Will I have to pay alimony?

Business 3 views 3 answers
I was married in the state of FL 17 years ago. My wife and I separated 10 years ago. We have no children, no property of any kind together. My wife has a 6 year old child from another relationship, and it has been proved by DNA testing that I am not the father. I want to file for divorce by am concerned that I will be ordered to pay alimony. My wife does not work, not during our marriage or since. She collects welfare and child support from the child's father and lives with her own father. I have not supported her in any fashion since we separated 10 years ago. Could I be ordered to pay her alimony?

Attorney Answers

3
Brent Rose ·
Given the length of separation in your case, alimony is very unlikely. But you should speak to a lawyer in your area about it. You should also talk to the lawyer about a count to your divorce for disestablishment of paternity or you could end up paying child support even though the child is not biologically yours.
0 upvotes
Jonathan Robert SimonDivorce / Separation LawyerOrlando, FL ·
I agree with the prior attorney's answer. There is a very long period of separation which could be a great fact against you paying alimony. Be careful though...there is no one fact that will determine your case on its own. Every case has a plethora of facts that are presented to the judge. If I was on the other side, I would argue that your Wife didn't work in the 7 years you were in an intact marriage. I would also argue that even if the marriage is only 7 years, the statute allows for durational alimony which can go up to the length of the marriage. Thinking about the case from both perspectives can be the best way to prepare.
0 upvotes
Robert Stolzberg ·
You could be --- divorce courts are notably fickle,
0 upvotes

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