If you were married for fewer than 20 years, you can get alimony for no more than one-half of the duration of the marriage. For marriages longer than 20 years, there is no time limit. You cannot receive alimony if you cohabit or remarry, or after the death of either spouse. Custody Custody is determined by what is in the best interests of the children. The court does not favor one parent over another because of her or his sex.
Fathers often get residential custody of their children.
If your spouse has the children with him or her, you should pay support even before an order is entered by the court, but get a receipt for cash or keep your canceled checks, so you can prove how much you have paid. If you and former spouse can agree on any or all of these issues, you will not have to go to court for a trial. You should get a lawyer to write up your agreement. If you want to learn more about divorce and separation, you can make an appointment or e-mail me a question. Interesting questions will be answered in this web site, so others can read them.