Married over 20 years...Divorced for 10

[calimony]

What is the name of your state? California

I was just curious- First of all I was married 20 years and we have 5 children. My ex-wife was the one who initiated the divorce. At this time, there is only one child that child support is still required. He is 18 but still in high school-so it must be paid through June 05. Additionally, I do pay all there dental bills etc. and there college tuition /books etc. and assist in there room and board and so on. As far as alimony-my understanding is it only ends if:
· A court order or judgment says it ends,
· 1 of the spouses dies, or
· The person getting the support remarries


My question is the first reason listed above, A court order or judgment says it ends. what exactly does this mean? Or what particular thing is it to make that happen. Note: I do make somewhat less income than when my divorce went through(At that time I made most ever) Also my ex-wife has worked now probably the last 4 or 5 years.
Thanks...

 

[stepmom65]

What is the name of your state? California

I was just curious- First of all I was married 20 years and we have 5 children. My ex-wife was the one who initiated the divorce. At this time, there is only one child that child support is still required. He is 18 but still in high school-so it must be paid through June 05. Additionally, I do pay all there dental bills etc. and there college tuition /books etc. and assist in there room and board and so on. As far as alimony-my understanding is it only ends if:
· A court order or judgment says it ends,
· 1 of the spouses dies, or
· The person getting the support remarries


My question is the first reason listed above, A court order or judgment says it ends. what exactly does this mean? Or what particular thing is it to make that happen. Note: I do make somewhat less income than when my divorce went through(At that time I made most ever) Also my ex-wife has worked now probably the last 4 or 5 years.
Thanks...

I believe (not 100% positive) that after a 20-yr marriage the recipient of the $$ get's it until he/she dies, or remarries. Too bad your X didn't divorce you before 10 years...you'd only have to pay up to 5 years alimony (most cases)...
If you are making less money, you can try a modification, which means going back to court, with your income and expense declaration and asking for a decrease in support payments....Your X will have to show up with her income/expense declaration also.

Good Luck...

 

[BethM]

There is no standard rule when it comes to alimony. There is no standard length of time. It all depends on what you original divorce decree states regarding your particular situation.

What, exactly does your divorce decree state? If alimony is to end at some point it will stipulate when in the decree. The norm would be rehabilitave alimony for a certain period of time. There can also be lifetime alimony or alimony until the spouse remarries. Every situation is different so it is hard to give you an answer unless we know exactly what your decree states. You might have the option to modify but no one knows without knowing the wording in the decree.

stepmon, some states don't allow alimony no matter what the length of marriage, some courts allow alimony and like I've already said, it is always dealt with on a case to case basis.