizing a bit. With both your incomes, even after paying out the alimony, you have to have over 100k a year in income. Many people live quite comfortably, and even get to take vacations, on half of that.

Unfortunately, in Orlando an income of 100k is actually pretty small. (I dislike Orlando intensely, that's why I moved to a smaller rural area).

Downsizing can be very difficult also. The RE market in Orlando is a mess, people are either losing thier homes or taking huge losses when selling.

The only hope that OP's husband has is that the Judge will not grant an increase, or will grant only a very small increse. Other than that all she and husband can do is to try not to let his ex know anything about thier life and hope that she doesn't file again in 2 years.